Four Influencers Targeted in NZ Anti-Gambling Crackdown

The Department of International Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand has taken determined action against four social media influencers who are promoting illegal gambling products to people in the country.

The four people named by the department include Millie Elder-Holmes, Calen Morris, Billie Whaanga, and Tuhira Wana, all of whom will now have to face fines of NZD 5,000. They are accused and found guilty in the matter, as they have pushed offshore gambling sites onto their followers.

Influencers Caught in Regulatory Crackdown for Promoting Unregulated Casino

One specific Curacao-based brand has been singled out, Spinbet. Director for gambling for DIA’s Regulatory Services, Vicki Scott, has reminded the public and the influencers that the advertising of offshore websites is not legal.

Each of the fines issued is worth NZD 5,000, but some influencers have incurred multiple fines for various offenses.

Millie Elder-Holmes and Tuhira Waha are paying NZD 15,000, and four fines have been issued to Calen Morris and Billy Whaanga, totaling NZD 20,000. Furthermore, any party that is promoting offshore brands, at a time when New Zealand is preparing to launch a regulated online casino regime, may face convictions.

Yet, these four influencers are hardly the only people to have been targeted in the country’s latest crackdown on illegal gambling.

Regulators Single Out a Curacao-based Gambling Site

For one, DIA already reached out to Spinbet before in April, asking it to cease operations. This did not happen, Scott said, adding:

“Despite the warning, Spinbet continued to target a New Zealand audience through giveaways, designed to entice New Zealanders to sign up to Spinbet for a chance to win cash prizes, gifts, or free spins.”

Spinbet supposedly targeted New Zealanders with tailored promotions. As to other potentially involved people, DIA is currently looking into eight other influencers who may also be found guilty of having promoted unregulated gambling content to locals, prompting penalties against them as well.