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Legal Sports Betting NZ

The NZ gambling act, NZ betting laws and everything you need to know about legal online betting NZ

Is Online Betting Legal in NZ?

Answer: Yes

Online betting is legal in New Zealand because the NZ Gambling Act only regulates betting and gambling activities that originate from within New Zealand.

This means that using an online betting site, or online casino, is completely legal because these activities originate outside of New Zealand and therefore they do not fall under NZ betting laws.

It is estimated that half of New Zealand's sports betting now takes place with online bookmakers

Therefore, if you choose to bet online, you will certainly not be alone.

Below you'll find more information on exactly what the NZ Gambling Act 2003 says, what the NZ gambling commission is and what the history of sports betting in NZ is.

You'll also find all the best sports betting sites, bettings apps, and online casinos available for New Zealanders. All of these sites are completely legal, and safe.

At My Betting Sites NZ, we are committed to helping you find the best online sports betting sites in NZ.

Legal Betting Sites NZ

Top 5 - Legal online sports betting sites NZ

Bet365

Best Odds in NZ
  • NZ's favourite Intl bookie
  • Best odds in New Zealand
  • Best live betting & streaming
  • Fantastic mobile experience
  • Can't pay with PayPal
  • Simple spreadsheet design
Sign Up Bonus
100% up to $100 in Bet Credits
ClaimGo to website

Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting company

Website: bet365.comFounded: 2000
Owner: Hillside (New Media) LtdHeadquarters: Stoke
Bet365 NZ Homepage
Bet365 NZ Live Betting
Bet365 Casino NZ

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

Bet365 is New Zealand’s most popular online bookmaker, behind the TAB, and it’s easy to see why. Bet365 has the most NZ and world sports betting markets of any online bookie. They also have the best odds, the most live streaming options, and an easy-to-claim welcome bonus. We highly recommend Bet365 and if this is the only online sportsbook that you use then you definitely won’t be disappointed.

Visit Bet365

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Betway

Free Bet King
  • Daily odds boosts
  • Weekly free bet promos
  • Multi builder & cash out
  • Many NZ & Intl markets
  • Design is not beautiful
  • Hard to contact support
Sign Up Bonus
$150 matched Free Bet
ClaimGo to website
Website: betway.comFounded: 2006
Owner: BetwayHeadquarters: Malta
Betway Sports
Betway In Play
Betway Casino

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

After launching in 2006, Betway quickly became one of the biggest online betting sites in the world. Today, Betway has over 2 million global players, and a huge variety of world and New Zealand sports including rugby, horse racing, cricket, and more. Betway’s consistent promotions and their many payment options are just some of the reasons why we love this bookie.

Visit Betway

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888sport

Best value bonus
  • Very competitive odds
  • Great live & multi options
  • Top for US sports & soccer
  • Generous promos & bonuses
  • Lower welcome offer
  • Android app is weak
Sign Up Bonus
100% up to $250 First Deposit Bonus
ClaimGo to website
Website: 888sport.comFounded: 2008
Owner: 888 Holdings PLCHeadquarters: Gibraltar
888sport NZ Sports Betting
888sport NZ Live Betting
888casino NZ Online Gambling

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

888sport may not be one of the most well-known bookies in New Zealand but it is definitely one of our favourites. 888Sport has made a name for itself as a sportsbook that offers great ongoing bonuses, heaps of sports betting markets and great live-betting and bet-building options.

Visit 888sport

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LeoVegas

Top Betting App
  • Awesome, user-friendly app
  • Quick, helpful 24/7 support
  • Quality NZ sports odds
  • Mobile focused website
  • Limited live streaming options
Sign Up Bonus
$50 matched Free Bet
ClaimGo to website
Website: leovegas.comFounded: 2011
Owner: LeoVegas Gaming plcHeadquarters: Stockholm
Leo Vegas NZ Sports
Leo Vegas NZ Live Betting
Leo Vegas NZ Casino

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

LeoVegas is well known for the top-notch LeoVegas online casino but its online sportsbook is also one of the best out there. As a relatively new player in the bookie game (2016), LeoVegas has gone from strength to strength and is widely regarded as the best mobile sportsbook. LeoVegas offers plenty of NZ sports betting options and with functional, engaging graphics, good customer support and competitive odds we rate LeoVegas highly.

