The Department of Internal Affairs has issued a formal notice to international gambling website 20Bet, directing it to cease all advertising activities in New Zealand.
The offshore gambling site, registered in Cyprus, has been targeting New Zealanders through paid YouTube ads promoting online pokies and sports betting. Under New Zealand’s Gambling Act, promoting overseas gambling is prohibited, and all sports and racing betting is banned outright unless controlled by TAB.
Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling at the Department of Internal Affairs, said they are aware of 20Bet’s advertising and have instructed the company to cease these activities immediately.
“We have instructed 20Bet to cease these activities. We will continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary,” Scott said.
Andrée Froude, director of advocacy for the Problem Gambling Foundation, has welcomed the Department of Internal Affairs’ action.
Froude highlighted that “too many operators are blatantly advertising to New Zealanders despite it being illegal.”
She acknowledged the challenges the department faces in taking action against overseas-based companies but expressed hope that the advertising will stop.
Froude noted that offshore gambling sites frequently try their luck in New Zealand and urged the public to report such operators, especially those advertising on platforms like YouTube, to the Department of Internal Affairs.