Is Betting Legal in New Zealand?

Summary

• new zealand betting & gambling: legal provisions
• variety of great legal options
• picking top nz betting sites

It is no secret that Kiwis enjoy different forms of gambling. For many, playing pokies and betting on sports are favorite hobbies. However, in this day and age, gaming laws will be changed in 2026 and many punters aren’t quite sure what they are and aren’t legally allowed to do.

If you happen to be in this category, this article is for you. It will provide you with an answer to the question is betting legal in New Zealand and offer further information about what types of betting are allowed and under what circumstances. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about this topic and have all your doubts and worries removed.

New Zealand Betting & Gambling: Legal Provisions

In New Zealand, all forms of gambling, including sports betting, are regulated by the Gambling Act of 2003. Additional rules regulating race and sports betting are laid out in the Racing Act of 2003. This document covers all aspects of gambling in the country.

The fact of the matter is, New Zealand has a highly regulated gaming market but a majority of laws and regulations apply to operators. When it comes to sports betting, it is illegal for anyone to set up a shop in the country and cater to Kiwis. Punters can legally place their wagers with the Racing Board, which is the only exception to the rules.However, there is nothing in either of these acts that would prevent players from gambling or betting with offshore online operators. Likewise, operators are allowed to offer their services to New Zealand residents as long as they’re not physically located within the country’s borders.

Variety of Great Legal Options

Because of the way the law is worded, there is absolutely nothing preventing major offshore sportsbook sites from catering to New Zealanders. This means that you, as a player, have access to a great range of high-quality options and can play with the operators that enjoy a great reputation in the gaming community.

Many of the best online casinos out there also offer multiple platforms that extend beyond slots and table games. Numerous operators have decided to expand their reach by also adding live casino, online poker and sports betting sections to their repertoire. This is great news for the players as they can find many sites that cater to all of their gaming needs.

Once again, it is important to emphasize that there is absolutely nothing illegal about playing at one of these offshore casinos or betting sites. New Zealand doesn’t issue local licenses for the operators so they can’t legally set up their business in the country. Their offshore operations, however, can accept players from NZ without any restrictions. There are also no provisions in these laws that would prevent or forbid players from signing up and playing on these sites as much as they want.

Picking Top NZ Betting Sites

Given the fact all offshore operators can offer their services in New Zealand, it is down to the players to do their due diligence and make sure the site they’re playing on is safe and trustworthy. There are no betting sites licensed by New Zealand so you have to figure out which of these internationally-licensed operators are a safe bet.

You can always start with checking their license. If they are regulated by one of the major entities like Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and have strong local licenses from countries like the UK and Sweden, they’re likely a serious business operation that does things by the book. To obtain these licenses, casinos and betting sites have to meet a series of requirements, many of which are designed specifically to protect the end user.

Of course, checking out what other punters are saying is always a good idea as well. You’ll find hundreds and even thousands of reviews for some of these top casino sites, which will answer many questions you might have. You’ll find out how they treat their players in general, how quick the withdrawals are, what’s their customer support like, and more.

Finally, make sure the betting site you pick offers a good coverage of sport(s) you’re most interested in. Some sites focus more on football, others are more into tennis, while some have a great variety of non-mainstream options. Take a bit of time to go through the betting section to see what’s offered and, if you really want to do it right, see how the odds they offer stack up against the competition.

The bottom line is, Kiwis have a great range of completely legal online betting options available to them. You have nothing to worry about on that side. Just make sure to do your betting with the operators that are trustworthy and enjoy a good reputation with the players. Once you find a bookie you’re happy with, go ahead and place as many wagers as you want as often as you want – you’re completely within your right to do so!

Which sports to bet on in New Zealand

In New Zealand, several sports are popular for betting due to the country's strong sports culture. Here are some of the most popular sports that people in New Zealand often bet on:

Rugby Union

Rugby is a national obsession in New Zealand, with the All Blacks being one of the most successful rugby teams globally. Major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup and domestic competitions like the Super Rugby attract significant betting interest.

Cricket

Cricket is another popular sport for betting. New Zealand has a competitive national cricket team, and matches like Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) games draw betting attention.

Rugby League

While not as dominant as rugby union, rugby league is still popular in New Zealand. The National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia features New Zealand teams and has a strong following for betting.

Football (Soccer)

Football has been growing in popularity in New Zealand, with the national team achieving successes on the international stage. Betting on major international football events like the FIFA World Cup and local leagues is common.

Horse Racing

Horse racing has a long history of betting in New Zealand. Major races like the New Zealand Derby and the New Zealand Cup attract a lot of attention from both enthusiasts and casual bettors.

Basketball

Basketball has been gaining traction in recent years, partly due to the success of New Zealand players in the NBA. The National Basketball League (NBL) and international basketball events attract betting interest.

Golf

Golf is popular among New Zealanders, and major golf tournaments, including those on the PGA and LPGA tours, are often subjects of betting.

Netball

Netball is a significant women's sport in New Zealand. The ANZ Premiership, along with international competitions like the Netball World Cup, is popular for both playing and betting.

Motorsports

Motorsports like Formula One racing and V8 Supercars have a dedicated following in New Zealand and offer opportunities for betting.

Tennis

Tennis events, particularly the Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the Australian Open, attract betting attention.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Boxing

Combat sports like MMA and boxing have their share of enthusiasts who engage in betting on major fights.