The Bottle Lottery in Norway has received approval to allow participation from individuals younger than 18, marking it as the only national entity to hold such an exemption. This decision, which states that the lottery is considered to have a low risk of causing gambling addiction because participants use bottles for entry rather than money, has been met with severe criticism from health advocates. Magnus Pedersen of the Norwegian Gambling Addiction Association describes the ruling as disgraceful, expressing concern that it sends the wrong message about gambling and its impacts on youth.

Pedersen, representing the views of addiction-affected individuals, argues that early exposure to gambling, even in low-risk formats, can ignite gambling issues later in life. He highlights that many young people speak of minor winnings as catalysts for their eventual addiction troubles. Conversely, Gaute Langdal, the Director of the Bottle Lottery, refutes these claims by pointing out that, since its inception in 2008, not a single child has won the grand prize of one million kroner, suggesting that the funds are more often used on frivolous items rather than gambling.

Langdal has shown support for maintaining an 18-year age limit in gambling but believes that the unique structure of the Bottle Lottery should not be constrained by this rule. The clash between the perspectives of gambling advocates and addiction prevention groups emphasizes the ongoing debate about the balance between fundraising initiatives and youth protection in Norway's gambling landscape.