Horse racing is a thriving industry in Norway as a large percentage of the Norwegian population enjoys the sport. However, unlike other countries around the world, where conventional thoroughbred horse racing is widely popular, harness racing is preferred in Norway. Most races are broadcast live on Rikstoto Direkte.
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports played in Norway and traditionally took place on frozen lakes and to home from church on Sundays. In 1875, the Norwegian Trotting Association (DNT) was established to conduct races in the country formally.
Presently Norway is home to around 19 harness racing tracks with more than 6,000 racehorses, 250 professional trainers, and 3,000 amateur trainers. Norway hosts around 5000 races every year, with races taking place almost every day of the week.
With such a huge number of races held annually, it is no wonder that a significant amount of money is wagered on these events. If you want to be a part of the betting action in horse racing in Norway, here is a brief guide to lead you in the right direction.
Major Horse Races in Norway
While Norway features a myriad of races yearly, one of the most prominent racing events is the Polar Cup, a six-furlong sprint at the Øvrevoll Galoppbane racecourse in July or August. Other races happening at the Øvrevoll Galoppbane include the 1800m Marit Sveaas Minneløp and the Oslo Cup.
Another prominent racing track is the Bjerke Travbane in Stavanger. It is owned by the Norwegian Trotting Association and holds races at least 100 days a year. It is home to the famous Oslo Grand Prix.
Other popular racing tracks include the Bergen Travpark, Momarken Travbane, Biri Travbane, Drammen Travbane, and Sørlandets Travpark.
Betting on horse racing in Norway
As one of the richest economies in the world, Norwegians have plenty of disposable income to spend on recreational activities, betting being a hot favorite among most. However, the state has imposed strict regulations to curtail the betting output and prevent potential social issues due to excessive gambling.
Another reason for the imposition of strict laws is to safeguard the interests of the state-owned betting sites. The only licensed bookmakers in the country are the state-owned Norsk Tipping for sports betting, lotteries, etc., and Norsk Rikstoto for horse racing.
However, since the locals are so fond of the activity, they have ways to get around the system. While the government has tried to limit the local bettors’ business with the local companies only, most Norwegian punters place bets at various European betting sites, including Bet365, 888 Sport, Betway, Betsson, and 20Bet. These sites offer lucrative bonuses, reliable customer service, and fair betting odds.
Since the banks in Norway have clear instructions from the government to restrain gambling-related transactions, the alternative payment methods used by locals include Skrill, Paysafecard, Entropay, EcoPayz, Bitcoin, and Neteller.
Betting sites offer a wide range of betting options, including the standard win-bet and other advanced wager types, including the Trio, Ita, Trifecta, Trita, and Quinella.
Is there any tax on bet winnings in Norway?
Norwegians are not taxed on the winnings earned from betting as long as they come from Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.
How to choose a good European site for betting on horse racing in Norway?
While there are several options for betting sites, you need to vet them against a set of criteria so that you choose the right site. Here are a few tips to look out for:
Make sure that they have a valid operational license.
Check if they accept payments in local currencies. It will be convenient for you.
The site must be compatible with the mobile interface so you can use it on the go.
Moreover, they should have 24/7 support available and must be able to facilitate you in different languages.
What are some popular Norwegian betting sites?
Norway has a thriving online betting industry, with many popular Norway betting sites available to choose from. Some of the best betting sites Norway has to offer include Betsson, Unibet, and NordicBet. These sites are among the most popular and trusted betting sites in Norway, offering a wide range of betting options and features.
Betsson is one of the most popular Norway betting sites, offering a variety of sports betting options, including football, ice hockey, and tennis. They also offer live betting and casino games, making it a great all-around betting site for Norwegian players.
Unibet is another popular choice for betting in Norway, offering a wide range of sports and events for betting. They also offer live streaming of matches and events, making it easy for bettors to follow the action in real-time.
NordicBet is a popular Norway betting site that is known for its focus on Scandinavian sports and events. They offer a variety of betting options, including sports betting, casino games, and live betting.
Overall, there are many great options for betting in Norway, with a variety of Norway betting sites to choose from. Whether you are looking for sports betting, casino games, or live betting, there is sure to be a site that meets your needs and preferences.