In what is being described in Norway as an “unfortunate incident,” Tonje Sagstuen, CEO of state-owned Norsk Tipping, has stepped down following a high-profile system error that temporarily misled thousands of lottery players into believing they had won massive Eurojackpot prizes.
The technical glitch, caused by a miscalculation in euro-cent conversion, triggered automatic notifications indicating erroneously large winnings. While no incorrect payouts were made, the incident prompted a wave of criticism, particularly concerning Norsk Tipping’s digital infrastructure and internal safeguards.
Over 16,000 users received false alerts. The company quickly acknowledged the issue, removed the incorrect data from its app and website, and issued a formal apology. The tone was characteristically understated: “Beklager, en feil” – “We’re sorry, there was an error.”
The Ministry of Culture and Equality, which oversees gaming regulation in Norway, called for an urgent meeting. Culture Minister Lubna Jaffery voiced concern over the company's ability to maintain public trust, citing the importance of transparency and precision in state-run gambling.
Following internal discussions, Sagstuen resigned on June 30, taking full responsibility for the mistake. She had led Norsk Tipping since late 2023. Her replacement, Vegar Strand, was appointed as acting CEO immediately.
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The Norwegian Gaming Authority (Lottstift) has confirmed it is investigating whether the incident represents a breach of the Gambling Act. Sanctions have not been ruled out, though officials emphasized that their focus remains on ensuring better internal routines. In Norway, where gambling is tightly regulated and operates under a model of social responsibility, even a single misstep draws significant public scrutiny. As Norsk Tipping recalibrates, industry observers expect further reforms in its risk management systems and digital audit protocols.
