In a letter seen by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued four notices and is investigating 13 influencers over the promotion of offshore sites through live streaming, promotional giveaways and links to websites.
Under the New Zealand Gambling Act, it is illegal to publish an advertisement for an offshore gambling operator, and the notice states that “the [DIA] recommends that you immediately cease posting any reference to overseas online gambling or gambling operators to your social media”.
“We’ve been investigating this and will be taking actions in relation to those influencers who are very publicly and clearly breaking the law,” Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services, told RNZ.
The DIA has not named the influencers to “protect their privacy and their right to dispute their warnings”. Those who do not comply could face fines of ..