Legal Betting Sites in New Zealand 2025

It’s no secret that New Zealanders love sports. Sports betting is a favourite pastime down under, with legal betting sites flourishing in New Zealand. But having a punt has become a murky area recently, given the law changes to online betting for Kiwis in 2025. 

Read on as we breakdown all you need to know about betting on sports, legally, in New Zealand. Want to be confident that you’re not breaking the law? Keen to find out which bookies are legitimate and have the best track record? Below, I run over the best legal sports betting sites available in New Zealand and tell you what you need to do to find them. 

From sports coverage to payment options, licenses and everything in between, I’ve discussed and dissected every detail to bring you the ultimate guide below.

Disclaimer: 

All of the bookies we promote on this page are trustworthy, legitimate brands that are legally licensed to offer gambling activities by some of the world’s leading authorities. That said, as we’ll touch on below, New Zealand is in a transition period with online gambling, so not all of their services will be legal for Kiwis to partake in with.

New Zealand has a well-defined regulatory framework under which all legal sports betting sites must operate. All gambling activity in New Zealand is supervised and regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs and the New Zealand Gaming Commission. 

The New Zealand Gaming Commission grants all the licenses. The organisation also keeps an eye on operators so that they act within the regulations set by Gambling Act 2003. The Department of Internal Affairs manages public education, monitoring, and enforcement of legal and responsible gaming policies.

Until recently, there was something of a loophole in this process.

Legal access to offshore betting apps was available to New Zealanders providing these platforms follow international regulatory guidelines. This meant that Kiwis were not restricted to the few physical bookies available - instead, they could wager on dozens of different sites online.This led to a very competitive gambling scene in New Zealand, and a range of options for punters. 

However, in June 2025, the government passed legislation banning any offshore bookie from accepting business from New Zealand customers. 

That leaves the NZ betting scene in a strange place. There are plenty of excellent bookmakers out there that are licensedכ and legitimate, but have been banned from accepting bets from Kiwis by the government.

The question is whether or not these bookies comply. Some have geo-blocked their services, while others are dragging their feet, hoping for a law change or for new licences to be granted. Still others are slightly more lax with their vetting, requiring less proof regarding a customer’s country of origin.

So while most offshore bookies have been banned, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still opportunities to shop around. Read on for some of our recommendations of where to look.

Here are some of the legal betting sites that New Zealanders can still bet on safely, if they are able to get access: 

• BetAndPlay
• PlayUp
• Picklebet
• Leo Vegas
• Neospin
• 22Bet
• Vincispin
• Sportaza
• Malina Casino
• RTBet
• Palmerbet
• QuickWin
• Power Play
• Bet365

If I were to further narrow down the list, I would recommend these three sites to my fellow New Zealand sports gamblers: 

Check Licensing and Regulation

Football betting sites and other sports betting sites should be licensed and regulated by a reputable authority like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission. This guarantees fair play, secure transactions, and customer protection.

Look for a Wide Range of Sports and Markets

A decent sportsbook should include a wide range of popular sports including rugby, cricket, football, and horse racing. They must also offer other betting markets including handicap betting, over/under, and match odds.

Don’t look for sports specific options, like rugby betting sites or MMA betting sites. You must look up legal sports betting sites that come with a wealth of legal wagering options across a vast range of markets. 

Compare Odds and Promotions

Compare the odds presented by several sportsbooks to guarantee you obtain the most value for your bets before registering. To maximise your betting experience, also seek bookies that have welcome bonuses, free bets, and continuous promotions.

Always using the same betting site is an unrewarding approach, in my opinion. So, I always search for new and trustworthy betting sites to shop for the best odds and promos.

User-Friendly Platform and Mobile App 

A smooth betting experience highly depends on a well-designed website and mobile app. With quick access to your preferred sports and markets, the platform ought to be simple to use. The bookie should have a functional mobile app that gives you the flexibility to gamble on the go. 

Reliable Customer Support

Any questions or problems should be quickly addressed by responsive customer care staff. Search for sportsbooks with several support channels like live chat, email, phone, etc.

Prioritise Local Accessibility

Look for sites that cater specifically to New Zealand users. I want to see features such as support for NZD, popular local payment methods (e.g., POLi and bank transfers), and customer service available during the local working hours in the country.

