New Zealanders are known for their passion for gambling. When it comes to sports betting, it is safe to say that the industry is burgeoning in New Zealand. According to data compiled by Statista, sports betting expenditure reached NZD350 million in 2018. This only shows Kiwis’ affection for sports betting.
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. An interesting fact is that New Zealand does not grant licenses to foreign operators. There is only one locally licensed bookmaker, namely TAB NZ.
This means that Kiwis can resort to offshore online sportsbooks and wager on their favorite sport online without being prosecuted or penalized. But the lack of adequate regulation means that punters from New Zealand are easy prey for unfair practices.
Best Sports Betting Sites in New Zealand
There are many online sportsbooks that readily accept punters from New Zealand. As mentioned earlier, it is not illegal for Kiwis to use the services of foreign betting platforms. Although there is a licensed betting operator in New Zealand, it does not offer such great diversity in terms of betting markets as offshore sports betting sites.
Hence, punters from New Zealand prefer internationally licensed sportsbooks. The fact that these sportsbooks do not have NZ licenses does not mean they are illegal. Here is a list of reliable online sportsbooks that accept bets from Kiwis.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in New Zealand
At the moment of writing this article, there are no bonus restrictions in New Zealand, meaning Kiwis can benefit from various sports betting bonuses. Note that promotions are associated with terms and conditions that vary between sportsbooks.
Match Deposit Bonus 
Free Bet 
Risk-Free Bet 
Odds Boost Match Deposit Bonus
Kiwis who join an online sportsbook will most likely be treated to a generous Welcome Bonus. Such promotions will match your deposit by a specific percentage. Each Welcome Bonus has a maximum limit. For example, the bookmaker may offer a Welcome Bonus of 100% up to $200. Punters must deposit a specific amount to claim the Welcome Bonus.
However, match deposit bonuses usually come with a wagering requirement, ranging from 5x to 15x the bonus funds or deposit. Another thing sports fans must take into account is that only bets with minimum odds as specified by the bookie count toward the bonus turnover. Some markets may be excluded from the promotion.
Free Bet
Many bookmakers use free bets to attract the attention of newcomers. These promotions provide bettors with the opportunity to place a wager on sporting events without risking their funds. If the bet wins, punters will collect the winning amount. Note that 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 losing sleep over the outcome. The promotion provides bettors with the opportunity to get back their initial wager if their bet settles as a loss. Note that the amount refunded will be credited in the form of free bets. To collect a payout from the free bets, your wagers must win. Note that free bets can be used on various sports as long as punters meet the minimum odds requirement.
Odds Boost
An odds boost is a popular promotion among punters. The bookies increase the payout for a moneyline, point spread, or totals bets on specific sporting events, providing punters with the opportunity to benefit from more favorable odds. Odds Boosts enable punters to win more money with the same risk involved.
Betting Regulation in New Zealand
The most important piece of legislation that regulates the gambling industry in New Zealand is the Gambling Act of 2003. Under its provisions, locally-based gambling and sports betting companies are not allowed to offer their services to Kiwis unless licensed by the New Zealand Gambling Commission. The NZ Gambling Commission is responsible for issuing casino licenses, while the authority that regulates 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, which is run by the NZ Racing Board. It features odds on local and international leagues. Besides, it offers exciting betting options, including parlays, single-game betting, and in-play betting.
Kiwis can approach various foreign sportsbooks without being prosecuted or penalized. In fact, it is not illegal for New Zealanders to use the services of international betting sites. There are many New Zealand-friendly online sportsbooks licensed by reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Commission and the Gibraltar Gaming Authority.
New Zealand is among the countries that have taken a more liberal approach toward online sports betting. Residents of this country do not have to report their winnings generated from sports betting and pay taxes on them. Note that Kiwis under 18 years old are not allowed to wager on sports. 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 Sportsbook History of Betting Regulation in New Zealand
Gambling in New Zealand can be traced back to 1835 when the first horse race competition took place in the Bay of Islands. But in 1881, New Zealand implemented the so-called Gambling and Lotteries Act, which banned public betting. In 1932, the country regulated state-run lottery.
In 1971, the Racing Act came into force to regulate horse and greyhound racing throughout the country. New Zealand legalized land-based casinos in 1990 after passing the Casino Control Act. But the spread of the Internet has significantly changed the gambling industry, allowing casino fans and punters to wager on their favorite sports and games from the comfort of their homes. That is why the country introduced the Gambling Act of 2003, and since then, there have not been any significant legal changes.
Under this piece of legislation, remote gambling is illegal. However, the law does not prohibit Kiwis from wagering on sports or lottery games online. Thus, sports fans from New Zealand can use retail or offshore sportsbooks.
Selecting a Reliable Sportsbook
Kiwis can pick from a large number of online sportsbooks. However, if you decide to use the services of a foreign sportsbook, you should know that not all betting platforms are fair. That is why it is essential to do a little research. The first thing you have to do is to ensure that the online sportsbook is properly licensed by a reputable authority. Above-board sportsbooks usually provide information about their licenses at the bottom of their home pages.
After that check the betting markets and bet types supported. After all, if the betting platform does not provide lines for your favorite sport, there is no point in joining it. Be advised to also check the sports bonuses on offer and the terms associated with them.
Before you join a given online sportsbook, navigate to the banking page and familiarize yourself with the sportsbook’s deposit and withdrawal policy. Always look for an online sportsbook that offers reliable customer support services.