Online sports betting in New Zealand is expected to be valued at $750bn by 2028. A thriving market wasn’t always inevitable; sports betting was once a modest pastime. However, it has recently exploded, with bettors eager to get involved and place bets on a range of sporting events on secure and fast online platforms.
What’s causing the sudden surge in popularity in New Zealand? In this blog, we will explore the phenomenon, looking at the main reasons why online sports betting is doing so well and why it’s set to grow further during the coming decade.
Greater access and convenience
Data shows there was a marked shift away from offline to online sports betting in 2020. The latter previously accounted for roughly 50% of all revenue, but this jumped to around 75% in 2021 and 2022. New Zealanders found online betting to be much more convenient, and never went back. Online betting is still trending up and will continue to account for a large proportion of overall revenue, which is tipped to hit $1bn in 2026.
Punters can now access sportsbooks via their smartphones and place bets with just a few taps on mobile-optimized websites and in high-quality apps. This is especially useful for ‘in play’ betting markets. There’s no longer any need to be in a sports betting shop to watch live action and place bets. With online sports betting, you can watch a Super Rugby game at Eden Park from the comfort of your home or while on the go, placing bets at the same time.
Strong sporting culture
Nobody can question New Zealand’s pedigree in top-level sport. The All Blacks have been a dominant force in rugby union for decades, and national teams regularly punch above their weight in other disciplines. This all stems from an exceptionally strong sporting culture in New Zealand. The passion for sports provides fertile ground for sports betting to grow and thrive in the country.
And it’s not just their own teams. New Zealanders love to follow franchises and events in other countries, including the Premier League, NBA and UFC. This broadens the appeal of sports betting at online sportsbooks that typically offer a huge range of markets and events to wager on.
Major technological advances
Online sports betting has also been aided by significant advances in technology. Twenty years ago, online sportsbooks were, by and large, clunky and slow. The user experience was generally subpar and security was lacking. Fast forward to 2025 and betting sites match the very best online platforms with easy-to-use interfaces packed with features and multiple payment methods.
A few of the technological advancements that are key to sports betting include:
● Mobile optimization – Operators now offer a fast and seamless experience across desktop and mobile versions of a site, and have created dedicated apps to help Kiwis bet via smartphones with ease.
● Secure payments – Operators now provide multiple ways to pay via secure portals. These are tailored to New Zealanders, with traditional bank transfers and credit cards joined by digital wallets such as Skrill.
● Gamification – Operators provide leaderboards, loyalty programs and other features that drive engagement and provide value to punters beyond simple betting markets.
● Cloud computing – Operators now use cloud servers and a stronger backend to support live betting with real-time odds. These interactive markets are much more enjoyable for sports bettors due to the dynamic nature of live sports.
More informed choices
Signing up to a sportsbook was once a risky prospect for New Zealanders. Back in the day, it was difficult to find honest and accurate reviews for sites. However, this has all changed with the emergence of independent comparison sites. Now, instead of being in the dark when creating an account online, players have full knowledge of what to expect.
Finding the top sportsbooks in New Zealand has never been easier. If you take a look at the betting sites on the trusted BetKiwi, you’ll notice that they have all been rated, with an overview of key features and a list of available promotions. This makes it much easier for bettors to make an informed decision – and reduces the chances of losing money to a fraudulent operator.
Better bonuses and promotions
Comparison sites also highlight one of the biggest draws for new players: promotions and bonuses. The availability of compelling welcome offers in the form of free spins and cashback has been key to broadening the appeal of online sportsbooks for New Zealanders. New users now have an incredible choice of promotions – nearly every site offers one, as you can see at BetKiwi.
Many platforms also tailor these promotions for locals. There might be, for example, bonuses themed for major events such as the Rugby World Cup. And these promotions also appeal to regular players by incentivizing loyalty via reload bonuses, VIP clubs, mission-based rewards and referral bonuses. It all adds up to a better package for online sports bettors.
Entertainment culture
Another reason why the market is growing is the changing attitude to gaming. It’s no longer considered a niche activity – it’s part of the mainstream. Punters now feel part of a broader narrative, with the rise of social media and other online communities that connect the dots and bring people together. There are betting leagues and office sweepstakes. Sports betting is seen as a way to socialize responsibly with friends.
Many online betting sites feed into this by making their platforms more interactive. The operators themselves also get involved through social media accounts, which increases engagement during big sporting events and helps to build bonds and strengthen relationships with consumers.
What does the future look like for online sports betting in NZ?
There’s even more good news on the horizon. The government is finally planning to put a licensing framework for online casinos in place by 2026. This will help to safeguard consumers by putting more protections in place. The arrival of AI, VR, blockchain and other new technologies will also improve the quality and experience of online platforms.
Whether you’re a casual sports fan or a seasoned punter, there’s never been a better time to get involved with sports betting in New Zealand.
