In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has become a powerful tool for marketing and promoting products to a wide audience. However, a concerning trend has emerged within the Māori community as some social media influencers are using their platforms to promote online gambling.
Online gambling has become increasingly popular in New Zealand, with a significant portion of the population participating in various forms of online gambling. From sports betting to casino games, the online gambling industry is booming, and social media influencers have been cashing in on this trend by promoting gambling websites to their followers.
One such influencer is Te Ao Māori News, a popular Māori news outlet that has a significant following on social media platforms. In recent months, Te Ao Māori News has been promoting various online gambling websites to its followers, urging them to try their luck and potentially win big.
This promotion of online gambling by Te Ao Māori News has sparked outrage within the Māori community, with many expressing concern about the potential harm that online gambling can have on vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction issues.
In response to the backlash, Te Ao Māori News has defended their decision to promote online gambling, stating that they are simply providing information to their followers and that it is ultimately up to individuals to make their own choices.
However, this defense has not quelled the criticism, with many calling for greater accountability and responsibility from social media influencers, particularly those with a significant influence within the Māori community.
Some Māori leaders have also spoken out against the promotion of online gambling by social media influencers, highlighting the need for greater regulation and oversight of the industry to protect vulnerable individuals from the potentially harmful effects of gambling addiction.
As the debate continues to unfold, it is clear that the issue of online gambling promotion by social media influencers is a complex and contentious one. With the potential for harm to vulnerable individuals, it is crucial that influencers exercise caution and responsibility when promoting such activities to their followers.
