Influencers in New Zealand Warned over Promoting Gambling Ads
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for New Zealand has announced it has issued a warning to four influencers in the country to stop the promotion of online gambling sites. If they do not comply the DIA has threatened they may face prosecution and a fine up to $10,000.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:There are growing concerns over the number of influencers in the jurisdiction that are being paid by foreign gaming operator’s to promote the gaming brands to their followers. Under details of the current gambling legislation in New Zealand it is illegal to advertise overseas gaming operators in the country under the Gambling Act 2003.
The DIA said they were not going to name the four influencers, but did say they were monitoring another thirteen other influencers who they believed may be breaking gambling advertising guidelines.
These warnings come as the authorities in New Zealand say they are ready to introduce a new Online Gambling Bill with major changes to the gambling framework in February 2026. There will be stricter legislation that focuses on preventing gambling harm to individuals, with large fines of up to $5 million for operators who breach these rules.
We are unable to name any influencers at this stage to protect their privacy and their right to dispute warnings. However, we’d be happy to receive information about any suspected parties to ensure no stone is left unturned in our investigations,
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Gambling Companies Targeting Māori Population
Another concern raised by the authorities in New Zealand is that foreign gaming operators are targeting individuals that are part of vulnerable groups such as Māoris in the community.
There is a higher rate of problem gambling within Māori communities than other groups, and some Māori community leaders find it disturbing that foreign gambling companies are collaborating with Māori influencer promotions to promote gambling platforms.
Māori make up 17% of the population and 30% of problem gamblers. Organizations using those Māori influencers to exploit Māori should be banned from New Zealand. These gambling companies are knowingly using Māori influencers to reach Māori audiences. It’s not just harmful - it’s calculated, it’s manipulative, and it shows they have no regard for the wellbeing of our whānau.
At the start of the year the regulators in New Zealand launched a public consultation on gambling in the country and its future direction.
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