Ban on ads for UK net bets

The Internal Affairs Department has cracked down on advertisements telling people how to play the British lottery on the internet, leaving the company involved fuming.

Global Logistics runs a website on which New Zealanders can play for millions of pounds in the twice-weekly lottery.

People simply log on, pick their numbers and pay by credit card to be in to win super jackpots of around £15 million ($50 million).

The company says it has about 300 New Zealanders on its mailing list and is aiming for more.

A member of the public phoned Internal Affairs after hearing advertisements for the website on Radio Pacific.

The department told Global Logistics that the advertisements were illegal and must stop because a special licence was needed to promote an overseas lottery.

Global Logistics spokesman Martin Ryman said the ban on his lottery advertisements was "barmy".

"New Zealand citizens are allowed to play any lottery in the world they want," he said. "It happens every week. Send a mate or a relative overseas a tenner and get them to buy a ticket for you.

"We offer that service, with guaranteed delivery and security. We've been operating for years and helped plenty of folk outside the UK to pick up winnings on the UK lottery."

Global Logistics charges $3.30 a lottery entry online, plus a 10 per cent fee on all winnings over £1000 ($3300).

The company is not attached to any registered charity.

A gaming inspector for the Department of Internal Affairs said section 30 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977 made it an offence to advertise an "illegal lottery" or induce people to take part in one.

All overseas lotteries were illegal in New Zealand in terms of the act, unless ministerial approval was obtained under section 69.

- NZPA