Visit LeoVegas

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TonyBet

  • Plenty of NZ sports
  • Very wide range of bets
  • Accepts many payments
  • No live streaming
  • Busy site, hard to use
Sign Up Bonus
100% up to $150 First Deposit Bonus
ClaimGo to website
Website: tonybet.com/nzFounded: 2003
Owner: Tonybet OÜHeadquarters: Estonia

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

TonyBet began its life as OmniBet but after pro poker player Tony G bought the site it was transformed into TonyBet. While this level of narcissism may put you off, do know that TonyBet has plenty to offer Kiwi bettors. This includes a very diverse range of betting options, including all NZ professional leagues. You can also expect plenty of casino options, weekly bonuses for sports, a huge number of payment methods, and even weekly prediction games.

Visit TonyBet

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22bet

  • Big sign-up bonus
  • Most betting markets
  • Most payment methods in NZ
  • Info isn't always in NZD
  • Navigation may be confusing
Sign Up Bonus
100% up to $250 in Bet Credits
ClaimGo to website
Website: 22bet.com/nz/Founded: 2017
Owner: Marikit HoldingsHeadquarters: Cyprus
22bet Homepage
22bet Live Betting
22bet Online Casino

Summary

Author: Mason Kelliher Mason Kelliher

22Bet is one of New Zealand's newest betting sites (launched 2017) and it's already an industry leader for many reasons. 22bet has one of the biggest sign-up bonuses in New Zealand, as well as plenty of other bonuses for existing customers. 22bet also has 52 different payments methods and is NZ's only cryptocurrency betting site. Overall, the breadth of markets offered by 22bet beats almost every other betting site with their Esports, TV and entertainment markets being especially strong.

Visit 22bet

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Frequently Asked Questions - Legal Gambling & Sports Betting NZ

Answering your questions about NZ betting laws, NZ gambling laws, NZ betting regulations and legal online sports betting sites

📜 What does the NZ Gambling Act 2003 say?

A lot of things. The Gambling Act 2003 is a long document that outlines pretty much all the betting laws and gambling laws in NZ and how they should be applied.

When it comes to using online betting sites and online casinos though, it is only really important to understand that it is legal for New Zealanders to bet and gamble online. This is because the NZ Gambling Act only prohibits commercial entities from operating from within New Zealand's borders.

Therefore, it is legal for New Zealanders to use online sports betting and online gambling sites that are based offshore. All of the sites listed on My Betting Sites NZ fit this category and are therefore legal betting sites in NZ

👮 What is the NZ Gambling Commission?

While NZ gambling is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs, the Gambling Commission is an independent body that makes decisions about gambling licences, casino venues, complaints about gambling and also advises the government about problem gambling in NZ. The Gambling Commission was formed as a part of the Gambling Act 2003.

🎰 What is considered as gambling in NZ?

As per the Gambling Act 2003, gambling in NZ has been categorised into four different classes. Note that these classes only refer to gambling that happens from within NZ borders.

Gambling classes 1 to 3 mainly refer to lotteries, prize competitions, games of chance and instant games while Class 4 Gambling mostly refers to high-risk, high-turnover gambling outside of casinos (i.e. Gaming machines in pubs and clubs).

Class 1

  • Prizes and turnover do not exceed $500
  • No licence needed

Class 2

  • Prizes exceed $500 but do not exceed $5,000
  • The potential turnover of the gambling exceeds $500 but does not exceed $25,000
  • No licence needed

Class 3

  • Prizes in the gambling activity, or in one session of the gambling, exceed $5,000
  • Licence needed from the Department of Internal Affairs

Class 4

  • May only be conducted by a corporate society and only to raise money for an authorised (e.g. community and non-commercial) purpose
  • Licence needed from the Department of Internal Affairs

🇳🇿 Is gambling legal in NZ?

Yes. Any Kiwi who has used pokie at a pub, bought a Powerball ticket, or scratched an Instant Kiwi scratchie knows that gambling in NZ is legal. Gambling online is also legal in NZ and can be done with any of the online casino operators that we list on this website.

Legal online casinos often have many more online slots, heaps more casino games and much bigger jackpots than any NZ casino or NZ lottery.

🏉 Is betting legal in NZ?

