Is online sports betting legal in New Zealand: A 2026 Regulatory Guide

Online sports betting is fully legal in New Zealand, but as of 2026, it is governed by the most stringent regulatory framework in the country's history. Following major legislative updates that came into force on 28 June 2025, the New Zealand government established a "legislative net" that grants TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) exclusive rights to offer online racing and sports betting to persons located in the country. This shift effectively ended the long-standing "grey market" where offshore bookmakers could previously operate without local oversight. Under current law, it is now unlawful for any organization except TAB NZ—and its authorized brands like betcha—to accept sports or racing wagers from New Zealanders. This comprehensive guide explores the legal shift, the 25-year partnership with global operator Entain, the newly enforced penalties for offshore providers, and the mandatory consumer protection tools designed to protect Kiwi punters in the 2026 digital environment.

The primary objective of New Zealand’s current betting laws is to ensure that wagering revenue supports the domestic sporting and racing ecosystem rather than leaking to overseas companies. For the average punter, the answer to is online sports betting legal in New Zealand is a resounding "Yes," provided you use the authorized platforms. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), acting as the regulator, has been empowered with extra-territorial reach to block unlicensed offshore sites and levy fines as high as $5 million against non-compliant companies. By centralizing the market, the government guarantees that a significant portion of every dollar bet is reinvested into local communities and grassroots sports through Sport NZ and various racing codes. Furthermore, the system enforces world-class harm-minimization standards, requiring every authorized operator to provide digital tools that help players set limits on time, deposits, and total spending.

• Statutory Monopoly: TAB NZ is the only legal provider for online sports and racing wagers.
• Offshore Prohibitions: Using unlicensed overseas bookmakers is now illegal and lacks consumer protections.
• Regulatory Oversight: The DIA monitors all digital activity to enforce the "legislative net".
• Community Funding: Revenue from authorized betting directly funds New Zealand sports and racing industries.

Statutory Monopoly: TAB NZ is the only legal provider for online sports and racing wagers.

Offshore Prohibitions: Using unlicensed overseas bookmakers is now illegal and lacks consumer protections.

Regulatory Oversight: The DIA monitors all digital activity to enforce the "legislative net".

Community Funding: Revenue from authorized betting directly funds New Zealand sports and racing industries.

The Legal Framework: Racing Industry Act and 2025 Amendments

The current legal status of sports betting is defined by the Racing Industry Act 2020, which was significantly amended in June 2025. These amendments officially extended TAB NZ’s land-based monopoly into the digital realm, making it the only entity permitted to offer remote interactive sports and racing betting to New Zealand residents. When asking is online sports betting legal in New Zealand, one must understand that the law distinguishes between authorized domestic operators and unauthorized offshore ones. The "legislative net" was specifically designed to stop the estimated $180 million annual leakage to foreign companies, ensuring those funds stay onshore to maintain the financial sustainability of the local industry.

The Role of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)

The DIA is the central regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the new prohibitions. In 2026, the DIA's enforcement powers include issuing take-down notices to internet service providers to block illegal offshore gambling sites. They also provide public guidance, encouraging Kiwis to stick to authorized brands to avoid the risks associated with unregulated overseas operators who may not honor payouts or protect personal data.

TAB NZ and the Entain Strategic Partnership

To deliver a competitive digital experience, TAB NZ entered a landmark 25-year strategic partnership with the global wagering giant Entain in June 2023. This arrangement saw Entain take over the daily management of TAB NZ’s betting operations, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the New Zealand industry. For punters, this partnership means that while the platform is legal and domestic, the technology and betting options are world-class, rivaling the major international sites that Kiwis used previously. This "domestic monopoly operated by a global expert" is the central pillar of the current legal market.

Funding the New Zealand Sporting Industry

A critical part of the Entain agreement was a $100 million payment triggered upon the successful implementation of the "legislative net" in 2025. These funds are directly distributed to New Zealand racing codes and sporting bodies like Sport NZ. This social contract ensures that while is online sports betting legal in New Zealand, it also serves as a critical revenue stream for community facilities and athlete development across the country.

• Long-term Stability: The 25-year term provides a secure funding model for NZ sport.
• Operational Control: Entain manages the platforms (TAB and betcha), while TAB NZ retains statutory oversight.
• Enhanced Options: New digital features and broader international markets are now available legally.
• Community Returns: Profits support local racing clubs and amateur sports nationwide.

Long-term Stability: The 25-year term provides a secure funding model for NZ sport.

Operational Control: Entain manages the platforms (TAB and betcha), while TAB NZ retains statutory oversight.

Enhanced Options: New digital features and broader international markets are now available legally.

