New Zealand is in the grips of a gambling influencer pandemic, with social media personalities like Rongo, Slim, Narcos Fam, Dylz7, Phatslaps, Charizma68, and Paboy aggressively promoting online casinos such as Leon, N1 Bet, RollXO, and Pokienations. These influencers, many of whom are recruited through platforms like casino-influencers.com, are glamorizing gambling with flashy wins and aspirational lifestyles. However, the reality for many players who get lured in is far from glamorous.
Leon, in particular, has emerged as a major player targeting New Zealand audiences. Operating offshore, Leon skirts local regulations while aggressively marketing to vulnerable players through its network of influencers. As exposed in a New Zealand Daily investigation, Leon and similar platforms have been accused of unethical practices such as refusing to pay winnings above $25,000 and leaking personal data for further marketing purposes. These influencers, knowingly or not, are playing a key role in steering players toward casinos that exploit their trust.
The backlash is growing, with dissatisfied customers now considering lawsuits not only against these casinos but also against the influencers promoting them. Allegations of influencers having direct stakes in these casinos further complicate the situation, raising questions about conflicts of interest and accountability. As these stories unfold, New Zealanders are beginning to see the cracks in the influencer-fueled gambling machine, and calls for action against these predatory practices are gaining momentum.
