Sports betting age limits in New Zealand: A 2026 Regulatory Guide

This comprehensive guide to sports betting age limits in New Zealand explores the current legislative framework governing wagering in 2026, a year marked by significant digital transformation. For New Zealanders, understanding the legal age for gambling is more than a formality; it is a critical component of navigating a strictly regulated landscape that underwent a massive shift on 28 June 2025. This article examines the age requirements across all major gambling sectors—from sports betting and horse racing to casinos and lotteries—detailing the specific penalties for breaches and the newly enforced "legislative net" that bans offshore wagering. We provide a deep dive into the role of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the strategic partnership between TAB NZ and Entain, and the mandatory age verification protocols required for all online platforms. By providing clear, actionable insights into the sports betting age limits in New Zealand, this guide ensures that punters and their whānau remain informed, compliant, and protected within the authorized iGaming ecosystem of Aotearoa.

The journey through the New Zealand betting landscape begins with one fundamental rule: you must be 18 years or older to place a bet on sports or racing. While other forms of gambling in the country have differing thresholds, sports betting age limits in New Zealand remain firmly at the 18-year mark for both online and physical TAB locations. This threshold is a cornerstone of the Gambling Act 2003, designed to balance recreational enjoyment with the protection of young people. In the digital era of 2026, this limit is enforced through rigorous mandatory age verification, which must be completed before a player can even make a deposit into an authorized account. Understanding these boundaries is essential for every Kiwi, as trying to bypass them not only results in the loss of potential winnings but can also lead to formal prosecution and fines of up to $500.

• Sports & Racing: Minimum age is 18 years.
• TAB Exclusivity: As of June 2025, TAB NZ is the only legal provider for sports betting.
• Verification First: Age must be confirmed via government-issued photo ID before betting online.
• Casino Exception: You must be 20 years or older to enter a brick-and-mortar casino's gaming floor.

Sports & Racing: Minimum age is 18 years.

TAB Exclusivity: As of June 2025, TAB NZ is the only legal provider for sports betting.

Verification First: Age must be confirmed via government-issued photo ID before betting online.

Casino Exception: You must be 20 years or older to enter a brick-and-mortar casino's gaming floor.

The Legal Framework: Gambling Act 2003 and 2025 Amendments

The current landscape of sports betting age limits in New Zealand is shaped by the Gambling Act 2003 and the landmark Racing Industry Amendment Act 2025. These laws dictate that all gambling is prohibited unless specifically authorized. On 28 June 2025, the government closed the "offshore loophole," making it unlawful for anyone other than TAB NZ to offer sports betting to Kiwis. For a punter, this means the legal age of 18 is now strictly applied through a single domestic portal, which is subject to heavy DIA oversight. This "legislative net" was designed to keep gambling revenue onshore and ensure that Kiwis are only playing in a monitored, age-verified environment.

The Role of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)

The DIA acts as the primary regulator, ensuring that the 18-year limit for sports betting is enforced across the country. In 2026, their mandate includes monitoring the new licensing regime for online casinos and ensuring that advertisements do not target individuals under the age of 25. For sports betting, the DIA works closely with TAB NZ to ensure that every "Remote Interactive Gambling" session begins with a verified identity check.

Detailed Age Limits Across NZ Gambling Sectors

While sports betting age limits in New Zealand are set at 18, it is vital to recognize the variations in other sectors to avoid legal pitfalls. For instance, while you can watch a rugby match at any age, you cannot walk into a SkyCity casino's gaming area unless you are 20. This higher age limit for casinos is intended to mitigate the risks associated with high-frequency electronic gaming machines (pokies). Conversely, there is no legal age limit for traditional lotteries like Lotto or Keno, although winning a prize over $1,000 as a minor requires a parent or guardian's signature to claim.

Exceptions and Specific Restrictions

Interestingly, some forms of gambling have nuanced "supervised" rules. For example, a minor can enter the restaurant area of a casino building but is strictly prohibited from entering the "gaming area". If caught, the minor may be prosecuted and fined $500, and the casino may issue a trespass order lasting two years. In sports betting, the rules are firmer: even with parental consent, a minor cannot place a bet at a TAB window or through an online app.

• Brick-and-Mortar Casinos: 20+ years required for entry to gaming floors.
• Pokie Machines (Class 4): 18+ years required at all pubs and clubs.
• Instant Kiwi/Scratch Cards: 18+ years required to purchase.
• Charitable Raffles: Generally no age limit, provided they are not "Instant" style games.

Brick-and-Mortar Casinos: 20+ years required for entry to gaming floors.

Pokie Machines (Class 4): 18+ years required at all pubs and clubs.

Instant Kiwi/Scratch Cards: 18+ years required to purchase.

Charitable Raffles: Generally no age limit, provided they are not "Instant" style games.

