Four Influencers Fined for Promoting Offshore Gambling Site

_{New Zealand regulators crack down on illegal online gambling ads as new legislation looms. (Image: Facebook/Instagram)}

Four social media influencers have been fined for illegally promoting offshore gambling sites to a New Zealand audience, marking the latest enforcement action by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Millie Elder-Holmes, Calen Morris, Billie Whaanga, and Tuhira Wana were each issued multiple $5,000 infringement notices for promoting platforms including Spinbet, an online casino operator based in Curaçao.

“It is illegal for overseas gambling sites to advertise in Aotearoa, even on social media,” said Vicki Scott, director of gambling for the DIA’s regulatory services. 

She explained that penalties apply to each instance of advertising, and repeated breaches “can quickly escalate.”

For players, this case underscores the risks of engaging with unregulated offshore casinos. Licensed and trusted options, such as those reviewed in our safe online casinos list, ensure fair play, secure payments, and consumer protections.

Penalties Total $70,000 Across Influencers and Spinbet

According to the DIA, Elder-Holmes and Wana each received three infringement notices worth $15,000, while Morris and Whaanga were fined four times each, totalling $20,000 apiece.

Spinbet itself was fined $60,000 in August after receiving 12 infringement notices. The regulator had previously warned the operator in April but said the site continued to run casino promotions targeting New Zealanders with giveaways such as cash, products from local businesses, and offers exclusive to residents.

Scott said individuals face fines of up to $5,000 per breach, or $10,000 if convicted.

Influencers Respond to the Crackdown

Morris told Stuff he does not consider himself an influencer, but “a gang member.” Whaanga said he accepts responsibility and intends to cooperate with the DIA and comply with the law.

“I want to move forward positively and not be defined by mistakes made during addiction,” he said.

The other two influencers had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Wider Enforcement Efforts Underway

The DIA confirmed eight more influencers remain under investigation for similar breaches. Elder-Holmes, who was previously fined in May for promoting online gambling, is among those under ongoing monitoring.

“Once an account comes to our attention, it is placed on our watchlist and monitored regularly for further breaches,” said Scott.

New Gambling Laws on the Horizon

The crackdown comes as the New Zealand government prepares to introduce new rules for online gambling. The Online Casino Gambling Bill, now before a Select Committee, would regulate offshore operators and establish clearer rules for advertising and player protections.

The legislation aims to address the rise of unlicensed gambling platforms that, unlike local operators, do not contribute tax revenue or fund harm-minimisation programmes. For readers interested in the bigger picture, Casinos.com experts have broken down how regulation works globally in our online casino legislation hub.