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Sports Betting in New Zealand 2026
Everything Kiwi punters need to know about sports betting under the TAB NZ monopoly. From the Entain partnership and rugby odds to payment methods, responsible gambling and how the new regulatory framework shapes your options.
TAB NZ: New Zealand's Betting Monopoly
New Zealand's sports betting landscape is fundamentally different from most other developed markets. There is no open licensing system, no competing bookmakers and no legal pathway for international operators to serve Kiwi punters domestically. Instead, the entire market runs through a single entity: TAB NZ, the statutory monopoly holder for all sports and race betting in the country.
TAB NZ traces its origins to the Totalisator Agency Board, established in 1950 to provide off-course betting on horse racing. For decades it operated exclusively as a tote (totalisator) betting service, where odds are determined by the pool of money wagered rather than being set by a bookmaker. The organisation evolved over time, rebranding as the New Zealand Racing Board and eventually as TAB NZ, gradually expanding its remit beyond racing to include sports betting.
The legal framework underpinning TAB NZ's position was significantly strengthened by the Racing Industry Act 2020. This legislation restructured the governance of the New Zealand racing industry and reaffirmed TAB NZ's exclusive right to conduct betting on racing and sporting events. A critical milestone arrived on 28 June 2025, when new provisions took effect making it explicitly unlawful for offshore operators to offer online race or sports betting to New Zealand residents. This closed a grey area that had existed for years, during which many Kiwis used international bookmakers operating from jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar and Curaçao.
Today TAB NZ offers two primary forms of betting: totalisator (tote) betting, where your payout depends on the total pool and how many other punters backed the same outcome, and fixed-odds betting, where the odds are locked in at the time you place your bet. Fixed-odds betting has grown substantially in recent years and now accounts for the majority of TAB NZ's sports betting revenue. The tote remains popular primarily for horse racing, where pool betting has deep cultural roots in New Zealand.
TAB NZ's revenue does not flow to private shareholders. As a statutory body, its profits are distributed back to the New Zealand racing industry (thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing codes) and to New Zealand sport through grants administered by Sport NZ. This funding model means that every dollar wagered through TAB NZ contributes to the infrastructure that supports community sport, racing prize money and industry employment across the country. In the 2024/25 financial year, TAB NZ distributed more than NZ$180 million to racing codes and sporting bodies.
For bettors, the monopoly structure has both advantages and limitations. On the positive side, TAB NZ operates under rigorous regulatory oversight from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), which means strong consumer protections, transparent harm-minimisation measures and guaranteed payout of winnings. On the other hand, the absence of competition means there is no odds-shopping between bookmakers, no competitive welcome bonuses and limited pressure for TAB NZ to match the margins offered by major international operators. The Entain partnership, discussed in the next section, is designed to address some of these competitive shortcomings.
The Entain Partnership
In June 2023, TAB NZ announced a transformative 25-year partnership with Entain, one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming companies. Entain operates major international brands including Ladbrokes, Coral, bwin and Sportingbet, and provides technology to BetMGM in the United States. The deal represents the most significant change to New Zealand's betting landscape in decades.
Under the partnership, Entain provides TAB NZ with its proprietary betting technology platform, replacing TAB NZ's legacy systems that had fallen behind international standards. The new platform powers everything from odds compilation and risk management to the customer-facing website and mobile app. For Kiwi punters, this translates into a substantially improved betting experience: more markets per event, faster live betting, better odds compilation and a modern mobile interface comparable to what punters in Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe have come to expect.
The breadth of markets is where the change is most noticeable. Before the Entain partnership, a typical rugby test match on TAB NZ might have offered 20 to 30 betting markets. With Entain's technology, that number has expanded to 80 or more markets per match, including try-scorer markets, handicap lines, total points bands, half-time results, player performance props and a wide range of live in-play markets. For global sports like football, tennis and basketball, the expansion is even more dramatic.
The partnership also brings improved live betting (in-play) capabilities. Entain's platform supports real-time odds updates with lower latency, meaning odds adjust faster to reflect what is happening on the field. Cash-out functionality, which allows punters to settle bets before an event finishes, has been enhanced with partial cash-out and auto cash-out options. These features were either absent or rudimentary on TAB NZ's previous platform.