The Mandatory Age Verification Process for 2026

In the modern 2026 environment, sports betting age limits in New Zealand are enforced through digital "Gatekeeping". Since the Entain-TAB partnership matured, the process of opening a betting account involves a mandatory ID check that utilizes government databases. You cannot simply click "I am 18" and start betting. You must provide a valid form of identification that the system verifies in real-time. This process is now a legal requirement for any authorized operator in New Zealand, ensuring that "Grey Market" access is effectively eliminated for minors.

Accepted Identification for NZ Bettors

To verify your age for sports betting, the TAB and other authorized providers accept a narrow list of high-integrity documents. These are designed to be "evidence of age" documents that stand up to regulatory scrutiny.

• NZ Passport: Current and valid.
• NZ Driver Licence: Current photo version.
• Kiwi Access Card: Formerly the HANZ 18+ card.
• Overseas Passport: For international residents living in NZ.

NZ Passport: Current and valid.

NZ Driver Licence: Current photo version.

Kiwi Access Card: Formerly the HANZ 18+ card.

Overseas Passport: For international residents living in NZ.

Penalties and Legal Consequences for Underage Betting

The law regarding sports betting age limits in New Zealand is not merely a guideline; it is an enforceable statute with significant penalties for both the punter and the provider. If a person under 18 is caught attempting to place a sports bet, they can be prosecuted and fined up to $500. However, the law is even stricter for those who enable underage gambling. A person who places a bet on behalf of a minor (known as "shoulder-tapping") can be fined up to $1,000. For the betting operator, allowing a minor to gamble is a serious offense that can lead to fines of $5,000 and the potential revocation of their license.

Trespass Orders and Future Eligibility

Beyond monetary fines, underage bettors often face "Social Penalties". Major operators like TAB NZ and SkyCity frequently issue trespass orders against minors caught on their premises. These orders usually last for two years, meaning even when the individual turns 18 (or 20 for casinos), they are still legally barred from entering the venue. For international visitors or students in NZ, a gambling prosecution can also have severe impacts on visa eligibility and renewal.

• Underage Punter: Fine up to $500.
• Third Party (Buying for a minor): Fine up to $1,000.
• Operator (Allowing a minor): Fine up to $5,000.
• Trespass Order: Mandatory 2-year ban from the venue.

Underage Punter: Fine up to $500.

Third Party (Buying for a minor): Fine up to $1,000.

Operator (Allowing a minor): Fine up to $5,000.

Trespass Order: Mandatory 2-year ban from the venue.

Advertising Restrictions and Protecting the Youth

A significant part of the sports betting age limits in New Zealand strategy involves the regulation of advertising. As of 1 May 2026, new and stronger advertising prohibitions have commenced, specifically aimed at reducing the exposure of gambling to those under 25. Advertisements for sports betting are strictly prohibited on television and radio between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm. Furthermore, "Paid Endorsements" by social media influencers, celebrities, and athletes are completely banned to prevent the glamorization of betting to younger audiences.

The 300-Metre Exclusion Zone

In 2026, betting advertisements are no longer allowed to be placed within 300 metres of any location where people under 18 regularly gather. This includes schools, sports fields, skateparks, and community centres. These rules are designed to ensure that the environment where young Kiwis live and play remains as "gambling-neutral" as possible. Any advertisement that is allowed must include clear "R18" age limit messaging and a call to action for free 24/7 support services.

The Strategic Partnership and Harm Minimisation

The 2023 strategic partnership between TAB NZ and global operator Entain has brought world-class technology to the enforcement of sports betting age limits in New Zealand. This partnership manages the "Safer Betting" tools that are now mandatory for all authorized NZ accounts. These tools allow punters to set hard limits on deposits, time, and spending, providing a technical barrier that complements the legal age limit. For younger adults (aged 18-25), these tools are particularly encouraged as they help establish healthy wagering habits from the outset.

Automated Risk Detection

The new 2026 platforms use AI-driven systems to identify "signs of harm" among young punters. If a newly registered 18-year-old shows erratic betting patterns or attempts to make multiple high-value withdrawals in a single day, the system can trigger a "Player Conversation" or a temporary account suspension. This proactive approach ensures that the legal age limit is backed by a duty of care that evolves with the player's behavior.

• Deposit Limits: Mandatory prompts to set daily/weekly caps.
• Activity Statements: Transparent logs of all wins and losses.
• Self-Exclusion: Immediate account closure for a set period.
• AI Monitoring: Real-time detection of high-risk wagering behavior.

Deposit Limits: Mandatory prompts to set daily/weekly caps.

Activity Statements: Transparent logs of all wins and losses.

Self-Exclusion: Immediate account closure for a set period.

AI Monitoring: Real-time detection of high-risk wagering behavior.

Offshore Betting: The Illegal "Grey Market"

For years, many Kiwis mistakenly believed that they could bypass sports betting age limits in New Zealand by using offshore websites. However, as of 28 June 2025, this is explicitly illegal. It is now unlawful for any offshore operator to offer sports or racing bets to persons in New Zealand, and it is equally unlawful for New Zealanders to place bets with them. These offshore sites are outside the "NZ Jurisdictional Net," meaning they offer zero legal protection to punters. If an underage Kiwi uses an offshore site and wins, the operator is not required by NZ law to pay out, and the punter has no recourse in NZ courts.

