New Zealand cracks down on influencers and offshore casino over gambling ads
Summary
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has fined four social media influencers and offshore operator Spinbet a combined NZ$125,000 for breaching gambling advertising rules. Individual fines ranged from NZ$15,000 to NZ$30,000, while Curacao-based Spinbet was hit with NZ$60,000 for 12 breaches. The DIA warns repeat offenders may face account suspensions, geo‑locking or deactivation on social platforms.
Complaints about influencer gambling promotions have doubled over two years to 75 in 2025, and the DIA’s watchlist has grown from 24 to 40 influencers since June. The regulator has issued warning letters, cease‑and‑desist notices and is actively investigating multiple accounts.
The Government plans a new online gambling regime from February 2026 that will auction 15 online casino licences (three‑year terms), potentially raising up to NZ$200m. Licensed operators may advertise under restrictions; unlicensed platforms face fines of up to NZ$5m and a strict prohibition intended to shut out black‑market operators.
Māori health agency Hapai Te Hauora criticised influencers and overseas casinos for targeting vulnerable groups. Some high‑profile creators have publicly declined large payments to promote gambling.
Key Points
- Total fines of NZ$125,000 issued to four influencers and Spinbet for breaching advertising rules.
- Spinbet (Curacao) penalised NZ$60,000 for 12 breaches; influencer fines ranged NZ$15k–30k.
- Complaints doubled to 75 in 2025; DIA watchlist rose from 24 to 40 influencers since June.
- DIA has sent 17 warning letters, 26 cease‑and‑desist notices and is investigating eight influencers.
- New online gambling regime from Feb 2026 will auction 15 licences; unlicensed operators could face fines up to NZ$5m.
- Māori health agency warns overseas casinos exploit influencers to bypass local rules; some creators are refusing offers.
Why should I read this?
This matters if you handle marketing, compliance or run platforms — regulators are moving from warnings to real teeth. Fines are stacking, watchlists are growing and from 2026 licences and massive penalties for unlicensed operators will change the advertising landscape. Short version: don’t be the account that gets geo‑locked.
Author’s take
Punchy and plain: New Zealand is signalling a major shift. The combination of rising enforcement now and a formal licence market next year means influencers, affiliates and operators need to rethink how they promote gambling — quickly. If you work in the sector, this is a must‑read briefing.
