John Arne Riise was known for his solid play as a left back. Fans may remember him especially from his time playing for Liverpool in 2001-2008. He won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005. He also played for clubs such as AS Monaco, AS Roma Fulham and APOEL. He came back from football retirement twice. Today he is a football player for Avaldsnes IL, a lower league club in Norway. He also worked as a coach of the women's section.
Riise troubles for advertising gambling
John Arne Riise had a rich football career. After leaving professional football, he did various things, such as promoting gambling. As reported by NRKa former Liverpool and Roma player, violated the Norwegian Gambling Act, i.e. advertisements with his participation were illegal.
The Norwegian Lottery Authority has called on Riise to immediately stop advertising and promoting gambling. He also demands the removal of previously published advertisements on his social media. In addition, a fine of PLN 10,000 was imposed. Norwegian kroner (over PLN 3,650 at the current exchange rate). Otherwise, the office will have to take more serious legal action against him, i.e. take the case to court. Riise may then be fined over NOK 3.65 million (over PLN 1.33 million).
This isn't the first time Riise has been in trouble for promoting gambling in Norway. He received the first warning in 2017. At that time, the first contacts with gambling companies, which are considered illegal in Norway, were reported. In June 2024, he received his first disciplinary fine in the amount of 6,000 Norwegian kroner (less than PLN 2,200). At that time, Riise was advertising a gambling company from Cyprus. Apart from him, 12 other people were punished in this case.
– It's obvious that there is a big problem. If players go to gambling sites registered in other countries over which we have no control, then we will not be able to protect players from the dangers of gambling, said Trude Hoegseth Felde, senior legal advisor at the lottery authority, to NRK.
The official believes that Riise should never advertise gambling. In this way, he takes advantage of his popularity and has a negative impact on society.
See also: He claims he knocked out Usyk during sparring. This is the “most dangerous guy in the world”
– He partly plays the role of an influencer who can have a huge influence on Norwegians. We are particularly concerned about vulnerable groups such as children and young people and people with gambling problems, she added.
Riise himself does not intend to comment on the matter for now. However, he allegedly informed the office that he had removed advertisements with his participation that appeared on his social media.
Norway has been fighting illegal gambling for years. In the country, only two companies can legally offer gambling, lotteries, sports betting and scratch cards. One of them is a state-owned company. Only adults can gamble. Banks refuse to allow customers to use credit and debit cards in casinos. Norwegian law provides for the organization of gambling games at home, but only for entertainment purposes. Such games cannot be a source of income or organized as part of a business activity.