Now, let’s find out what you need to do to place bets legally in New Zealand. We will break down the entire process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. 

Step 1. Choosing a Legal Sportsbook

First, we need to choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook. As I’ve already said, it’s important to use operators with appropriate licenses to safeguard your investments. Look for bookies greenlit by credible authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.

Step 2. Register Your Account 

Once you’ve chosen a legal betting site, the next step is to register an account. Usually, this involves offering some personal details such as your name, residence, birthdate, and confirmation of identification. You need to provide the right information to avoid any future complications.

Follow these steps:

• Go to the website of your chosen sportsbook.
• Go to the registration page by clicking “Join Now” or “Sign Up”. 
• Fill out all the fields in the following page. Just a reminder that you must provide accurate information if you intend to withdraw. 
• Choose a strong, unique password. Try mixing up numbers, alphabets, and symbols.
• Now, you need to submit proof of identification and address. A government issued ID would do. So, you can upload scanned copies of your passport, utility bill, or Kiwi Access Card. 
• Read and accept the terms and conditions to complete the registration. 

Step 3. Making a Deposit

You can make a deposit to begin betting once your account has been validated. Most sportsbooks let you pay using a range of choices including:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard
• E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter
• Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers
• Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard, Neosurf
• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.

Choose a payment method that suits your preferences and make a deposit. 

Step 4. Placing a Bet

Now that you have topped up your account, it’s time to see what sporting events the site is currently covering and what markets are available. If you had googled “legal horse betting sites”, you might want to browse horse betting markets and events. Or, you might get interested in another event as you browse the site and place your bets accordingly. 

Here’s another simplified step-by-step guide:

• Enter your username and password to access your account.
• Choose the sport you want to bet on, such as rugby, cricket, football, or horse racing.
• Select the specific market you want to bet on, such as match winner, over/under, or handicap.
• Click on the desired odds to add the selection to your bet slip.
• Specify the amount you want to wager on your bet.
• Review your bet slip and confirm your bet.

Step 5. Check Out Responsible Gambling Measures (If Necessary)

Gamble sensibly and put spending limits in place to make sure you don’t end up losing more money than you want. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you or someone you know suffers from gambling. Gambling Helpline NZ is always there to help anyone struggling with gambling addiction predicaments. 

The New Zealand government wants Kiwis to enjoy sports betting, without causing harm to society. Therefore, it passed the Gambling Act in 2003 and made required adjustments to it so that it satisfies the regulatory requirements of the modern betting scene. 

As touched on above, there was a loophole in the government’s regulation which allowed offshore bookies to operate still.

As of 30 June 2025, that loophole has been addressed through amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020. Here’s a look at what those changes are:

“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,” a press release from the Department of Internal Affairs said.

“Gambling operators that previously offered online racing and sports betting in New Zealand have been notified that they must withdraw with immediate effect.

“This prohibition applies specifically to sports and racing betting. It does not affect online casino gambling, which will be regulated by forthcoming legislation, including licences for approved operators.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Internal Affairs explained these changes further when they came into place:

“We expect that responsible gambling operators will respect and comply with this law change,” said Director of Gambling Vicki Scott.

“We encourage gamblers based in New Zealand to be aware of the risks of placing sports or racing bets with providers other than the TAB and betcha brands. If an overseas company is offering you these bets, they are breaking the law here.

“Gamblers should be extremely cautious of those operators, who may be based in jurisdictions with minimal consumer safeguards in place. They might lack adequate measures to address gambling harm and may not return unspent credits or even pay out on large wins.”

So What Does This Mean for Kiwis?

As touched on already, international gambling sites are set up outside of New Zealand, but are often still available to Kiwi punters. This means that while they’re legitimate betting option, they aren’t technically legal for New Zealanders.

What’s the best way to proceed, then? I’d advise assessing the bookmakers based on the benchmarks I have mentioned above. Do they come with licenses from trustworthy authorities in other countries? Do they have good reviews on forums? Does it have reliable and responsive customer support? 

If you're confident in the platform's legitimacy, then go for it: it’s perfectly legal.

Gambling is fun, until it’s not! While it may sound like a bit of a downbuzz to come up with a plan and limits before betting, it’s more of a downbuzz to have your life destroyed by an unchecked addiction.