Community Returns: Profits support local racing clubs and amateur sports nationwide.

Online Casinos vs. Online Sports Betting: 2026 Licenses

A common point of confusion in 2026 is the difference between online casino games and online sports betting. While TAB NZ holds a monopoly on sports and racing, the New Zealand government has introduced a separate licensing system for online casinos (slots and table games). Under the Online Gambling Bill, up to 15 licenses are being auctioned in late 2026 for commercial operators to offer casino products. However, these new licenses strictly prohibit the offering of bets on actual sporting events or races—that remains the exclusive domain of the TAB.

The 15-License Limit and Restrictions

The 15 licenses for online casinos are allocated through an auction process, with the new regime coming into full effect by 1 December 2026. These operators are subject to intense scrutiny and high taxes, including a 12% online casino duty. For punters, this means that while you may soon see more legal "casino" options, your sports bets must still go through the TAB to be considered lawful.

Mandatory Consumer Protections and "Safer Betting"

In 2026, the question of is online sports betting legal in New Zealand is inseparable from the question of player safety. Authorized platforms are legally required to provide "Safer Betting" tools to every customer. These tools are designed to keep wagering as a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial stress. Unlike offshore sites, which often lack consumer safeguards, TAB NZ and its brands must allow players to set hard limits on their betting activity.

Limits on Spending, Time, and Deposits

The new legislation mandates that all licensed platforms offer tools for players to set limits on time, deposits, and spending. Upon setting up an account, you must be prompted to choose these limits, although you have the option to set no limit if you choose. Additionally, the use of credit card deposits and "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities for gambling is strictly prohibited as of early 2026, ensuring that Kiwis are only betting with money they already possess.

• Age Verification: Mandatory R18 checks before a deposit can be made.
• Pop-up Alerts: Personalized alerts showing time spent and current session stats.
• Self-Exclusion: Ability to permanently block access to all authorized NZ platforms.
• Clear Interfaces: Game designs must be clear and not misleading to prevent impulsive play.

Age Verification: Mandatory R18 checks before a deposit can be made.

Pop-up Alerts: Personalized alerts showing time spent and current session stats.

Self-Exclusion: Ability to permanently block access to all authorized NZ platforms.

Clear Interfaces: Game designs must be clear and not misleading to prevent impulsive play.

Advertising Bans and Marketing Restrictions

The New Zealand government has introduced aggressive new prohibitions on gambling advertising that take full effect on 1 May 2026. These rules are designed to prevent the glamorization of betting and protect vulnerable audiences, particularly children. For those wondering is online sports betting legal in New Zealand, it is important to know that while the activity is legal, its promotion is subject to strict "time-of-day" bans and content restrictions.

Prohibitions on Influencers and Social Media

A notable feature of the 2026 law is the total ban on using social media influencers, athletes, or celebrities to promote gambling brands. Advertisements cannot be shown between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm on television or radio. Furthermore, "transit advertising"—such as ads on the side of buses or trains—is completely prohibited. These measures are enforced with massive penalties, including fines up to $5 million for companies that breach the new advertising code.

Risks and Penalties of Using Offshore Sites

As of 2026, using an offshore betting site is not only riskier—it is a breach of New Zealand law. The DIA has warned that overseas providers are "breaking the law" if they offer sports or racing bets to Kiwis. The "legislative net" gives the New Zealand government the power to issue pecuniary penalties against these foreign firms, but more importantly, it leaves the punter with no legal recourse if things go wrong.

The Danger of Unpaid Wins and Data Theft

Because offshore sites are not protected by New Zealand law, they may lack adequate measures to address gambling harm and may not return unspent credits or pay out on large wins. Many of these operators are based in jurisdictions with minimal consumer safeguards, making them "black holes" for Kiwi funds. The DIA encourages gamblers to be "extremely cautious" and stick only to authorized brands like TAB and betcha to ensure their money and identity remain secure.

• No Dispute Resolution: You cannot appeal to a NZ regulator if an offshore site fails to pay.
• Privacy Risks: Overseas sites may not adhere to NZ privacy standards for personal data.
• Bank Restrictions: New Zealand banks may block transactions to unlicensed gambling operators.
• Illegal Promotion: It is an offense to promote or provide a link to an offshore sportsbook in NZ.

No Dispute Resolution: You cannot appeal to a NZ regulator if an offshore site fails to pay.

Privacy Risks: Overseas sites may not adhere to NZ privacy standards for personal data.

Bank Restrictions: New Zealand banks may block transactions to unlicensed gambling operators.

Illegal Promotion: It is an offense to promote or provide a link to an offshore sportsbook in NZ.