Anybody who has ever had a flutter on the races or taken a punt on the rugby with the TAB NZ should know that betting is legal in NZ. What is more, online betting, with any of the NZ betting sites that we review is also legal in NZ and around half of New Zealand's sports betting is done online with online operators.

🖥 Is it legal to bet or gamble online?

Yes. Gambling and betting online are both completely legal for Kiwis. This is because the NZ Gambling Act 2003 only restricts betting and gambling that originates from within New Zealand borders. However, all of the online sites that we review are based, and licenced, in other countries and therefore it is legal to bet and gamble online with them.

🔒 Are online sports betting sites safe?

All of the sports betting sites that we review are safe, legal and reliable. Many have been around for years and have millions of worldwide customers every year. They also all have customer support staff and betting licences in countries like the UK, Australia, Malta and Gibraltar.

Two of the most trustworthy NZ betting sites are 888sport and Betway.

⚖ Is bet365 legal in NZ?

Yes. Bet365, like all the biggest and best online bookmakers, is legal for NZ players. Bet365 is one of our favourite betting sites and it is also New Zealand's favourite bookie behind the TAB.

Bet365 offers live-streaming capabilities, a fantastic mobile app and the best odds of any sportsbook out there so we highly recommend checking it out.

Legal Sports Betting Sites NZ

Featured above are five of our favourite legal sports betting sites in New Zealand.

However, you should know that ALL of the betting sites and online casinos that you find on My Betting Sites NZ are legal and safe for Kiwis to use. We've just included the word 'legal' because if you're on this page you were probably interested in legal betting sites 😉

Not only are all of the betting sites on here legal in the eyes of NZ gambling laws and NZ betting laws but these sites all have licences in the countries they are located.

The online gambling companies on this website have licences in the UK, Australia, Malta, Gibraltar and other countries.

This should provide you with an extra layer of assurance because you know that somewhere in the world these sites are being watched and monitored and therefore they can be trusted.

The reason that the best online betting sites and gambling sites don't have licences in NZ is that the NZ government doesn't give gambling licences and betting licences to offshore bookmakers.

Only a few betting and gambling operations have NZ licences and these include, the TAB NZ, Lotto NZ, Instant Kiwi and SkyCity Casinos.

Legal Sports Betting Sites NZ

#1 Trusted Sports Betting Site in NZ

Bet365 NZ Sign-Up Offer

Sign-Up Bonus: 100% up to $100 in Bet Credits

Bet365 is New Zealand's most trusted and used international online sports betting site.

  • 100% Legal & Safe: Bet365 has over 45 million global customers and is the most popular offshore betting site in NZ. They have been online for 20 years and are probably the most recognizable, trustworthy sports betting website in the world.
  • Best NZ Odds: Bet365 is well-known for having an enormous range of sports betting markets. With fantastically priced odds and all NZ fixtures from domestic rugby, football and cricket, to international championships and world cups, Bet365 is hard to beat.
  • Live Betting & Live Streaming: If you want to catch a piece of the action, instead of just betting on it, then you can watch thousands of live-sports matches and races online with Bet365 NZ.

NZ Gambling Act

Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Gambling Act 2003 is the NZ law that governs betting and gambling in NZ and explains what is legal, and what is illegal. As the name suggests, this law was passed in 2003.

The key to the NZ Gambling Act is that it does not restrict online gambling and betting when the website originates outside of New Zealand.

The NZ Gambling Act only regulates betting and gambling companies that operate from within New Zealand.

This means that online sports betting and online gambling are completely legal in New Zealand.

Because all of the best betting sites are based in other countries, it is legal for New Zealanders to use them.

What's in the Gambling Act?

The NZ Gambling Act prohibits most forms of gambling that originate from within New Zealand borders.

9 - Gambling prohibited

(1) Gambling is prohibited and illegal unless it is—

(a) authorised by or under this Act and complies with this Act and any relevant licence, game rules, and minimum standards; or

(b) authorised by or under the Racing Act 2003 and complies with that Act and any regulations made under it; or

(c) private gambling.

(2) The following types of gambling are prohibited and illegal and are not authorised by and may not be authorised under this Act:

(a) bookmaking:

(b) remote interactive gambling.

Basically, the Gambling Act restricts the formation of new casinos, new bookmakers, and new betting sites that are based in New Zealand.

