Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A Christchurch man and his company are facing charges relating to what Internal Affairs claims would be the largest illegal lottery ever identified in New Zealand.
It was alleged the defendants made $11,125,466.65 over a year from selling illegal lotteries online, with prizes such as expensive cars and boats.
In a statement the DIA said under the Gambling Act 2003, prizes that exceed $5000 can only be conducted by a not-for-profit society for authorised purposes and required a class 3 gambling licence.
This was to "ensure the integrity of the operation and protection of participants".
Following a referral from DIA, police have taken action in the High Court against the defendants, the statement said.
DIA gambling director Vicki Scott said: "Our strict licensing requirements are there for a reason. We will not hesitate to respond firmly when we see instances of illegal gambling such as unlicensed online lotteries."
"We have no tolerance for those who seek to profit by bypassing the rules."
Charges the man and his company face are conducting illegal gambling, promoting illegal gambling, and making a pecuniary gain from illegal gambling under the Gambling Act 2003 (the Act).
They appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday afternoon.