Best Sports Betting Apps NZ February 2026 

I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit testing out every NZ mobile betting app in the market. Most of them are rubbish, but there are a few that are actually good value. Based on my first-hand experience, below are the NZ betting apps worth your time in 2026. 

Read on for a full breakdown of each, including which are the best sports betting apps for football, racing, cricket and rugby. I also dig into the nitty gritty details around how betting apps in NZ work, given the latest offshore bookmaker law changes.

If you’re looking for an app to bet on sport, you need a platform that doesn’t lag when in the final minute of a match. Below are the five NZ betting apps that I trust, and my favourite thing about each.

OK, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. If you haven’t already, you’ll notice one big issue when it comes to betting apps in NZ: they aren’t available to download.

Huh? Why are we talking about them then? Well, here’s the deal. 

Since the law changed in 2025, TAB and Entain have been given a monopoly on the official NZ app stores. This means offshore sites are blocked from listing their apps there. Some may still show up, but I’d recommend steering clear - they’re either illegitimate knock offs, or, will be deactivated shortly.

This is all a bit of a pain, but never fear. There’s a workaround.

Instead of a traditional download, most offshore sites use what’s called a home screen shortcut. You just visit the bookie’s mobile site and tap the option to “Add to Home Screen”. This places an icon on your phone that looks and acts just like a regular app. For all intents and purposes, it is - it runs in full-screen mode, keeps your login details safe, and is just as fast as any real app.

So is all of this legal? Short answer: yes, for you.

While the government has made it harder for overseas firms to operate in New Zealand, those rules are aimed at companies, not punters. It’s still perfectly fine for you to seek out the best value. I personally still prefer offshore sites because they aren’t tied down by local restrictions, so they consistently have better odds and a wider range of markets.

So you’ve seen which apps I recommend, but I want to explain how I get to this place. I’m not just pulling names out of a hat - there’s rhyme and reason behind the sports betting apps I suggest you use. Here’s the checklist I’m going through anytime I evaluate an operator:

The Odds:

This is the biggest one for me. If a bookie isn’t offering top value, I’m simply not interested. I spend a lot of my time comparing prices across different apps to make sure I’m getting the best possible return on my stakes. Fancy features are great, but the bottom line is what keeps me coming back. If the odds are rubbish, I won’t be recommending a betting app.

The Mobile Experience:

I’m pretty ruthless when it comes to testing how these platforms perform. I want something that’s fast, easy to navigate, and feels exactly like the desktop version. If an app is clunky or keeps crashing when I’m trying to get a live bet on, it’s a no from me dog.

Range of Betting Markets:

If you’re downloading a betting app, chances are you’re a serious punter. I am, and for me, I need variety in betting markets. Whether it’s a niche player prop in the NBA or a specific winning margin in a Super Rugby match, I want plenty of choice. The more markets there are, the better I can plan my strategy.

Payment Options:

I’ve learned the hard way that a good range of payment options is a must. I look for NZ betting apps that offer secure ways to move money in and out. I also pay close attention to how long they take to pay out winnings. If it’s a hassle to get my cash, I won’t be recommending them to anyone.

Customer Support:

Hopefully things go smoothly for you, but I always test out an app’s customer support anyway. I’ve been around long enough to know that a simple issue can turn into a nightmare if there’s no help available. That’s why I check to see if a platform’s live chat is actually helpful and how quickly they respond.

Bonuses and Promotions:

I’m always on the hunt for a good bonus. With so many brands competing for our business, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the best offers. I look for things like multi boosts and regular free bets that actually add value to my betting, and only suggest the apps that give you the best bang for your buck.

It’s hard, maybe even impossible, to find one app that excels in every single category. Most bookies have a leaning, at least. Some are big on football, others love their promos or focus mainly on niche sports.

I’ve found that the trick is to match your betting style to an app’s strengths. If you’re a die-hard league fan, you don’t want an app that treats the NRL as an afterthought. Below, I’ve put together a bit of a guide for which app is best for which sport. Doesn’t mean the others aren’t - this is just based on my experience as a fan of all these sports.