[NEWS]Hong Kong Influencer Charged for Allegedly Promoting Online Gambling

[acroman08]

As the title says, an influencer in Hong Kong is charged with promoting offshore online gambling. According to the article, the influencer is facing up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $638,000, which is HKD 5 million in their currency. Her lawyers argue that the influencer thought that what she was doing was legal and that the casino's operation was legitimate. Right now she is released on bail after he court appearance.

The article mentioned that the casino in question was advertising itself to "Asian users and positioned itself as a major online gaming brand". They also said that the platform is actively advertising around major sporting events. I kind of wonder what the name of the casino is.

A 29-year-old influencer and adult film performer has been charged in Hong Kong after allegedly promoting an offshore online gambling platform through her social media channels, in a case that highlights the city’s strict stance on betting-related activity.

Up to 7 Years in Prison
The laws of Hong Kong psecifically ban all types of gambling except those operated by authorized entities, and online casino gaming remains illegal.

While nearby Macau is known for its legal casino industry, authorities in Hong Kong have repeatedly warned that offshore platforms targeting local users are also banned under criminal law.

Prosecutors in the West Kowloon District allege that the woman, identified by her surname So, promoted an overseas betting website that offered a range of services, including sports wagering, slot games, table games, live dealer products and esports betting.

Authorities say the platform actively marketed itself to Asian users and positioned itself as a major online gaming brand.

According to court filings, So was charged with promoting or facilitating bookmaking, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a fine of up to HKD 5 million ($638,000). She was released on bail following her initial court appearance.

She Thought It Was Legal
Her legal team has argued that she believed the operation was legitimate and claimed the platform did not accept customers based in Hong Kong. They also maintain that she did not knowingly participate in illegal activity.

Prosecutors allege that the influencer only recently began promoting the gambling site across her social media accounts, where she was described by the platform as a promotional figure.

Authorities also noted that the platform has been actively advertising around major global sporting events, including upcoming football tournaments, in an effort to attract international bettors.

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of offshore gambling operators targeting Asian markets via digital advertising and influencer partnerships.

Hong Kong authorities have repeatedly warned that promoting or facilitating access to such services may breach local gambling laws, no matter the operator is based.

[AmaGold70]

This is the danger that is associated with following influencers, and promoting an unregulated gambling platforms. While following influencers, you have to do that with caution. Even regulated platforms are also promoted, but their are some countries who does not take it kindly with people or influencers who try to lure bettors into an unregistered or unlicensed platform. Many times, these influencers even tell gamblers to get registered through their own link while they get their own percentage, and at the detriment of the gamblers.
This action by the Hong Kong government is a very good one, because it will help to secure the safety of bettors in Hong Kong.

[Davidvictorson]

This is the typical behavior of most *shit-fluencers.
They don’t do their homework. They are only are the money and benefiting themselves while ignoring the potential harm on their fans.
Well, this one is going to be a scapegoat to others. Ignorance in the eyes of the law is no excuse.
I hope other shit-fluencers in her category learn from her mistakes if not they will be learning from their own.

[The Founding Titan]

When an influencer receives a deal the smart thing for them to do is to check it out to see how legit it is but most don't bother with doing that, one the payment has been flashed over their faces the suddenly become incapable discerning between what's legit and what isn't and just promote whatever comes their way, it's a regrettable situation for this particular influencer but still the very least the others will learn from it and be more careful next time about who they promote.
It's a good thing I don't really pay much attention to those influencers types.

[aioc]

As the title says, an influencer in Hong Kong is charged with promoting offshore online gambling. According to the article, the influencer is facing up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $638,000, which is HKD 5 million in their currency. Her lawyers argue that the influencer thought that what she was doing was legal and that the casino's operation was legitimate. Right now she is released on bail after he court appearance.

