Sports betting laws NZ explained: A Comprehensive Regulatory Guide

Understanding the current landscape of sports betting laws NZ explained is essential for any punter in Aotearoa, especially following the massive regulatory overhaul that took effect in 2025 and early 2026. The New Zealand wagering market has transitioned from a permissive "grey market" to a strictly regulated monopoly for sports and racing, alongside a newly licensed regime for online casinos. Under the amended Racing Industry Act 2020, TAB NZ—operated through a 25-year strategic partnership with global giant Entain—is now the sole legal provider for all online and land-based sports and racing wagers. This guide provides a deep dive into the legal frameworks, the explicit ban on offshore operators, and the robust consumer protection tools mandated by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to ensure that betting remains a safe, transparent, and domestic-focused activity.

The evolution of sports betting laws in New Zealand is driven by a desire to keep gambling revenue onshore to support local sporting and racing communities while minimizing the social costs of problem gambling. Previously, many Kiwis used offshore platforms like Bet365 or Stake; however, as of 28 June 2025, it is unlawful for these overseas providers to accept bets from New Zealand residents. This "legislative net" ensures that the estimated $180 million annually lost to offshore commercial interests is redirected back into the New Zealand industry. For the punter, this means that while the act of betting itself is legal, the choice of platform is now restricted to authorized domestic brands like TAB and Betcha.

• Exclusive Provider: TAB NZ is the only organization legally permitted to offer online racing and sports betting in NZ.
• Offshore Ban: It is illegal for offshore bookmakers to accept wagers from Kiwis as of June 2025.
• New Casino Licenses: A separate 15-license auction for online casinos began in 2026, though these licenses exclude sports betting.
• DIA Oversight: The Department of Internal Affairs acts as the primary regulator for all online gambling activity.

Exclusive Provider: TAB NZ is the only organization legally permitted to offer online racing and sports betting in NZ.

Offshore Ban: It is illegal for offshore bookmakers to accept wagers from Kiwis as of June 2025.

New Casino Licenses: A separate 15-license auction for online casinos began in 2026, though these licenses exclude sports betting.

DIA Oversight: The Department of Internal Affairs acts as the primary regulator for all online gambling activity.

The Legal Foundation: Gambling Act 2003 vs. Racing Industry Act 2020

The legal pillar of the industry is the Gambling Act 2003, which establishes that all gambling in New Zealand is illegal unless specifically authorized. Historically, this Act prohibited "remote interactive gambling" (online betting) but contained a loophole for offshore sites. This was permanently resolved by the Racing Industry Amendment Act 2025, which granted TAB NZ an exclusive statutory monopoly on the entire sports and horse racing market—both land-based and online. This move brought the legal framework up to date with the digital age, ensuring that the "house" always has a New Zealand base and is subject to local consumer laws.

The Role of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)

The DIA is the chief regulatory body responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing the "legislative net". In 2026, the DIA's powers have been significantly expanded to include issuing take-down notices for illegal advertising and coordinating with internet service providers to block unauthorized offshore sites. Serious breaches of the advertising prohibition can now result in fines of up to $5 million for companies, reflecting a shift toward aggressive market protection.

TAB NZ and the Entain Strategic Partnership

To understand sports betting laws NZ explained, one must look at the 25-year strategic partnership between TAB NZ and global operator Entain, which commenced in June 2023. Under this deal, Entain manages the day-to-day betting operations of the TAB, utilizing its world-class technology to provide Kiwis with a competitive digital experience. A key condition of this agreement was the enactment of the 2025 legislation to secure a legal monopoly. This partnership has already injected $100 million into the NZ racing and sporting sectors upon the passing of the law, with more significant funding guaranteed over the partnership's life.

Funding the New Zealand Sporting Ecosystem

The primary benefit of this legal structure is the redistribution of profits. Unlike offshore sites that keep 100% of their revenue, TAB NZ is the core funding source for New Zealand's racing industry and a major contributor to over 30 different sporting codes through Sport NZ. By betting through authorized channels, punters are directly contributing to the development of local facilities and grassroots athlete programs across Aotearoa.

• Sport NZ Funding: A portion of betting turnover is earmarked for national sport development.
• Racing Viability: The monopoly ensures the long-term survival of NZ racing clubs.
• Local Integrity: TAB NZ is subject to the Racing Integrity Board's oversight for all events.
• Profit Retention: Millions of dollars stay in NZ rather than going to offshore commercial firms.

Sport NZ Funding: A portion of betting turnover is earmarked for national sport development.

Racing Viability: The monopoly ensures the long-term survival of NZ racing clubs.

Local Integrity: TAB NZ is subject to the Racing Integrity Board's oversight for all events.

Profit Retention: Millions of dollars stay in NZ rather than going to offshore commercial firms.

