In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of Norwegians in Norway briefly believed they had become overnight millionaires after receiving erroneous notifications from state-owned gambling company Norsk Tipping. The company mistakenly informed Eurojackpot winners on Friday that they had won exorbitant sums an error later traced to a currency conversion glitch.
Technical Glitch Behind Inflated Prizes
Norsk Tipping said “several thousand” players were affected by the mishap, although it declined to confirm the exact number. The error, reportedly caused by a miscalculation in converting Eurocents to Norwegian kroner, inflated winnings by a factor of 100. Instead of dividing the Eurocent amounts by 100 to convert them into euros and subsequently into kroner, the system mistakenly multiplied them.
“No incorrect pay-outs were made,” the company clarified, adding that the correct prize amounts were updated on Saturday evening.
Public Disappointment and CEO’s Apology in Norway
The incident triggered widespread disappointment and public outrage. Many recipients had begun making plans with their newfound wealth including holidays, home renovations, and even property purchases before learning the winnings were significantly lower.
“I am terribly sorry that we have disappointed so many, and I understand that people are angry with us,” said Norsk Tipping CEO Tonje Sagstuen in a public apology. She admitted the “criticism is justified” and revealed she had received emotional messages from players impacted by the blunder.
The fallout led to an emergency meeting between Norsk Tipping’s board and the Ministry of Culture, which oversees the company. Following the meeting, Sagstuen announced her resignation, stating, “This is my responsibility.” She had served as CEO since September 2023 and had been with the company for over a decade.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns in Norway
Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery expressed concern, saying, “Such mistakes should not happen,” particularly given Norsk Tipping’s exclusive right to operate gambling services in Norway. She urged the board to strengthen its internal controls.
This is not the first time Norsk Tipping has come under scrutiny. The company acknowledged it has faced “several serious errors” and “a number of technical problems” over the past year, drawing justified criticism from both regulators and customers.