RITA (the Racing Industry Transition Agency) which operates NZ's only on-shore sportsbook, the TAB NZ, is exempted from this part of the Gambling Act. So are Kiwi gambling institutions like Lotto NZ and Instant Kiwi.

16 Advertising overseas gambling prohibited

(1) A person must not publish or arrange to publish, in New Zealand, an overseas gambling advertisement.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to publishing or arranging to publish—

(a) a health message concerning gambling; or

(b) an advertisement for services to prevent, minimise, or treat harm; or

(c) a message about preventing, minimising, or treating harm; or

(d) an advertisement for gambling equipment intended for distribution only to buyers of gambling equipment; or

(e) an advertisement in which the publicising or promotion of gambling or a gambling operator is incidental to the purpose of the advertisement.

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

(4) The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, restrict the application of this section, if satisfied that an order is necessary to enable New Zealand to comply with its international obligations relating to trade in services that are or will become binding on New Zealand.

This part of the Gambling acts restricts people from advertising gambling sites and companies from within New Zealand.

NZ players are safe from the law

It's also important to understand that the Gambling Act 2003 is only directed toward betting and gambling companies. In other words, the NZ law doesn't care about players but instead, it cares about commercial entities.

Therefore, players are not at risk of getting in trouble for their betting and gambling. Only the operator that is facilitating this gambling or betting can be prosecuted.

Be aware that this also means that NZ players are not protected from dodgy betting sites under NZ law. This means that you will want to choose only safe, reputable sports betting websites and gambling sites like the ones listed on My Betting Sites NZ.

NZ Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission is an independent decision-making body that was formed as a result of the Gambling Act 2003.

The responsibilities of the gambling commission include:
  1. Accepting and renewing casino operators' licences and casino venue licences
  2. Reviewing agreements and changes to agreements between casino operators and casino venue licence holders
  3. Specifying, varying and revoking casino licence conditions
  4. Determining appeals against regulatory and licensing decisions made by the Department of Internal Affairs
  5. Hearing complaints about the way the Department has handled complaints in relation to gambling
  6. Advising Ministers on the setting of the problem gambling levy
  7. Advising the Minister of Internal Affairs on matters relating to the performance of the Commission's functions and the administration of the Gambling Act 2003

Legal Betting Sites

List of Legal Betting Sites in New Zealand

  1. Bet365 - NZ's fav Intl betting site
  2. Betway - Great for free bets & multis
  3. 888sport - Generous promos
  4. LeoVegas - Great betting app
  5. TonyBet - All popular NZ sports
  6. 22bet - Most payment methods
  7. Rabona - New, innovative site
  8. FansBet - Honest betting site
  9. BetVictor - Great bet builder
  10. Royal Panda - Top for live betting
  11. Guts - Particularly good for soccer
  12. 20BET - 2000+ bets for some games
  13. Mr Play - Good sign up bonus
  14. Ladbrokes - Great for local racing
  15. Neds - Same race/game multis
  16. PlayUp - Great fixed odds
  17. Conquestador - Detailed stats
  18. Karamba - Top customer support
  19. Betiton - Fast markets & cash out
  20. Rizk - Unique & fun option
  21. Draftstars - Biggest fantasy prizes

NZ's Best Legal Online Bookmakers

  1. 100% up to $100 in Bet Credits

    Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting company

  2. $150 matched Free Bet

  3. 100% up to $250 First Deposit Bonus

  4. $50 matched Free Bet

  5. 100% up to $150 First Deposit Bonus

  6. 100% up to $250 in Bet Credits

  7. 100% up to $200 First Deposit Bonus

  8. 200% up to $3000 in Cash Bonuses

  9. 150% matched Free Bet up to $150

Legal Betting Apps NZ

Just as betting online and gambling online is legal, using NZ betting apps is also legal and safe for Kiwis.

All of the betting apps below are available on the NZ App Store and can be used on iPhones and iPads.

These betting apps are also available on Android devices but the Google Play store does not have any betting or gambling apps so you will have to download them directly from the companies' website.

Legal Betting Apps NZ

There are many factors that should go into your choice of betting app.

Do they also have a casino app? Is there live-streaming available? How easy is the app to use? What is the betting sign-up bonus like?

