New Zealand Authorities Crack Down on Gambling Influencers
Firstly, New Zealand authorities have begun to crack down on social media influencers promoting offshore online gambling sites.
According to RNZ, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued its first notice to remove promoters of illegal operators. The DIA warns that non-compliance could result in hefty fines.
Under New Zealand's Gambling Act, it is illegal to advertise unlicensed offshore gambling operators.
"We have been investigating this matter," said Vicki Scott, head of Gambling Regulatory Services. "We will take action against those influencers who are openly and clearly breaking the law."
Stringent Legal Provisions and Million-Dollar Fines
According to Section 17 of the Gambling Act 2003, any advertising for unlicensed offshore gambling operators is illegal. Following the enforcement upgrade, violators will face:
A maximum fine of 200,000 NZD (approximately 120,000 USD) for individuals
A maximum fine of 500,000 NZD for corporations
Repeat offenders may face up to 6 months of imprisonment
It is noteworthy that this provision applies not only to local influencers but any social media content accessed within New Zealand. The DIA's technical department has deployed an AI monitoring system that can scan gambling-related content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram in real-time.
The Grey Industry Chain of Influencer Promotions
Investigations show that offshore casinos often recruit promoters through a three-tier commission system:
Top influencers: charge 5,000-20,000 NZD per promotional video
Mid-tier bloggers: earn a commission per registered user (50-200 NZD per person)
Amateur accounts: use "free chips" as bait to develop downlines
"These promotions are often disguised as game reviews or financial advice," noted Mark Griffiths, a professor of Cyberpsychology at the University of Auckland, "and teenagers are completely unaware of the addiction risks involved."
