The Norwegian Gaming Board’s February 2014 determination that World Ventures operates as an illegal pyramid scheme has been upheld. World Ventures’ appeal to Lotterinemnda, the government body overseeing gaming appeals, was denied in November 2014. The company had challenged the board's finding that its revenue primarily came from recruitment rather than travel sales.
The Gaming Board’s initial investigation began in May 2013. Regulators suspected World Ventures of functioning as a pyramid scheme. Their February 2014 conclusion stated that World Ventures’ Norwegian operations were an illegal pyramid game. The critical factor was that revenue stemmed almost exclusively from member recruitment, not from the sale of travel services. An immediate enforcement directive demanded World Ventures cease all activity in Norway.
A World Ventures attorney, speaking to Nigerian media, contested the ban. The company asserted that the Gaming Board’s decision lacked factual and legal grounding. They stated their intent to seek a thorough and objective legal review. The Gaming Board agreed to suspend enforcement actions pending the appeal filing, allowing World Ventures to continue operations temporarily.
World Ventures formally appealed the Gaming Board’s ruling in May 2014. In a press release, the company declared portions of the Gaming Board report unfounded and flawed. They maintained there were no legitimate grounds for a business ban. World Ventures submitted supporting documents under seal to Lotterinemnda in September and October 2014.
Lotterinemnda reviewed the case and advised World Ventures that a decision would be issued by November 24, 2014. The appeal was denied on that date. This outcome means the original enforcement directive, effectively banning World Ventures in Norway, is now reinstated. The promotion of World Ventures in Norway is prohibited. Affiliates continuing to promote the company risk legal repercussions for participating in an illegal pyramid scheme.
This decision aligns with observations regarding World Ventures’ business model, specifically the limited retail and recruitment commissions paid to its affiliates. As of this report, World Ventures had not issued a public statement regarding Lotterinemnda’s denial. Norwegian media outlets later reported that World Ventures intended to file for an injunction against the Gaming Board.