Below you'll find all the best legal betting apps that are available for NZ players. They are all free to download and use.

Trusted Sports Betting Apps NZ

  1. Winners of Multiple iGaming Awards

  2. Great Live Betting & Live Streaming

    Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting company

  3. Great Odds & Daily Odds Boosts

  4. Many Ongoing Bonuses & Promotions

  5. 48 Different Payment Methods

  6. NBA & Soccer Multi Builder

  7. Popular in Australia & Trusted Since 1886

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

  8. Competitive Odds & Unique Betting Options

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

  9. Market-Leading Racing Odds & Easy to Use

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

  10. Best Tote + SP, Top Fluc & Exotics

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

  11. 200+ Betting Options for Popular Sports

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

  12. Large Multi Boosts up to 77%

  13. 15+ Different Fantasy Sports with Big Prizes

    Due to Australian betting regulations, sign-up offers and other bonuses for existing players cannot be displayed online

Leovegas NZ Sports Betting App

Our favourite NZ betting app is the LeoVegas NZ sports betting app

Legal Online Casinos NZ

New Zealand's physical casino offerings are limited to the pokie machines you might find at your local RSA or the following six casinos:

  • Dunedin Casino
  • Christchurch Casino
  • SkyCity Auckland
  • SkyCity Hamilton
  • SkyCity Queenstown
  • Skycity Wharf Casino

Despite this, online casino sites, like the ones listed below, are available, legal and safe for New Zealand players. Again, the Gambling Act does not restrict NZ players from signing up and playing at offshore online casinos.

With legal online casinos, you have the opportunity to play a variety of table games from poker and blackjack to roulette and baccarat.

Live casino games are also legal and give you the chance to play against people from around the world, or sometimes even against your friends.

Online casinos also have much bigger jackpots then NZ casinos with some online slot jackpots being worth upwards of $15 million NZD.

Legal Casino Sign-Up Bonuses NZ

  1. 100% up to $1000 +150 Free Spins

  2. 100% up to $500 +100 Free Spins

  3. 100% up to $1000

  4. 25% - 100% up to $2000

  5. 100% up to $800 +200 Free Spins

  6. 25% - 100% up to $1000

  7. 200% up to $500 +20 Free Spins

  8. 100% up to $300 +50 free Spins

  9. 100% up to $200 (USD)

  10. 100% up to $100

  11. 100% up to $1200 +50 Free Spins

  12. 100% up to $500

  13. 100% to 200% up to $2000 +200 Free Spins

  14. 100% up to $400 +100 Free Spins

  15. 100% up to $200 +120 Free Spins

  16. 100% up to $200 + 120 Free Spins

  17. 100% up to $150 +150 Free Spins

888casino NZ online gambling

The 888casino is one of the best online casinos NZ players can play at

History of sports betting and gambling in NZ

1877

The Otago Art Society operated the first New Zealand "Art Union" which was originally a lottery that was used to help raise funds for the organisation.

1920

Bookmaking was declared illegal in NZ and betting on racing was only available at race-tracks or with illegal private bookmakers.

1933

The first national lotteries were founded. These "Art Unions" had small prizes and in the early days were alluvial gold.

1950's

"Art Unions" had low returns so many Kiwis chose to illegally purchase tickets in overseas Australian lotteries. A government review of lotteries was conducted in the latter part of 1950's.

1961

The Totalizator Agency Board (TAB) and the national Golden Kiwi lottery were introduced.

1987

The New Zealand Lotteries Commission was established and Lotto tickets became available for Kiwis for the first time. Slot machines, or pokies, were also introduced and were originally operated by charitable foundations in hotels and bars.

1989

The Golden Kiwi lottery was replaced with Instant Kiwi scratchies.

1993

Lotto Strike began.

1994

New Zealand's first Casino, Christchurch Casino opened its doors. Keno tickets also became available for the first time. The TAB privatised.

2001

Powerball first became available.

2003

The NZ Gambling Act came into effect. The New Zealand TAB was replaced with the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB). The betting arm of the racing board retained the TAB branding.

2005

Big Wednesday started (ended in 2015).

2014

Play 3 began (ended in 2019).

2017

Instant Play became available.

2019

The New Zealand Racing Board became the Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA).

2020

TAB NZ took control of RITA following the passing of the Racing Act 2020.