Norwegian Wants to Prove Poker is Skill-Based

Ola Amundsgård , a well-known online poker player from Norway who goes under the nickname “Odd_Oddsen” recently claimed that he is going to challenge all Norway politicians to a Heads-Up freeroll of no less than one million krone (around $170,000).  The poker pro said that he is going to pay the money from his own pocket if any politician succeeds in beating him in 10,000 hands. By doing so, Amundsgård wants to prove than online poker must legally be considered a skill-based game, alongside bridge or chess, and not a gambling game. Many other poker players also said that the current regulatory framework is outdated and politicians must think about allowing poker in a controlled manner, when gaming software providers will be able to offer their services to Norwegian operators.

At this point in time, the new government in Norway plans to soften the internet gaming market rules, which could include the legalization of online poker. The new legislation could be submitted by the end of this month, but it will include a range of restrictions. Hence, Norwegian players will not be allowed to play gambling games between 7 AM and 3 AM, and the daily wagering limit will be set to NOK 100,000 (about $1,700). Norwegian lawmaker Erlen Wiborg has already expressed interest in accepting Odd_Oddsen’s challenge and claimed that he agrees with the poker pro. A date for the match is yet to be set, but most probably the match will be played outside Norway boundaries, due to the fact that poker is still not allowed in the country.