Suspected illegal gambling venues uncovered in Auckland raids

Nine alleged illegal gambling venues involving unlicensed poker games have been uncovered in Auckland raids. Photo / 123rf

By RNZ Chinese

The public is being urged to stay alert after nine alleged illegal gambling venues have been uncovered in several Auckland raids.

The venues in Albany, Botany, Epsom, Newmarket and Auckland’s city centre are believed to have offered unlicensed poker games in breach of the 2003 Gambling Act.

Equipment including poker tables, chips, cash, cryptocurrency and electronic devices were seized in the raids, according to the Department of Internal Affairs, the country’s gambling regulator.

The amount of illegal gambling proceeds was estimated to be about $5 million, with investigations and financial inquiries ongoing, the department’s gambling director Vicki Scott said.

“We do have concerns there could be links to organised crime within and are working with the NZ Police and international authorities to investigate further,” Scott said.

She said the operations were “illegal commercial ventures hiding in plain sight”.

“Many operate openly, using signage and social media to appear legal and licensed, while knowingly breaking the law to make a profit.”

Scott said patrons were often unaware they were engaging in illegal activity by participating and had no protection if things went wrong.

“Illegal gambling operators are predatory, and we are seeing some offer credit to participants, which can result in significant debts being incurred,” Scott said.

“Illegal gambling can lead to financial harm, gambling addiction and exposure to criminal activity. It also undermines trust in legitimate operators and community fundraising efforts. DIA is urging the public to be cautious and informed.”

The department urged people to check signage and promotional materials to ensure a gambling venue was legal, and be cautious of misleading language used to promote games or prize draws.

Offering credit to gamble is illegal, including providing credit through a “sponsorship” arrangement in return for a percentage of future wins, the department said.

It also asked people to be wary of venues that relied heavily on social media to attract participants, that were cash-only, or used cryptocurrencies, avoided issuing receipts or refused to answer questions about their licensing status.

Venue and property owners were also being reminded of their responsibilities, the department said.

Under the Gambling Act, poker games with prizes exceeding $5000 or ticket sales exceeding $25,000 require a Class 3 gambling licence.

Only incorporated societies can apply, and all proceeds must go towards authorised community purposes or prize costs.

Organisers must not personally profit from ticket sales, the department said.

Anyone with concerns or information about illegal gambling is encouraged to contact the Department of Internal Affairs.

– RNZ