Influencers breaking law with casino ads to face crackdown
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is cracking down on social media influencers promoting offshore online casinos, issuing its first-ever takedown notices. Under the Gambling Act, advertising foreign gambling operators is illegal, and non-compliant influencers could face fines up to $10,000 per breach. The Problem Gambling Foundation criticizes the DIA’s approach as too lenient and highlights concerns about offshore casinos using Māori influencers to target Māori gamblers, who are statistically more vulnerable to gambling issues. The New Zealand government plans to auction 15 licenses for online casino operations, primarily expected to be acquired by foreign companies, allowing them to advertise legally for the first time. This move has raised concerns about increased gambling advertising and its potential impact on problem gambling rates.
