Story perspectives

NZ Convicts First Online Illegal Lottery Organizer, Seizes Assets

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

New Zealand prosecuted its first online illegal lottery after a scheme sold 280,000 entries to nearly 70,000 participants.
Waiariki McIlroy-Jones, the scheme organizer, was convicted in Christchurch District Court, forfeited assets and avoided imprisonment.
The Department of Internal Affairs raided Christchurch and North Canterbury in July 2023, seizing vehicles and two properties.
Vicki Scott, director of gambling at the Department of Internal Affairs, said case warns anyone running illegal lotteries.

1 of 1

Story summary

New Zealand prosecuted its first online illegal lottery after a scheme sold 280,000 entries to nearly 70,000 participants.
Waiariki McIlroy-Jones, the scheme organizer, was convicted in Christchurch District Court, forfeited assets and avoided imprisonment.
The Department of Internal Affairs raided Christchurch and North Canterbury in July 2023, seizing vehicles and two properties.
Vicki Scott, director of gambling at the Department of Internal Affairs, said case warns anyone running illegal lotteries.