The Economics of Regulated Betting in Aotearoa

The centralization of online sports betting is a "major strategic victory" for the local economy. In 2026, the industry operates under a clear tax and levy structure that funds social good. This includes a 1.24% problem gambling levy and a 12% online casino duty (which increases to 16% in 2027). For those asking is online sports betting legal in New Zealand, the answer also includes the fact that your bets contribute millions to community grants, hospital funding, and sports facility upgrades through Lotto NZ and the TAB profit distribution model.

Community Returns and Funding Sport NZ

Under the amended laws, a significant portion of the revenue generated by the TAB-Entain partnership is earmarked for Sport NZ and other community organizations. This ensures that the proceeds of wagering are recycled back into the country to benefit the long-term health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. The government estimates that retaining these funds onshore could boost community returns by $10 to $20 million in the first year alone.

How to Verify a Legal Betting Platform

With the 2026 market becoming more crowded due to the new casino licenses, it is vital for punters to know how to verify a site's legality. For sports and racing, there are only two primary authorized brands in New Zealand. If a site is not operated by or affiliated with TAB NZ, it is likely an illegal offshore provider. The DIA maintains a public register of licensed providers, which should be the first point of reference for any new punter.

Indicators of an Authorized Brand

Authorized platforms will always feature a New Zealand business number and clearly display their DIA license information. They will also strictly enforce the R18 age verification before allowing you to deposit any funds. If a site allows you to bet using cryptocurrency or doesn't require identity verification, it is a "red flag" that they are operating outside of the New Zealand legal framework.

• Authorized Brands: TAB and betcha (operated by Entain for TAB NZ).
• Verification: Look for the DIA license logo and New Zealand physical address.
• Payment Limits: Check that the platform enforces mandatory deposit and spending limits.
• Ad Compliance: Legal sites will not use influencers or target minors in their marketing.

Authorized Brands: TAB and betcha (operated by Entain for TAB NZ).

Verification: Look for the DIA license logo and New Zealand physical address.

Payment Limits: Check that the platform enforces mandatory deposit and spending limits.

Ad Compliance: Legal sites will not use influencers or target minors in their marketing.

Final Thoughts on NZ Betting Legality

The transition to a fully regulated digital betting market in 2026 has brought much-needed clarity to the question: is online sports betting legal in New Zealand?. By granting exclusive rights to TAB NZ and closing the offshore grey market, the government has created a safe, transparent environment that protects punters while funding local sport. Whether you are wagering on the All Blacks or the NRL, sticking to authorized domestic brands is the only way to ensure your legal rights are protected and your bets contribute to the future of New Zealand racing and sport. As the new 2026 licensing regime for online casinos rolls out, the entire iGaming landscape in Aotearoa is set to become one of the most secure and well-regulated in the world.

Ngā Pātai Auau (FAQ)

Is online sports betting legal in New Zealand in 2026? Yes, online sports and racing betting are legal, but as of June 2025, they must be conducted through TAB NZ or its authorized brands. Offshore betting is illegal.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports online in NZ? The minimum age is 18 years. Authorized platforms require mandatory age and identity verification before any deposit can be made.

Can I still use offshore bookmakers like Bet365 or 888? As of late 2025, it is unlawful for offshore providers to offer sports or racing bets to Kiwis. While some may apply for online "casino" licenses in 2026, they cannot offer sports betting.

Are my winnings from TAB NZ taxable? No, for recreational punters in New Zealand, winnings from sports and racing betting are generally not subject to income tax.

Is it safe to bet with the TAB? Yes. TAB NZ is the statutory monopoly and, through its partnership with Entain, offers world-class security and consumer protection backed by NZ law.

Can I bet on sports using a credit card? No. As of early 2026, credit card deposits and "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities are prohibited for all forms of online gambling in New Zealand.

What should I do if an offshore site still has my money? The DIA advises that you should close offshore accounts and withdraw your funds immediately, as these operators are breaking the law and may cease payouts.

How do the 15 new licenses in 2026 affect sports betting? They do not. The 15 new licenses are strictly for online casino games (slots/table games). TAB NZ retains the exclusive legal right to all sports and racing betting.

How can I set a limit on my betting account? Authorized NZ platforms are legally required to offer tools for you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit and spending limits in your account settings.

Where can I get help for problem gambling in NZ? You can call the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 for free, confidential, 24/7 support, or use the self-exclusion tools on any authorized platform.

1 DO FOLLOW EXTERNAL LINK: For a detailed historical overview and the latest legislative updates on New Zealand's wagering laws, visit the Gambling in New Zealand Wikipedia page.