This is a weak defense; ignorance of the law excuses no one, and if you use this defense, you just show how bad an influencer you are for not knowing if what you promote is legal or not.
This influencer should get a better lawyer, but this is a hard case to defend. He should just plead guilty and negotiate for a shorter term, so he will not have to spend money on lawyers.

[Maslate]

I don't believe that she's not aware that she's promoting an offshore, illegal casino. She is just too confident not to get caught by the authority, but then again what is illegal will have its near end, including the influencer itself that influenced its viewers and followers to register to its link and promise to make a good income.

Hongkong is known for being extremely strict when it comes to offshore casinos and online gambling. This is done to minimize social harm and to protect its locals not to get trap with gambling addiction as it won't do good in the long run.

[Russlenat]

Nice one, eventually other influencers will now be scared to promote illegal casinos despite of its high compensation offer.

Actually, there are a lot of influencers here in our country that are promoting online casinos, I don't even know if those are illegal or legal ones but the fact that they encouraged their viewers to register to its link, that can spur growth for online gamblers and may even influenced those minors that are also greedy to make their own money with an impressive amount.

Gambling is never a bad business, but it only gets bad with the rising of abusive illegal casinos that will overshadow those legal ones.

[Cantsay]

The same way she defended herself by saying she had no idea that she was promoting an offshore casino, that is the same thing she would have said if this had turned out to be a scam site and it scammed millions of their followers.

I usually don't listen to influencers whose job is to come online and talk about things that they don't know anything about. Unless you have a long track record of giving out solid information that pertains to that topic, I am going to take your word with a grain of salt.

[DPHOR]

Before the influencer promoted them didn't he go through the casino to know if they are legitimate or not. Also, trying to confirm if they had an operational license that permits them to be available on the influencer country.
That is why it's not really good to make some promotions without the person knowing things that are involved in such promotions. But as someone who has nationalized there for years should be able to know some of the things that are not meant to be promoted.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

I wish some influencers that are doing this thing in my country can actually face the same faith as this Hong Kong influencers because most of them have also promoted scam casinos and companies that disappeared with people's money and the worst part is that, they don't even warn their audience about the risk of using the platform neither do they inform them to do their own research but they would just say, " I have used this platform, it is tested and trusted." All that is just to deceive people and get paid for it. So, they get paid and people lose their money. If this is done to one person, others will learn to not take every promotion without proper verification.

[MuffinMaster]

As the title says, an influencer in Hong Kong is charged with promoting offshore online gambling. According to the article, the influencer is facing up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $638,000, which is HKD 5 million in their currency. Her lawyers argue that the influencer thought that what she was doing was legal and that the casino's operation was legitimate. Right now she is released on bail after he court appearance.

The article mentioned that the casino in question was advertising itself to "Asian users and positioned itself as a major online gaming brand". They also said that the platform is actively advertising around major sporting events. I kind of wonder what the name of the casino is.

It is crazy how much it depends on where you actually are when you hit "post" on social media.
If she had been doing the exact same promotion from a country where offshore online gambling is perfectly legal, she wouldn't be facing any penalties or court dates right now.
A lot of these big online gaming brands actively sponsor major sporting events worldwide, which makes them look totally legitimate to creators who might not know the local laws. But since Hong Kong has such strict laws regarding unauthorized bookmaking, just being physically there makes it a massive criminal offense.

[mirakal]

It was mentioned that they are basing it on their local laws, so even if a casino is licensed or popular, if it is an offshore casino and has no license in that country, then promoting it is illegal. It could also attract their citizens to gambling, especially if the target market is Asian players. Since he is living in that country, he should be more aware of the laws there. Although he was able to post bail, I doubt he will not be convicted if the state is already the one charging him. It is hard to win against them.

[Oasisman]

A 29-year-old influencer and adult film performer

Looks like she's got a big audience on her social media channels judging on her profession. That means, she most likely have legal team on the look out to avoid advertising illegal products/services such as this, and they have failed her.
Don't judge me  , but I looked her up in the internet and it seems like she's an asian p*rn superstar. She does have a lot films and a lot of views. One thing I've also noticed, some asian p*rnsites does have a lot of gambling ads you can see all over the page. So, they're earning a lot of money from advertising gambling sites alone. I bet she can easily pay the fine and learn from there, lol.

