Sports betting is legal in New Zealand, but operates under a strict monopoly system controlled by TAB NZ (1). Following significant legislative changes that came into effect on June 28, 2025, TAB NZ became the only legal operator authorized to offer online sports and racing betting services to New Zealand residents. The Department of Internal Affairs serves as the national gambling regulator, enforcing compliance with these new restrictions under amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020.
All forms of gambling in New Zealand are governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which establishes four distinct classes of gambling activities based on prize values and turnover amounts (2). The legislation creates a comprehensive framework that covers everything from small community raffles to large-scale commercial gambling operations. Prior to the recent changes, multiple offshore operators provided sports betting services to New Zealand customers, but this practice has now been completely prohibited.
"It is now illegal, under New Zealand law, for any person or organisation except TAB NZ, to promote or take bets on racing or sporting events from a person located in New Zealand."
The new monopoly system was designed to maximize financial returns to New Zealand's racing industry and sports organizations while increasing regulatory oversight and consumer protection measures. Under the current legal framework, any gambling operator other than TAB NZ that offers sports or racing betting to New Zealand residents is breaking the law and faces enforcement action from the Department of Internal Affairs. The government has indicated that a broader regulatory framework with multiple licensed operators may be introduced by 2026, potentially allowing up to 15 operators to serve the New Zealand market.
Source:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/press.nsf/d77da9b523f12931cc256ac5000d19b6/fc10df6cc41718afcc258cb9000e1668!OpenDocument
https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/housie-raffles/gambling
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
