Infuencers promoting offshore online casinos may soon feel the wrath of New Zealand’s authorities.
In a letter seen by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued four notices and is investigating 13 influencers over the promotion of offshore sites through live streaming, promotional giveaways and links to websites.
Under the New Zealand Gambling Act, it is illegal to publish an advertisement for an offshore gambling operator, and the notice states that “the [DIA] recommends that you immediately cease posting any reference to overseas online gambling or gambling operators to your social media”.
“We’ve been investigating this and will be taking actions in relation to those influencers who are very publicly and clearly breaking the law,” Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services, told RNZ.
The DIA has not named the influencers to “protect their privacy and their right to dispute their warnings”. Those who do not comply could face fines of up to NZ$10,000 per breach.
Currently, online casino is not regulated in New Zealand, however, this is set to change as a new, regulated market is forecasted to launch in February 2026, which would allow operators to advertise for the first time.
The New Zealand Government is expected to auction up to 15 three-year licences for operators, with the DIA acting as the regulator of the online casino market.
As is the case with the onset of any new market, the opportunity presented in New Zealand is expected to catch the attention of international operators. However, those already with a domestic presence in the country have argued that they should be prioritised as part of the new regulatory framework.
SkyCity Entertainment Group has reportedly argued that only five licences should be issued for the market and given to New Zealand-based operators.
According to RNZ, Tab NZ also said that creating an open market would “allow for multinational domination over NZ’s existing operators” and establish a model that would risk Tab’s “ability to appropriately fund racing and sport – all while driving gambling profits offshore and delivering worse harm outcomes for Kiwi consumers”.
In response, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden stated that New Zealand’s free trade agreements could be breached if local operators were favoured.
She said: “I have considered whether or not it should be domestic priority or offshore priority. I think it’s fair just to allow anybody to bid for one of the licenses, rather than try and say, just because you’re here and you’ve been established for years in New Zealand, you’re necessarily a better operator.”