[AmoreJaz]

It was mentioned that they are basing it on their local laws, so even if a casino is licensed or popular, if it is an offshore casino and has no license in that country, then promoting it is illegal. It could also attract their citizens to gambling, especially if the target market is Asian players. Since he is living in that country, he should be more aware of the laws there. Although he was able to post bail, I doubt he will not be convicted if the state is already the one charging him. It is hard to win against them.

That influencer should have do his homework before promoting that offshore gambling site. Because for sure their gambling protocols in the country is open to the public. It is applicable to all, not only to the chosen few. So for me, if you are promoting any product or entity, make sure you have done your due diligence before being tempted with the offered amount as it can ruin your reputation big time.

[PX-Z]

"She thought it was legal". Ignorance of the law, excuses no one. You are in HK, gambling is illegal there and in the mainland, Macao is the only place casino is allowed in China.
It should be very obvious to her when no one is promoting casino there, or why promotes it when no one is using it there? Even their team says that the casino is not accepting HK users, but she is on HK jurisdictions with those laws. Now i wonder how much is the offer of her to promote that casino.

[Natalim]

I bet she can easily pay the fine and learn from there, lol.

It doesn’t work like that. Yes, there is a fine, but it is attached to imprisonment, which is 7 years. She cannot just choose to pay the fine and avoid imprisonment. What she and her legal team need to do is fight the case and win by proving that although she promoted offshore casinos, she did not violate the law.

[stadus]

There is no room for her excuse in the law that she thought she is promoting a legal casino. Anyone can say it, but not everyone can prove it. So this is a good sample for those who don't think of their future victims. Good thing for them they are given a huge compensation, but for those who fall as their victims, gambling losses and even addiction are waving.

That's why I don't believe on these influencers who promote gambling. It's clear they are just being blinded by greed for money for their selfish desires, without even thinking what could be the negative effects for their future victims, despite of their constant reminder to gamble responsibly.

[MuffinMaster]

There is no room for her excuse in the law that she thought she is promoting a legal casino. Anyone can say it, but not everyone can prove it. So this is a good sample for those who don't think of their future victims. Good thing for them they are given a huge compensation, but for those who fall as their victims, gambling losses and even addiction are waving.

That's why I don't believe on these influencers who promote gambling. It's clear they are just being blinded by greed for money for their selfish desires, without even thinking what could be the negative effects for their future victims, despite of their constant reminder to gamble responsibly.

I also find it hard to believe she didn't know she was breaking the law. I suspect she thought no one would check her whereabouts. Either way, she'll definitely be punished. We don't know the scale of her advertising, but I think a sentence of seven years in prison and $638,000 is definitely too much. I hope the court takes a more lenient approach to her case.

[Orpichukwu]

It’s getting to a point where, as an influential figure who accepts promotional advertising, you need to have a legal team who can verify if an offer matches your country's laws or not before you accept it to avoid being punished for what you don’t know, although some of these influencers actually know what they are doing and believe the law can’t catch up with them.

[GiftedMAN]

It’s getting to a point where, as an influential figure who accepts promotional advertising, you need to have a legal team who can verify if an offer matches your country's laws or not before you accept it to avoid being punished for what you don’t know, although some of these influencers actually know what they are doing and believe the law can’t catch up with them.

Is it possible for an influencer not to be aware that his country doesn't support such promotions ? It is going to be hard to believe such confession unless it is a law that was just passed few days or weeks ago but if it is something that has been in existence then the influence should be punished for accepting such deals. Some influencers are just after the pay they do not do background checks to verify the information that some of them put out there and some do not verify to know how genuine the company they want to promote is so when they are found guilty it is an opportunity for others to learn from their mistakes.