The Danger of Scams and Identity Theft

Offshore sites that still target New Zealanders in 2026 are often operating as "rogue" entities. They do not follow the DIA's harm minimisation rules and frequently lack proper age verification, making them a haven for underage gambling and financial scams. The DIA and New Zealand banks now coordinate to block payments to these unauthorized sites, making it increasingly difficult for any Kiwi—underage or otherwise—to access them.

Identifying and Supporting Young Problem Gamblers

While the 18-year limit is a vital guardrail, some young adults will still struggle with gambling addiction. In New Zealand, the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) and YouthLaw Aotearoa provide specialized support for young people who feel their betting is out of control. Part of the 2026 "Safer Betting" strategy involves educating whānau to recognize the signs of problem gambling in young adults, such as borrowing money from friends, neglecting study, or being unusually secretive about their phone activity.

Free and Confidential Support Services

New Zealand offers some of the world's most accessible support networks for those affected by gambling harm. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. If a young person (or their parent) is concerned about their wagering, they should immediately reach out to these national helplines.

• Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (Free 24/7 support).
• PGF Services: Specialized counseling for NZ punters and whānau.
• Safer Gambling NZ: Website with self-assessment tools and resources.
• Text Support: Text 8006 for immediate, confidential assistance.

Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (Free 24/7 support).

PGF Services: Specialized counseling for NZ punters and whānau.

Safer Gambling NZ: Website with self-assessment tools and resources.

Text Support: Text 8006 for immediate, confidential assistance.

Future Outlook: The 2026 Licensing Regime

As we move through 2026, the sports betting age limits in New Zealand landscape is entering its final phase of modernization. The government is currently auctioning up to 15 licenses for online casino gambling, which will be issued starting 1 December 2026. However, it has been made clear that these new casino licenses will not change the age limits for sports betting. Casino gaming—even online—will likely maintain a higher age threshold or stricter oversight than sports betting, as the government continues to treat these sectors as "Segmented Entities".

Closing the Grey Market for Good

By the end of 2026, the "Grey Market" in New Zealand will be officially over. Only providers who have applied for and been granted a license from the DIA will be allowed to conduct online casino gambling. For sports bettors, this means the environment will be simpler: if you aren't betting with TAB NZ, you are betting illegally. This clarity is the ultimate protection for young New Zealanders, ensuring they are only ever exposed to age-appropriate, regulated betting environments.

Final Thoughts on NZ Betting Age Limits

Navigating the sports betting age limits in New Zealand is a matter of both legal compliance and personal safety. While the 18-year limit for sports and racing is firmly established, the 2026 environment has introduced a level of technological enforcement and advertising restriction never before seen in Aotearoa. By centralizing all wagering through TAB NZ and closing the offshore loophole, the New Zealand government has created a "Fortress of Integrity" that protects young people while supporting the domestic sporting industry. Whether you are a new punter or a concerned parent, remember that the age of 18 is the absolute entry point—and it is one that is monitored 24/7 by the DIA and the latest in digital verification technology.

Ngā Pātai Auau (FAQ)

What is the legal age to bet on sports in New Zealand? You must be 18 years or older to legally place a sports or racing bet in New Zealand.

Can I bet on the horses if I'm under 18 with a parent? No. The legal age to bet on horse racing at the TAB is 18 years, regardless of parental supervision.

What happens if I'm caught betting underage at a TAB? You can be prosecuted and fined up to $500. Additionally, you may face a trespass order banning you from the venue for two years.

Is there an age limit for buying a Lotto ticket in NZ? Surprisingly, there is no legal age restriction for participating in traditional lotteries like Lotto, Keno, or Bullseye.

How old do I have to be to enter a SkyCity casino? You must be 20 years or older to enter the gaming floor of a brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand.

Can I use a student ID to verify my age for sports betting? No. Student IDs are not considered authorized "evidence of age" documents. You must use a Passport, Driver Licence, or Kiwi Access Card.

Is it legal to use an offshore site if I'm under 18? No. As of June 2025, it is unlawful for anyone in NZ to use offshore sports betting sites, regardless of age.

What is the fine for placing a bet for a minor? Anyone who places a bet on behalf of someone under 18 (shoulder-tapping) can be fined up to $1,000.

Does the legal age for sports betting change for online apps? No. The age limit of 18 years applies equally to physical TAB locations, online websites, and mobile apps.

Where can I get help if a young person has a gambling problem? You can call the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 or text 8006 for free, 24/7 confidential support.

1 DO FOLLOW EXTERNAL LINK: For more information on the history and regulation of wagering in Aotearoa, visit the Gambling in New Zealand Wikipedia page.