Man charged over illegal central Auckland poker venues

20 May 2026

An Auckland man has been charged with offences in connection with running two illegal poker venues following an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs. These venues were masquerading as legitimate businesses and running commercial poker games in central Auckland.

Appearing before Auckland District Court today, the defendant faces eight offences under the Gambling Act, including conducting illegal gambling through his companies, and advertising illegal gambling on social media. The companies have also been charged with offences under the Gambling Act.

The defendant is also charged with one charge of ‘theft by a person in a special relationship’, under the Crimes Act, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.

The defendant did not appear at the Auckland District Court today and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The offending is alleged to have occurred over a period of two years and three months.

“Our investigation, ‘Operation Turbo’, probed suspected illegal gambling at the defendant’s two poker businesses in central Auckland. We believe they generated illegal profits in excess of $1 million, not including untraceable payments such as cash and crypto,” Vicki Scott, Director Gambling, at the Department of Internal Affairs says.

“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. 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,” Vicki Scott, Director Gambling, Department of Internal Affairs says.

Illegal gambling. What to watch out for:

• Check signage and promotional materials, legal venues will display a visible gambling licence or authorisation from the Department of Internal Affairs and clearly outline the rules of the gambling activity.
• Be cautious of vague or misleading language used to promote games or prize draws.
• Offering credit to gamble is illegal. This includes providing credit through a ‘sponsorship’ arrangement in return for a percentage of future wins.
• Avoid venues that promote games, or prize draws without stating the terms or showing proof of compliance.
• Be wary of venues that rely heavily on social media to attract participants, that are cash-only, or use cryptocurrencies, avoid issuing receipts, or refuse to answer questions about their licence status.