Holmes fails in jurisdiction challenge over gambling ads posted from Hong Kong
A New Zealand judge has rejected a jurisdiction challenge from socialite Millie Elder-Holmes, who is facing charges for promoting overseas gambling sites on social media. The ruling confirms that the Department of Internal Affairs can pursue legal action against influencers for violating the Gambling Act, regardless of where they are located when posting.
Why it matters
This case sets a legal precedent for the regulation of social media influencers and the enforcement of national gambling laws across international borders.
After becoming the first person in New Zealand to pay a $5000 fine for promoting overseas gambling, Kiwi socialite and online influencer Millie Elder-Holmes allegedly tried a new tactic three months later to achieve the same purpose.
The adopted daughter of late broadcaster Paul Holmes again posted videos described by prosecutors as having promoted a Belize-based gambling site to her tens of thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram.
But, this time, they were shared while she visited Hong Kong, a judge was recently told as her lawyer petitioned to dismiss the charges due to lack of jurisdiction.
That effort, however, has now failed. The contested infringement notices will remain intact for now, Judge Gus Andr e e Wiltens decided in a pre-trial decision issued this week.
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