A New Zealand content creator is speaking out about the harms of gambling after revealing he was offered more than $500,000 to promote offshore gambling websites.
Louis Davis is a Kiwi content creator with a following of over 3 million across all platforms, and has taken to his social media platforms to warn others about the risks.
Speaking with Breakfast this morning, Davis said he received the promotional offers in his email inbox.
“We get hammered with emails every day, they’re pretty consistent,” he said.
When asked on why he decided to turn down the offer, he said that gambling promotions are causing real harm in communities and were encouraging addictive behaviour.
“We are living in an age now where you can gamble in your car, on the toilet, or at work.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including deadly Texas floods, Australian woman attacked by a lion, and Elon Musk’s new political party. (Source: 1News)
“There used to be a time and a place for it, but now because of our phones we have access 24/7 to it.
“If they’re offering me over $500,000 to ask you to gamble, imagine how much they’re stealing from you.”
Data from the Department of Internal Affairs showed that in 2022/23, New Zealanders lost $2.76 billion gambling on the four regulated gambling sectors – Lotto New Zealand, TAB NZ, casinos and class 4 gambling (pokies).
Growing up in Northland, Davis said he witnessed the impacts of gambling firsthand.
“I see the harm of this in my communities, and what it takes from us.” he told Breakfast.
“There’s a reason they give money to people that look like me. They’re going after my community.”
Davis said he would love to see changes around the rules of advertising, so people don’t continue to be tempted by offers from gambling companies.
“People get put in this real hard position, where it’s undeniable life-changing money. I almost have empathy for people who have to make that decision,”
“I’d love to see changes made to that system; I don’t want it to be a decision people have to make.”
DIA has been cracking down on the promotion of offshore gambling, sending cease-and-desist letters to some influencers, and monitoring other accounts.
Millie Elder-Holmers was recently fined $5000 for promoting online gambling.
Under the Gambling Act it is illegal to publish an advertisement for an offshore gambling operator.
