Four Influencers Fined for Promoting Spinbet
New Zealand’s gambling regulator (DIA) has fined four influencers for promoting the offshore operator Spinbet (licensed in Curacao). Millie Elder-Holmes and Tuhira Wana were each fined $15,000, while Calen Morris and Billie Whaanga received fines of $20,000 each.
Who Was Fined and Why
According to the DIA, the promotional posts involved the following influencers:
- Millie Elder-Holmes
- Calen Morris
- Billie Whaanga
- Tuhira Wana
Each of them promoted Spinbet, an offshore platform operating without a local license. The resulting penalties were as follows:
| Name | Fine |
|---|---|
| Millie Elder-Holmes | $15,000 |
| Tuhira Wana | $15,000 |
| Calen Morris | $20,000 |
| Billie Whaanga | $20,000 |
Legal Violations
Under New Zealand law, advertising foreign online casinos and bookmakers is prohibited. The rules are clear:
- Each violation carries a fine of up to $5,000.
- Repeated offenses can result in fines of up to $10,000.
- Social media platforms are required to remove accounts that break the law upon request from the DIA.
Vikki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services, said these measures aim to restrict access to unlicensed platforms and protect users from associated risks.
Previous Sanctions Against Spinbet
Spinbet has previously attracted regulatory attention. In August, the company received 12 fines totaling $60,000 for continuing operations in New Zealand despite an official warning issued in April, highlighting a pattern of repeated violations.
Significance for New Zealand
Experts note this is one of the first cases where penalties were applied not only to the offshore operator but also to influencers actively promoting such services. According to the DIA, these measures aim to reduce the popularity of illegal platforms and lower public participation in gambling.