Your best bet is to have a sensible gambling strategy in place before setting foot (or, mouse?) in an online casino. Just because things might be starting off as a bit of fun, doesn’t mean you’re immune to the dangers of addiction, like many millions of others around the globe.

Are you safe if you use the best legal football betting sites or similar top-tier betting platforms? Security-wise, yes; but addiction-wise, no! Therefore, everyone needs to be aware of sensible gambling methods. 

Knowing your limitations, being aware of the risks, and, if needed, get help. That’s what responsible gambling is all about. Keep reading for more on why responsible gambling is so important and where you may get help, should you need it.

The Importance of Setting Limits and Gambling Responsibly

If you take one thing away, it’s this: set limits. Setting limits is such a key component of responsible gaming. From figuring out how much time you want to spend, to the money you are willing to commit, have a plan in place in advance. From my experience, I can assure you that it keeps sports betting fun and exciting, rather than a destructive habit.

Look out for troubling signs too. React as soon as you realise that gambling is affecting parts of your life it shouldn’t. You should get help right away if you feel that betting is compromising your relationships, financial situation, or emotional health. Responsible gambling is key to maintaining a good balance. 

Organisations Offering Support for Problem Gambling in New Zealand

Many organisations in New Zealand are ready to help those struggling with gambling addiction. Here are some that can help you out with some much needed interventional tools and counselling: 

• Gambling Helpline NZ: A free, private helpline open around-the-clock providing guidance and encouragement for people impacted by gambling.
  
• Problem Gambling Foundation: Offers individuals and families impacted by gambling support services including counseling, education, and community outreach.
  
• Gamblers Anonymous NZ: A self-help group providing a 12-step program for fighting gambling addiction. 
  
• The New Zealand Lotteries Commission: Provides methods and resources for controlling gambling, including self-exclusion schemes for those needing a break.

Tips for Maintaining Control Over Betting Activities

• Set Time and Money Limits: As touched on above, decide the exact amount of time and money you are ready to commit to gambling before you start. Never cross these limits; keep to them no matter what.
• Never Chase Losses: If you're losing, resist the need to put bigger wagers in order to recover your money. Pursuing losses is a recipe for disaster in most cases. Know when to turn away.
  
• Take Regular Breaks: Steer clear of binge gambling sessions. Stop often to check in on your mental status. Make sure that you never feel compelled to bet. 
  
• Avoid Gambling When Emotional: Gamblers under stress, anger, or alcohol might lose judgment and make bad decisions.
  
• Self-Exclusion Programs: Self-exclusion choices available on many online betting systems allow you to limit access to your account for a specified period. If you think gambling is starting to cause problems, think about this alternative.

Resources for Help

There are several tools available to assist and support someone you know or yourself if you suffer from problematic gambling. All legal betting sites provide responsible gaming resources. On top of that, you have several other options to keep your gambling habits under control.

Agencies like the Problem Gambling Foundation offer professional counseling and rehabilitation, while the Gambling Helpline NZ is open 24/7 for immediate assistance. If you believe that your gambling habits are spiraling out of control don't hesitate to get in touch with proper authorities; it's never too late to get help and start managing.

Yes, live betting is legal in New Zealand. While neighbours Australia are no fans of live betting and passed legislation to ban live sports betting, that’s not the case in New Zealand. That means, you have the liberty to look up live odds on legal horse racing betting sites on platforms like Bet365 and Betway and place bets accordingly. 

Betting on sports legally in New Zealand is a tricky space.

On the one hand, there are very limited domestic options governed by NZ legislation. On the other hand, there are dozens and dozens of international options that are technically banned from accepting bets from New Zealand customers. However, it’s not illegal for Kiwis to bet on them, if they’re able to.

Sound weird? Yes, it sort of is. But don’t worry. It’s not bad weird, it’s just… Weird weird. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and broken down everything you need to know about legal sports betting sites accessible in New Zealand.

Since betting in New Zealand is a bit of a grey area right now, it’s super important you stick to the ones we recommend. We’ve done the leg work, figured out if they’re legit or not, so that you can safely, and legally, bet on sports.

You’re welcome! Return the favour by clicking on a bunch of the links in this article, will ya?