Several big name NZ influencers have turned down offers to promote overseas online casinos in a move that reflects growing concerns about social media’s impact on gambling. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is cracking down on those who continue to breach the law by promoting offshore gambling platforms. Among those saying no to gambling promotions is Māori creative Te Rawhitiroa Bosch who said he chooses “mana over money”. Bosch said he wouldn’t compromise his integrity by promoting something he sees as harmful, especially to young people.

Paaka Davis, another well-known social media personality with 466,000 followers on TikTok alone, was offered $5000 for a single post promoting online gambling but declined. Davis said he was approached with the deal. Te Rawhitiroa Bosch, Paaka Davis and Makaia Carr are united in their stance against these promotions and are urging other influencers to think about the consequences of accepting these offers. Together the three have an audience of over 800,000 across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Their public rejection of these offers comes as the DIA is stepping up efforts to stop influencers from promoting foreign gambling services online which is illegal in NZ.

Government Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Promotion

Two influencers are still under investigation for not complying with official cease-and-desist orders. These orders, which require individuals to stop promoting overseas gambling sites, have already been sent to several social media personalities who were found breaching the Gambling Act. Most have complied, but two haven’t removed all the offending content. The DIA has warned that continued breaches will result in formal infringement notices, each with a potential fine of up to $5000. “As these are ongoing investigations we can’t name the influencers or disclose what they’ve been told by the Department,” a DIA spokesperson told the Herald. Despite not being able to name and shame, the department says the crackdown is working, with a noticeable drop in gambling promotions from influencers.

“Mana Over Money” – A Statement of Principle

Bosch has taken a public and firm stance against online gambling. Speaking to the Herald, he said he gets messages from gambling companies asking him to promote their platforms to his 76,000 Facebook fans and 43,000 Instagram followers. His response is always the same. “When I get those messages asking me to get paid to promote online gambling sites, I post ‘hell no, mana over money’ and put that out on my platforms,” he said. Bosch knows how bad gambling is for young Māori and Pasifika communities and won’t be a part of anything that makes it worse. “I know how bad gambling is for our young people and I won’t be a part of it,” he said. “I’m not going to do it, and it’s not really my role to tell other influencers what to do. But I hope by publicly sharing my position I might encourage others to think twice.” He admitted the money can be tempting — some companies are offering thousands of dollars per post — but his mana is worth more than any amount of money.

Paaka Davis agrees

Davis, who has a big social media following on TikTok, Facebook (43,000 followers) and Instagram (47,000 followers) shared the same view. He was offered $5000 to promote a gambling site in a single social media story. He declined without hesitation. “I know what can happen to our whānau if they get involved in gambling and I’m not willing to put my name to that,” Davis said. As a parent and public figure he feels a big responsibility. “I pick up my kids from school and lots of kids know who I am. I don’t want them picking up bad habits like gambling or alcohol because of what they have seen me promote online.” Davis says influencers have a responsibility to set examples for their community, especially the younger generation who look up to them as role models.

Enforcement: Letters and Monitoring

Under New Zealand law, promoting overseas gambling platforms is illegal as these operations are not licensed to advertise in NZ. Despite this many influencers have been caught breaching these rules. Earlier this year the DIA received around 50 complaints about influencers promoting overseas gambling websites. In April 4 influencers had already received cease and desist letters to remove all content related to illegal gambling promotion. 13 others were placed on a government watchlist and had their social media activity monitored. Two weeks later the number of cease and desist letters had doubled to 8 and the watchlist had grown to 26 names. The letters warned that further breaches would result in infringement notices and fines up to $10,000 – the highest penalty under the Gambling Act. “In this case I have decided not to prosecute or issue an infringement notice for this offence. However this letter is a formal warning that I consider you have committed an offence under section 16 of the Act,” read one of the letters with the senders name redacted. The letter also told influencers to stop promoting overseas gambling altogether, including content produced by third parties on their behalf such as social media agencies.

Two Not Compliant

Despite the warnings, two influencers are still not fully compliant. DIA officials say these are still being worked on and if not compliant, infringement notices will be issued. “We’ve issued eight warnings in total and there will be more in the coming weeks” said Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services at the DIA. She said most influencers who received warnings removed all promotional content related to gambling.

“We’ve seen a big drop off in illegal advertising from the influencers we’ve warned. Most have removed all online gambling promotional material from their profiles.” But the department is still working with the two non-compliant influencers and legal action will be taken if breaches continue.

Makaia Carr Speaks Up

Wellness advocate Makaia Carr (110,000 Facebook followers, 52,000 Instagram followers) also chimed in. She’s against gambling promotions and would support any campaign that discourages them. “I wouldn’t use my platforms to promote online gambling. I want to encourage our people to thrive in a positive and healthy way,” Carr said. She says portraying gambling as a way to financial success is misleading and dangerous, especially when people are already struggling. “Times are tough. Many people are in vulnerable financial positions and glamourising gambling as a way to make money feels very manipulative and gross.”

Reforms Coming

To address online gambling in general Act Party deputy leader Brooke van Velden has introduced a bill which will go before a select committee this year. The proposed Online Gambling Bill will bring in stricter controls including penalties of up to $5 million for unlicensed operators. It will also create a legal market for online gambling in New Zealand. The government will issue 15 online casino licences to foreign companies from February 2026 under a new regime. These will be 3 year licences and are expected to generate big tax revenue.

Where to Find Help

• Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (available 7 days a week) or text 8006
• Māori Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 656
• Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 657
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342
• Youth Gambling Helpline “In Ya Face”: 0800 654 659
• Gambling Debt Helpline: 0800 654 658