Norway to follow online suit?

Author: Simon Dexter

While there have been encouraging noises emanating from the USA regarding the possible repeal of its notorious Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, closer to home, one European government appears ready to emulate the Act’s ban on internet-based gambling, a move which would have a severe impact upon its resident poker players.

Earlier this week, the Norwegian Minister for Culture and Church Affairs revealed proposed legislation designed to prevent financial institutions from processing transactions relating to online gambling operators. If this became law, it would be practically impossible for many online gaming organisations to operate in the Norwegian market.

The proposal is subject to a period of public consultation between now and next February, after which the conclusions will be referred to Parliament. It is possible that the legislation could become law by next Spring.

Ironically, the proposal comes at a time when one of the world’s most famous and successful online poker players, Norwegian Annette Obrestad, is enjoying the type of incredible worldwide profile which has boosted poker playing throughout the Nordic country.

Her success follws that of fellow-countryman, Johnny Lodden, a guy only a few years older than Annette and a man reknowned for taking a bet on. One story goes that after being verbally abused by an American opponent, who called him a smart-ar*ed kid, he agreed to a heads-up challenge for all of his bankroll.

The pair went to a private heads-up table and the American guy sat down first and put up 0,000. Johnny took his seat and deposited .9 million. Silence followed. After a few minutes, Johnny typed a note into the chat box: “I thought you said you had a bankroll?” The American got up and left.

Poker needs more like Annette and Johnny, not less.