The Ban on Offshore Betting Operators

The most impactful change for modern punters is the total prohibition on offshore sports betting. Since late June 2025, it has been unlawful for any overseas operator to accept wagers from individuals located in New Zealand. The DIA has notified all unlicensed providers to withdraw from the market, and many major brands like Bet365 have already shuttered their NZ-facing operations. This law has extra-territorial effect, meaning providers are breaking NZ law regardless of where they are physically based.

Consumer Risks of Unregulated Sites

The DIA encourages bettors to be extremely cautious of any overseas company still offering sports bets to Kiwis. These sites operate outside of the New Zealand legal net, meaning players have no legal recourse if the site refuses to pay out winnings or mishandles personal data. Furthermore, these sites lack the mandatory harm-minimization tools required by New Zealand law, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion registers.

Online Casinos vs. Sports Betting: The 2026 Shift

A significant nuance in sports betting laws NZ explained is the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill in early 2026. While sports betting is a TAB monopoly, the government has opened a separate licensing regime for online casinos (slots and table games). Up to 15 licenses will be auctioned in late 2026, allowing commercial operators to legally offer casino products to Kiwis for the first time. It is vital to note that these 15 license holders are strictly prohibited from offering bets on actual sports or racing; those remain the exclusive domain of the TAB.

The 15-License Auction and Criteria

The licensing process is highly competitive, starting with expressions of interest in July 2026 and followed by an auction in September. Only 15 licenses are available to ensure the market remains controlled and to minimize regulatory complexity. Operators like SkyCity and potentially international brands like Betway are expected to bid, with successful licensees commencing trade from 1 December 2026.

• Platform Specific: Each license is tied to a single website or brand.
• License Limit: A single provider can hold a maximum of three licenses.
• Synthetic Lotteries: Licensed operators are banned from offering "synthetic lotteries" on protected NZ lottery games.
• Market Entry: Any brand not obtaining a license must exit the NZ casino market by early 2027.

Platform Specific: Each license is tied to a single website or brand.

License Limit: A single provider can hold a maximum of three licenses.

Synthetic Lotteries: Licensed operators are banned from offering "synthetic lotteries" on protected NZ lottery games.

Market Entry: Any brand not obtaining a license must exit the NZ casino market by early 2027.

Mandatory Consumer Protections in 2026

The 2026 regulatory environment prioritizes "Safer Betting" through mandatory digital tools. Unlike offshore sites, authorized NZ platforms are legally required to provide features that help punters stay in control. These protections are monitored by the DIA to ensure that gambling remains an entertainment activity rather than a source of financial distress.

Deposit Limits and Self-Exclusion

Under the new laws, all authorized platforms must offer tools for players to set limits on time, deposits, and total spending. Furthermore, as of early 2026, the use of credit cards and "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities for gambling is strictly prohibited. This ensures that Kiwis only bet with money they already have, preventing debt-fueled gambling. A national self-exclusion register is also being developed to allow punters to block themselves from all 15 licensed platforms and the TAB in one single step.

Advertising Restrictions and Penalties

Another critical aspect of sports betting laws NZ explained is the crackdown on gambling advertisements. Starting 1 May 2026, new and stronger advertising prohibitions will commence, moving away from the previously permissive landscape. These rules are designed to prevent the glamorization of betting and protect vulnerable audiences, particularly those under the age of 25.

The Ban on Influencers and Prime-Time Ads

The law now prohibits operators from using social media influencers, athletes, or celebrities to promote their brands. Furthermore, advertisements cannot be shown on television or radio between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm. Breaching these rules now carries massive pecuniary penalties—up to $5 million for companies. This ensures that while betting is legal, it isn't aggressively pushed in the public sphere.

• Influencer Ban: No athletes or celebrities in betting commercials.
• Time Exclusions: No ads during standard daytime hours.
• Outdoor Bans: No gambling billboards within 300m of schools or parks.
• Frequency Caps: Licensed operators are limited to a set number of ads per 24-hour period.

Influencer Ban: No athletes or celebrities in betting commercials.

Time Exclusions: No ads during standard daytime hours.

Outdoor Bans: No gambling billboards within 300m of schools or parks.

Frequency Caps: Licensed operators are limited to a set number of ads per 24-hour period.

Tax, Levies, and the Problem Gambling Levy

The 2026 system is built to ensure that the gambling industry contributes fairly to society. This is achieved through a combination of taxes and the Problem Gambling Levy. All licensed online casino operators must pay a 12% online casino duty, which is scheduled to increase to 16% on 1 January 2027. This revenue is used by the government to fund healthcare, education, and community infrastructure.

Funding Harm Minimization Services

A critical component is the 1.24% Problem Gambling Levy, which all licensed providers—including the TAB—must pay starting in December 2026. This money is specifically ring-fenced to fund the National Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm. This ensures that the costs associated with treating gambling addiction are borne by the industry itself rather than the general taxpayer.

