Four influencers fined for promoting offshore gambling organisation

Monday, 29 September 2025

From left to right: Millie Elder-Holmes, Billie Whaanga, Calen Morris, and Tuhira Wana.

Four social media influencers have been fined by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) alongside an offshore gambling organisation for promoting gambling to a New Zealand audience.

Millie Elder-Holmes, Calen Morris, Billie Whaanga, and Tuhira Wana have all received multiple fines of $5000 for their involvement in advertising offshore gambling organisations like Spinbet, which is based in Cuacao.

It is illegal for overseas gambling sites to advertise in Aotearoa - even on social media. Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling for DIA’s Regulatory services said they can request that social media platforms remove offending accounts.

Four influencers have been fined for promoting gambling to a New Zealand audience.

Scott said anyone breaking this law faces an infringement fine of $5000 per breach, or could be liable on conviction to a fine up to $10,000.

Three infringements have been issued to Millie Elder-Holmes and Tuhira Waha totalling $15,000, and four had been issued to Calen Morris and Billy Whaanga totalling $20,000.

“These penalties apply to each instance of illegal advertising, meaning repeated breaches can result in more substantial fines and can quickly escalate,” said Scott.

Calen Morris told Stuff he was not an influencer but a gang member.

Bill Whaanga said he accepts responsibility, and is taking steps to comply with the law and cooperate with DIA and accept court outcomes.

He said he wants to move forward positively and not be defined by mistakes made during addiction.

The other two have been contacted for comment.

Eight other social media influencers are under investigation.

The DIA had issued a warning letter to the gambling platform Spinbet in April.

“Despite the warning, Spinbet continued to target a New Zealand audience through giveaways, designed to entice New Zealanders to sign up to Spinbet for a chance to win cash prizes, gifts, or free spins,” said Scott.

“These prizes often involved New Zealand products, or businesses whose business/product were available in New Zealand, or giveaway was exclusive to New Zealanders,” she continued.

Spinbet had received 12 infringements in August, worth $60,000.

Millie Elder-Holmes was previously fined $5k for promoting online gambling in May.

“Once an account comes to our attention (either via a complaint or from our own investigations) it is placed on our watchlist and is monitored regularly for any further breaches,” said Scott.

The New Zealand Government is introducing new laws to regulate online casino gambling. The Online Casino Gambling Bill is being reviewed by the Select Committee before heading to its second reading.