A Christchurch company and its director have pleaded guilty to illegal gambling offences linked to what authorities say is the largest illegal lottery ever uncovered in New Zealand.

Waiariki McIlroy-Jones, the director and owner of Jonez LRC Ltd, entered guilty pleas in Christchurch District Court today to charges of conducting illegal gambling and making a pecuniary gain from illegal gambling under the Gambling Act 2003.

The Department of Internal Affairs said the online lottery generated more than $11 million in revenue in just over a year.

Director of Gambling at Internal Affairs Vicki Scott said lotteries of that scale are required to be licensed and run for community benefit.

“Mr McIlroy-Jones sought to pass off his online lottery as a sales promotion scheme entirely for self-serving interests and personal gain,” she said.

Ms Scott said this was the first prosecution of an illegal online lottery in New Zealand and sent a clear message that attempts to evade gambling laws would not be tolerated.

An investigation, including searches at multiple addresses across Christchurch and North Canterbury in July 2023, found Mr McIlroy-Jones personally benefited from selling illegal lottery tickets online. Prizes included high-value cars, boats, caravans, cash and a freehold house.

Under the Gambling Act, gambling involving prizes exceeding $5,000 can only be run by a not-for-profit society for authorised purposes and requires a Class 3 gambling licence.

Money and assets linked to the offending are currently subject to a High Court restraining order. Police will seek forfeiture of the proceeds and assets under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

The defendants are due to return to court for sentencing on 29 May 2026.