Sportradar Under Scrutiny: Norsk Tipping and NFF Investigate Alleged Links to Unlicensed Norwegian Gambling Sites

Norsk Tipping and the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) are conducting investigations into their partnerships with Sportradar following allegations that the sports data provider may be indirectly supporting unlicensed gambling operators targeting Norway. The controversy, first exposed by Dagens Næringsliv (DN), has intensified scrutiny over Sportradar‘s role in Norway’s regulated gambling market.

The focus is on a six-year agreement between Norsk Tipping and Sportradar‘s subsidiary, Optima, valued at approximately NOK 30 million annually. This partnership covers sportsbook infrastructure and access to international odds data. In response to the allegations, Norsk Tipping has initiated internal reviews and plans to seek clarification directly from Sportradar.

Roger Soleim, Director of Customer Operations at Norsk Tipping, confirmed the investigation to DN, stating: “The case will obviously be a topic in our dialogue with Sportradar in the near future.” He added: “The information we have now gives reason to request further clarification.”

The NFF, which relies on Sportradar for betting monitoring and match-fixing detection, is also assessing the situation. Legal advisor Rinor Tahirii told DN: “The case is still in an early phase. We are following developments.” The NFF has emphasized the importance of Sportradar in managing competitions outside UEFA‘s oversight.

The allegations stem from claims that Sportradar data, including services from its subsidiary Betradar, have been detected on gambling sites blocked by Norwegian regulators. Sportradar has denied these claims, insisting it only collaborates with licensed operators. However, Norsk Tipping acknowledged the challenges of navigating a supplier landscape where some providers inevitably serve markets that may later target Norway.

Soleim highlighted the complexity: “In some areas, it is almost impossible to find suppliers that do not also provide services to companies that at some point target the Norwegian market.” For now, both organizations are awaiting further information before taking decisive action.