New Zealand Minister rejects TAB’s online casino bid
New Zealand’s Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, has firmly rejected a bid from TAB, the country’s main betting operator, to secure an online casino license for...
New Zealand targets influencers promoting illegal gambling
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) of New Zealand has issued its first-ever take-down notices, targeting influencers who partnered with offshore gaming sites.
These influencers have been advertising gambling services through web links, giveaways, and live streams. Now, all those influencers who ignore the warnings could face hefty fines of up to $10,000. This move comes as New Zealand works toward regulating offshore casinos, aiming to integrate a new licensing system by early 2026.
The biggest concern in this crackdown is the use of Māori influencers to promote gambling. Earlier submitted reports suggest that Māori communities are severely affected by gambling harm. Despite making up only 17% of New Zealand’s population, they are responsible for 30% of gambling harm in the country.
Jason Alexander, Hāpai Te Hauora’s chief operating officer, said:
“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. What’s really worrying is that these same companies – the ones illegally targeting our people now – could be operating legally here as early as next year. Their current behaviour shows exactly how little they care about whānau. If this is how they act before regulation, what will they do once they’re in the system?”
So far, the DIA has launched 13 investigations and sent four official warnings. The government is making it clear that promoting unlicensed gambling sites won’t be tolerated, setting the stage for stricter enforcement as regulations take shape.
New Zealand to extend TAB NZ’s sports betting monopoly
New Zealand’s government is set to grant the New Zealand Racing Board a monopoly over online sports and race betting to protect local revenues and safeguard players from...
