An Auckland man has been charged in connection with two illegal poker venues allegedly operating in central Auckland, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) confirmed on Wednesday.
The defendant, who did not appear at Auckland District Court prompting a warrant for their arrest, faces eight charges under the Gambling Act. The charges relate to conducting and advertising unauthorised commercial gambling activities via corporate entities. Notably, the implicated companies themselves have also been charged.
Additionally, the operator faces a separate charge of “theft by a person in a special relationship” under the Crimes Act, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison.
Allegations and investigation
The alleged offences reportedly took place over a period of two years and three months. Authorities estimated the illegal enterprises generated profits exceeding NZ$1 million, excluding untraceable cash and cryptocurrency transactions.
Vicki Scott, director of gambling at the DIA, expressed concern in a statement: “Operating illegal commercial poker venues in plain sight, next to other popular hospitality businesses, causes a significant risk to the public.
“Players are often unaware that they are participating in illegal gambling or that they have no protection if things go wrong.
“We are concerned about an increase in gambling venues pretending to be legitimate businesses,” she added. “Illegal gambling can lead to financial harm, gambling addiction, as well as exposure to predatory behaviour and criminal activity. It also undermines trust in legitimate operators and community fundraising efforts.”
Increased regulation and industry scrutiny
Elsewhere in New Zealand, the Online Casino Gambling Bill passed its third reading at the end of April. The country is expecting to launch its regulated iGaming market in 2027, with licences to be offered under strict regulatory conditions.
The reform is designed to introduce stronger consumer protections, advertising controls and harm-minimisation standards while also strengthening enforcement powers against unlicensed operators targeting New Zealand consumers.
In March, Entain indicated it was eyeing three of the 15 available licences. CEO Stella David said during the company’s FY25 earnings call that, with its exclusive betting brand TAB in New Zealand, Entain is the only online operator that could cross-sell between sports and iGaming.
Similarities in Indonesia
In Indonesia, authorities raided a commercial building in West Jakarta for evidence of illegal gambling activities. The operation, first reported by state news agency ANTARA, prompted government officials to heighten surveillance of potential venues.
“I have instructed the director general to increase surveillance at all locations that could potentially be used to host similar activities,” said Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto.
Regulators have made clear their zero-tolerance stance on illegal physical gambling venues that present themselves as ordinary hospitality businesses.
Further court proceedings are expected once the individual is apprehended or otherwise brought before the court. The companies charged will likely face concurrent legal actions.
Convictions under the country’s Gambling Act may result in fines and other penalties, while the theft charge holds potential for custodial sentencing.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/auckland-operator-charged-over-illegal-poker-venues/
