| Updated: September 26, 2025New Zealanders are known for their passion for gambling. When it comes to sports betting, the industry in New Zealand is undoubtedly growing. According to data compiled by Statista, sports betting expenditure reached NZD 350 million in 2018. This figure underscores Kiwis’ enthusiasm for wagering on sports.
While the country does not allow New Zealanders to play at online casinos, the law does not prohibit sports fans from betting at internationally licensed betting sites. Interestingly, New Zealand does not grant licenses to foreign operators. There is only one locally licensed bookmaker, namely, TAB NZ.
This means that Kiwis can use offshore online sportsbooks and wager on their favorite sports without fear of prosecution or penalties. However, the lack of adequate regulation leaves bettors from New Zealand vulnerable to unfair practices.
Best Sports Betting Sites in New Zealand
There are many online sportsbooks that readily accept bettors from New Zealand. As mentioned earlier, it is not illegal for Kiwis to use the services of foreign betting platforms. Although New Zealand does have a licensed betting operator, it does not provide the same diversity of betting markets as offshore sports betting sites.
Therefore, many bettors from New Zealand prefer internationally licensed sportsbooks. The fact that these sportsbooks do not hold NZ licenses does not mean they operate illegally. Below is a list of reliable online sportsbooks that accept bets from Kiwis.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in New Zealand
At the time of writing, there are no bonus restrictions in New Zealand, which means Kiwis can take advantage of various sports betting bonuses. Keep in mind that these promotions come with terms and conditions that vary by sportsbook.
Match Deposit Bonus Free Bet Risk-Free Bet Odds BoostMatch Deposit Bonus
Kiwis who sign up with an online sportsbook are usually greeted with a generous Welcome Bonus. Such promotions match your deposit by a certain percentage, yet every Welcome Bonus is capped at a maximum amount. For example, a bookmaker might offer a 100% match up to $200. Punters must deposit a specific amount to claim the Welcome Bonus.
However, match deposit bonuses typically come with a wagering requirement that ranges from 5x to 15x the bonus funds or the deposit. Another thing sports fans must take into account is that only bets placed at the minimum odds specified by the bookie count toward the bonus turnover, and some markets may be excluded from the promotion.
Free Bet
Many bookmakers use free bets to attract newcomers. These promotions allow bettors to place a wager on sporting events without risking their own funds. If the bet wins, punters collect the winnings; however, the free bet amount will be deducted from your profits.
Risk-Free Bet
Many online sportsbooks offer risk-free bets, allowing punters to place a wager without worrying about the outcome. This promotion gives bettors the chance to recoup their initial stake if their bet is settled as a loss. The refunded amount is credited as free bets. To withdraw any winnings from these free bets, your subsequent wagers must win. Free bets can be used on various sports as long as you meet the minimum odds requirement.
Odds Boost
An odds boost is a popular promotion among punters. Bookmakers increase the payout for moneyline, point spread, or totals bets on specific sporting events, giving bettors the chance to benefit from more favorable odds. Odds boosts enable punters to win more money with the same amount of risk.
Betting Regulation in New Zealand
The most important piece of legislation regulating the gambling industry in New Zealand is the Gambling Act of 2003. Under its provisions, locally based gambling and sports betting companies may not offer their services to Kiwis unless they are licensed by the New Zealand Gambling Commission. The NZ Gambling Commission issues casino licenses, while the authority overseeing gambling activities in the country is the Department of Internal Affairs.
Although web-based casinos are strictly prohibited, Kiwis can legally bet online on lottery games, horse racing, and sports. The only company authorized to offer online lottery games is Lotto NZ, while TAB NZ is licensed to provide online sports betting and horse racing services.
TAB NZ is the only locally licensed bookmaker in the country and is run by the NZ Racing Board. It features odds on local and international leagues and offers exciting betting options, including parlays, single-game betting, and in-play betting.
Kiwis can also access various foreign sportsbooks without facing prosecution or penalties. It is not illegal for New Zealanders to use the services of international betting sites, and many New Zealand-friendly online sportsbooks hold licenses from reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Commission and the Gibraltar Gaming Authority.
New Zealand has taken a liberal approach toward online sports betting. Residents are not required to report or pay taxes on winnings generated from sports betting. Note that Kiwis under 18 years old are not allowed to wager on sports, and New Zealanders must be at least 20 years old to enter a land-based casino and play for real money.
History of Betting Regulation in New Zealand Selecting a Reliable SportsbookHistory of Betting Regulation in New Zealand
Gambling in New Zealand dates back to 1835, when the first horse race was held in the Bay of Islands. In 1881 the country adopted the Gambling and Lotteries Act, which banned public betting. By 1932, the government had regulated the state-run lottery.
In 1971, the Racing Act came into force, regulating horse and greyhound racing nationwide. New Zealand legalized land-based casinos in 1990 with the passage of the Casino Control Act. The advent of the Internet significantly changed the gambling industry, enabling casino fans and punters to wager on their favorite sports and games from home. To address this, the country introduced the Gambling Act of 2003, and since then there have been no major legal changes.
Under this legislation, remote gambling is illegal; however, the law does not prohibit Kiwis from wagering on sports or lottery games online. As a result, sports fans in New Zealand may use retail or offshore sportsbooks.
Selecting a Reliable Sportsbook
Kiwis can choose from a wide range of online sportsbooks. If you decide to use a foreign sportsbook, remember that not all platforms are trustworthy, so a little research is essential. First, ensure that the online sportsbook is properly licensed by a reputable authority. Above-board operators typically display licensing information at the bottom of their home pages.
Next, review the available betting markets and bet types. After all, if the platform does not offer lines for your favorite sport, there is little point in joining. Be sure to also evaluate the sports bonuses on offer and read the terms attached to them.
Before registering, visit the banking page and familiarize yourself with the sportsbook’s deposit and withdrawal policies. Finally, look for an online sportsbook that provides reliable customer support services.