Trond Bentestuen Named CEO of Norsk Tipping

Norway’s state gambling operator, Norsk Tipping, is entering a new chapter after a year overshadowed by controversy, leadership upheaval and growing scrutiny of its monopoly status. The company confirmed on Wednesday that Trond Bentestuen has been selected as its next Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of former CEO Tonje Sagstuen earlier this year.

The appointment comes as Norsk Tipping continues to grapple with reputational damage linked to multiple incidents, including a recently filed class action lawsuit connected to one of several operational failures uncovered over the past 12 months.

Bentestuen’s transition into the role will not be immediate. The operator indicated that the formal handover could take up to six months, leaving the business under interim leadership in the meantime.

A Non-Gaming Background at the Helm

Bentestuen joins Norsk Tipping from outside the gambling sector. He currently leads Maxbo, a major Norwegian retailer focused on building materials and home improvement. Before that, he held senior executive roles at grocery giant Rema 1000, where he built experience managing large-scale consumer operations.

Norsk Tipping’s board has framed the appointment as a deliberate move. Board Chair Sylvia Brustad told national broadcaster NRK that Bentestuen stood out as the right candidate to guide the company through a period of instability and public skepticism.

Pressure on the Monopoly Model

The timing of the leadership change is significant. Public confidence in Norsk Tipping has declined, while political momentum against Norway’s monopoly-based gambling framework is increasing. The Progress Party (FRP), now polling as one of the country’s most influential political forces, has been vocal in its push to dismantle the monopoly altogether.

That backdrop means Bentestuen inherits not only operational challenges, but also an increasingly uncertain regulatory future.

Reflecting on the task ahead, Bentestuen acknowledged the complexity of leading a high-profile state enterprise, noting that large organizations inevitably face constant scrutiny and pressure.

Whether his appointment can stabilise Norsk Tipping’s public standing and reinforce political support for the monopoly system will be closely watched in the months ahead.