Minimum Age and Identity Verification Laws

Integrity is a central theme in sports betting laws NZ explained. As of 2026, the minimum age for all forms of online gambling—including the TAB and the 15 licensed casino platforms—is 18 years. However, the law has introduced much stricter "know your customer" (KYC) requirements to prevent minor gambling and money laundering.

Mandatory Age Verification at Setup

Every authorized platform must now perform mandatory age verification before a player can place a bet. Furthermore, it is now a criminal offense to knowingly or recklessly gamble on behalf of someone under 18, carrying fines of up to $10,000. This ensures that the R18 barrier is a physical, digital hurdle that cannot be easily bypassed.

• Identity Check: Punters must provide valid NZ ID (Passport/Driver License).
• Address Check: Proof of residency is required to comply with the "legislative net".
• Account Limit: A player is only allowed to hold one account per platform.
• Anti-Money Laundering: Platforms must report suspicious transactions to the DIA.

Identity Check: Punters must provide valid NZ ID (Passport/Driver License).

Address Check: Proof of residency is required to comply with the "legislative net".

Account Limit: A player is only allowed to hold one account per platform.

Anti-Money Laundering: Platforms must report suspicious transactions to the DIA.

Offshore Betting Blockades: How the "Legislative Net" Works

The term "legislative net" isn't just a metaphor; it refers to the physical and digital blockades implemented by the DIA in 2026. Because offshore betting is now illegal, the DIA works with internet service providers to block the IP addresses of known offshore sportsbooks. This makes it difficult for Kiwis to even access unauthorized sites without using high-level technical workarounds like VPNs—which are themselves often blocked by the bookmakers' own regional filters.

Payment Processor Prohibitions

Another layer of the net involves New Zealand's banking system. The DIA has worked with major banks to identify the merchant category codes associated with illegal offshore gambling. As a result, many NZ debit cards will simply fail when used on unauthorized sites. This financial blockade is the most effective tool in ensuring that sports betting laws NZ explained are actually followed by the general public.

• ISP Blocking: DIA can issue take-down notices for illegal betting sites.
• Bank Monitoring: Prohibiting payments to unauthorized overseas bookmakers.
• Credit Card Ban: Total ban on credit card use for any online gambling in NZ.
• Advertising Takedowns: DIA can order the removal of social media ads for offshore sites.

ISP Blocking: DIA can issue take-down notices for illegal betting sites.

Bank Monitoring: Prohibiting payments to unauthorized overseas bookmakers.

Credit Card Ban: Total ban on credit card use for any online gambling in NZ.

Advertising Takedowns: DIA can order the removal of social media ads for offshore sites.

Summary of Sports Betting Laws in 2026

Navigating the landscape of sports betting laws NZ explained in 2026 is actually simpler than in previous years: for sports and racing, there is only one legal show in town. By centralizing all wagering through TAB NZ, the government has created a safe, transparent, and financially sustainable ecosystem that supports New Zealand sport while protecting its people. While the introduction of 15 online casino licenses adds more digital options, the clear separation between sports betting and casino gaming ensures that the vital funding for Aotearoa's athletes remains secure.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 and 2026 regulatory changes represent a massive "strategic victory" for New Zealand integrity. By ending the offshore "grey market" and mandating world-class harm minimization, the New Zealand government has set a global standard for how a small nation can manage the risks and rewards of the digital gambling age. For the punter, the law is clear: stick to authorized domestic brands like TAB and Betcha to ensure your funds are safe and your betting activity contributes to the future of New Zealand sport. Remember, any overseas site claiming to be legal for Kiwis is likely breaking the law and offers you zero protection.

Ngā Pātai Auau (FAQ)

Is sports betting legal for residents of New Zealand in 2026? Yes, but exclusively through TAB NZ and its authorized brands (like TAB and Betcha). Betting with offshore operators is now illegal.

Can I still use offshore sites like Bet365? No. As of late 2025, offshore providers are prohibited from accepting bets from New Zealand residents.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports online in NZ? The minimum age for all online gambling, including sports betting, is 18 years.

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

What is the "legislative net"? It is the system of digital and financial blockades used by the DIA to prevent unauthorized offshore bookmakers from targeting Kiwis.

How do I know if a site is authorized? Authorized sites will prominently display their New Zealand license from the DIA. Currently, only TAB NZ (and its brands) is authorized for sports betting.

Why was the offshore betting ban introduced? To protect Kiwis from unregulated sites and to ensure that betting revenue is returned to the New Zealand sporting and racing industry.

Can I bet using my credit card? No. As of early 2026, the use of credit cards and "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities for any form of online gambling is prohibited.

What are the 15 new licenses being auctioned in 2026? These are for online casinos (slots and poker). These licensees are strictly prohibited from offering bets on actual sports or racing.

Where can I get help if I have a problem with my gambling? You can contact the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

1 DO FOLLOW EXTERNAL LINK: For a detailed historical perspective and the full text of New Zealand's wagering legislation, visit the Gambling in New Zealand Wiki page.