Norsk Tipping informed "several thousand" people on Friday that they had hit the jackpot, only to reveal hours later that a computer glitch had exaggerated the prize amounts. Instead of converting Euro amounts to Norwegian kroner correctly by dividing by 100, the error involved multiplying the figures, resulting in over-the-top winnings.
With the confusion spreading rapidly, Norsk Tipping's CEO Tonje Sagstuen offered her apologies and subsequently resigned less than 24 hours after the incident. The company provided clarity over the weekend, stating that no incorrect pay-outs would occur, and adjusted the winning amounts accurately.
"Incredibly sorry that we've disappointed many, and I completely understand the anger directed at us," Sagstuen expressed in a statement, acknowledging the “breach of trust” caused by the mishap. Numerous hopeful winners had envisioned using their newfound wealth for vacations, home renovations, or property purchases.
One distraught participant, embroiled in a home renovation, recounted being thrilled to learn about a winning notification worth 1.2 million kroner ($119,000) before being informed only a small sum was actually available.
An emergency meeting between Norsk Tipping and Norway's Ministry of Culture was convened immediately after the revelations. Sagstuen's resignation followed, as she took responsibility for the failures within the organization.
Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery also emphasized the severity of the situation, asserting such mistakes are unacceptable given Norsk Tipping's exclusive rights to operate gaming services in Norway. Following a series of technical issues and scrutiny, the board was urged to bolster internal controls.
This recent incident adds to an ongoing pattern of criticism faced by Norsk Tipping, which has acknowledged multiple serious errors and has come under fire from regulators and customers over the past year.
With the confusion spreading rapidly, Norsk Tipping's CEO Tonje Sagstuen offered her apologies and subsequently resigned less than 24 hours after the incident. The company provided clarity over the weekend, stating that no incorrect pay-outs would occur, and adjusted the winning amounts accurately.
"Incredibly sorry that we've disappointed many, and I completely understand the anger directed at us," Sagstuen expressed in a statement, acknowledging the “breach of trust” caused by the mishap. Numerous hopeful winners had envisioned using their newfound wealth for vacations, home renovations, or property purchases.
One distraught participant, embroiled in a home renovation, recounted being thrilled to learn about a winning notification worth 1.2 million kroner ($119,000) before being informed only a small sum was actually available.
An emergency meeting between Norsk Tipping and Norway's Ministry of Culture was convened immediately after the revelations. Sagstuen's resignation followed, as she took responsibility for the failures within the organization.
Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery also emphasized the severity of the situation, asserting such mistakes are unacceptable given Norsk Tipping's exclusive rights to operate gaming services in Norway. Following a series of technical issues and scrutiny, the board was urged to bolster internal controls.
This recent incident adds to an ongoing pattern of criticism faced by Norsk Tipping, which has acknowledged multiple serious errors and has come under fire from regulators and customers over the past year.
