New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has taken decisive action against illegal gambling promotions, imposing a total of NZ$125,000 in fines on four social media influencers and one offshore casino operator.
The move underscores a broader government crackdown on unauthorized online gambling advertisements targeting New Zealanders.
Among those fined, influencer Millie Elder-Holmes received a NZ$30,000 penalty for repeatedly promoting overseas casinos. Fellow influencers Calen Morris, Billy Whaanga, and Tuhira Wana were issued fines ranging between NZ$15,000 and NZ$20,000.
Additionally, Curacao-based online casino Spinbet was ordered to pay NZ$60,000 for committing 12 separate breaches of the country’s advertising regulations.
Authorities have warned that repeat offenders could face more severe consequences in the future, including the suspension or deactivation of their social media profiles. The DIA also noted a surge in public concern, revealing that complaints about influencers promoting gambling have doubled over the past two years, with 75 cases already reported in 2025.
Under the current Gambling Act, each infringement carries a maximum fine of NZ$5,000, but penalties can rise significantly if cases are escalated to the courts. Officials emphasized that stronger enforcement tools — such as platform bans — are available to deter persistent violations.
This enforcement effort comes as New Zealand prepares for major legislative reforms.
A new regulated online gambling framework, set to launch in 2026, will introduce 15 casino licenses expected to generate up to NZ$200 million in government revenue. Under the forthcoming law, unlicensed foreign operators could face penalties of up to NZ$5 million.
The crackdown has also drawn attention from Māori health advocates, who criticized influencers for promoting gambling to vulnerable communities. They have called for tighter restrictions to ensure that exploitative overseas operators are excluded from the upcoming licensing system.
