New Zealand Launches Crackdown on Influencers Promoting Offshore Casinos

The authorities in New Zealand have started actively cracking down on influencers who promote offshore online casinos.

This process has become part of a broader campaign against illegal gambling advertising, which affects not only marketing practices but also public health.

This article will examine the key aspects of the crackdown on influencers and its impact on society, particularly on the Māori community.

Gambling Advertising Problem

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) began issuing official warnings to influencers promoting offshore online casinos through their social media channels.

As part of the investigation, warnings have already been sent to 13 influencers, four of whom were ordered to remove content related to illegal casinos.

Offenders face fines of up to $5,500 for spreading advertisements via streams, giveaways, and links to gambling websites.

Measures Against Influencers

According to New Zealand law, advertising for online casinos located outside the country is illegal. According to DIA data, influencers have been actively collaborating with foreign operators, promoting them through live broadcasts, promotional giveaways, and links to websites. They could be fined up to $10,000 for each violation of the law.

However, the authorities face difficulties in enforcing strict measures. Some experts believe that the sanctions need to be tougher in order to send a clear message about the unacceptability of such actions. For instance, Andrea Frudd, a representative of the Problem Gambling Foundation, stated that not only should influencers be fined, but the casinos themselves should also be penalized for using social media to spread their advertisements.

Special Focus on Māori Influencers

In New Zealand, special attention is given to Māori influencers, who make up a significant portion of the audience affected by gambling advertisements. Although Māori represent only 17% of the population, they account for 30% of those affected by gambling-related issues. This is due to the high risks that members of this ethnic community face in the gambling sector.

Many offshore casinos use Māori influencers to promote their sites among local residents. This type of marketing has raised particular concerns among organizations working on public health issues related to Māori. The local organization, Māori Public Health, supported the DIA’s measures and called for a complete ban on gambling advertisements, as well as for training influencers on the harm caused by promoting gambling.

Fines and Warnings

The DIA is actively investigating violations of the law, and if any violations are found, they issue official letters demanding the cessation of the promotion of illegal casinos. One such letter, sent to an influencer, stated that they must immediately stop posting ads for foreign gambling sites and remove the relevant content. If they refuse to comply, influencers may face substantial fines.

Currently, New Zealand lacks regulation of the online gambling market, which hinders the implementation of user protection standards and the minimization of harm from gambling problems. However, in the future, the government plans to introduce strict rules for online casino operators, granting licenses to new market players, which will help regulate the market and protect citizens’ interests.

Conclusion

The fight against illegal online casino advertising in New Zealand has become an important part of state policy aimed at protecting public health and preventing addictions.

In particular, the impact of gambling advertisements on the Māori community, which is the most vulnerable, should be emphasized.

In the coming years, further tightening of measures against influencers and gambling operators is expected, which will provide greater protection for the country’s citizens.