New Zealand influencers fined NZ$65,000 for promoting SpinBet casino
Table of contents
- Four social media influencers received multiple NZ$5,000 fines totalling NZ$65,000 for illegally promoting Curacao-based casino SpinBet to New Zealand audiences
- Millie Elder-Holmes, Calen Morris, Billie Whaanga and Tuhira Wana each faced between three and four infringement notices for separate advertising breaches
- SpinBet casino received the largest penalty of NZ$60,000 for 12 separate violations of New Zealand’s gambling advertising laws
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs imposed record penalties on four social media influencers for repeatedly promoting SpinBet, an unlicensed offshore casino, in direct violation of the country’s gambling laws. The enforcement action resulted in combined fines of NZ$65,000 against the influencers, with each receiving multiple NZ$5,000 penalties for individual advertising breaches.
The crackdown specifically targeted promotions for SpinBet, a Curacao-based online casino and sportsbook that actively recruited New Zealand influencers to advertise its services. The regulator treated each social media post or advertisement as a separate offence, allowing fines to accumulate rapidly for repeat violators.
High-profile influencers
Millie Elder-Holmes and Calen Morris emerged as the most penalised influencers, each receiving NZ$20,000 in fines across four separate infringement notices. Elder-Holmes had previously been fined NZ$5,000 in May for similar violations, making her total penalties NZ$25,000.
Billie Whaanga and Tuhira Wana each received NZ$15,000 in penalties across three infringement notices for their SpinBet promotions. The influencers had been warned earlier in the year but continued advertising the offshore casino despite formal cease-and-desist orders.
“It is illegal for overseas gambling sites to advertise in Aotearoa – even on social media,” said Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling Regulatory Services for the Department of Internal Affairs.
SpinBet’s record penalty
SpinBet casino faced the largest individual penalty, receiving a NZ$60,000 fine for 12 separate breaches of New Zealand’s advertising restrictions. The Curacao-licensed operator had been actively recruiting New Zealand influencers and providing them with promotional materials, referral codes and payment structures.
The penalty represents the highest fine ever imposed on an offshore gambling operator under Section 16 of the Gambling Act 2003. University students were among those recruited by SpinBet to promote the casino, with the Department of Internal Affairs issuing warnings to 10 students from Otago and Canterbury universities.
University students targeted
SpinBet’s recruitment extended beyond established influencers to university students, who were paid to create content showing themselves gambling hundreds of dollars on the platform. The students posted videos attempting to win back money for rent, student loans, parking tickets and other expenses, often displaying referral codes encouraging sign-ups.
The Department of Internal Affairs contacted 10 students who had been promoting SpinBet and similar platforms including Rainbet. Most students cooperated with authorities and removed their promotional content after being warned about potential NZ$5,000 fines.
More influencers monitored
Eight more social media influencers remain under investigation for similar SpinBet promotions, with authorities maintaining a watchlist of over 40 suspected violators. The department has issued more than 50 formal complaints about gambling advertisements targeting New Zealand audiences in recent months.
The enforcement comes as New Zealand prepares to launch its first regulated online casino market in February 2026, when licensed operators will be permitted to advertise legally under the new Online Gambling Bill. The legislation increases maximum penalties for unlicensed gambling advertising to NZ$5 million.
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