From a financial perspective, the deal is structured so that Entain receives a share of TAB NZ's revenue growth rather than a flat fee. This incentivises Entain to continually improve the product and grow the betting market, which in turn increases the distributions flowing back to New Zealand racing and sport. The New Zealand government approved the partnership following consultation, recognising that a more competitive product was necessary to bring offshore bettors back to the regulated domestic market.
It is important to understand that TAB NZ remains the licensed operator. Entain is a technology and services partner, not a bookmaker operating independently in New Zealand. All regulatory obligations, responsible gambling requirements and consumer protections remain with TAB NZ under the oversight of the Department of Internal Affairs. Entain does not hold a separate gambling licence in New Zealand.
What Sports Can You Bet On?
Rugby Union
Rugby union is the beating heart of New Zealand sport and, unsurprisingly, the most popular betting sport in the country. The All Blacks are a global sporting institution, and test matches against Australia (Bledisloe Cup), South Africa, England, Ireland and France consistently generate the highest betting volumes on TAB NZ. Markets for All Blacks tests are extensive: match winner, winning margin, handicap (start price and line), total points over/under, first try-scorer, anytime try-scorer, halftime/fulltime result, highest-scoring half, player to score 2+ tries and many more.
Super Rugby Pacific runs from February to June and features New Zealand's five franchises — the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders — competing against Australian, Fijian and Samoan/Tongan teams. Super Rugby generates strong betting interest throughout the season, with full market coverage including player prop bets and live in-play betting on every match. The introduction of Entain's platform has significantly deepened the markets available for Super Rugby fixtures.
The National Provincial Championship (NPC) is New Zealand's domestic provincial competition, running from August to November. While NPC attracts lower betting volumes than Super Rugby and All Blacks tests, it offers dedicated Kiwi punters an opportunity to bet on matches where local knowledge can be genuinely valuable. TAB NZ covers all NPC matches with core markets including head-to-head, handicap and total points.
International rugby events such as the Rugby World Cup, the Rugby Championship and Six Nations (for those following northern hemisphere rugby) receive comprehensive coverage. Outright tournament winner markets open months in advance, and individual match markets are deep enough to satisfy serious rugby bettors.
Rugby League
The New Zealand Warriors are the country's sole team in Australia's NRL (National Rugby League), and Warriors matches draw significant betting interest from Kiwi punters. TAB NZ offers full NRL coverage with head-to-head, handicap (line), total points, try-scorers, margins, halftime results and a growing range of player props. The NRL season runs from March to October, with the finals series and grand final attracting particularly high betting volumes. State of Origin, the annual representative series between New South Wales and Queensland, is also heavily bet on despite New Zealand not having a team involved.
Cricket
Cricket holds a special place in New Zealand's sporting calendar. The Black Caps (men's team) and White Ferns (women's team) compete in test matches, ODIs and T20 internationals, all of which are covered by TAB NZ. Test cricket generates steady betting interest, particularly when New Zealand hosts tours from Australia, England, India or South Africa. Markets include match result, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, method of dismissal and session runs for live betting.
T20 cricket has exploded globally, and New Zealand punters can bet on the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), ICC T20 World Cup and other major T20 competitions. The fast pace of T20 makes it well-suited to in-play betting, with odds shifting ball by ball. Domestic cricket including the Super Smash T20 competition also receives TAB NZ coverage during the New Zealand summer.
Netball
Netball is one of New Zealand's most popular participation sports, and the Silver Ferns are followed with genuine passion. TAB NZ offers betting on Silver Ferns internationals, the Constellation Cup (annual series against Australia), Netball World Cup and the domestic ANZ Premiership. Netball betting markets are simpler than rugby — typically match winner, handicap and total goals — but the sport's growing professionalisation is driving increased betting interest and deeper market offerings year on year.
Horse Racing & Greyhound Racing
Racing is the foundation upon which TAB NZ was built, and it remains a core part of the betting landscape. New Zealand has a rich thoroughbred, harness (trotting) and greyhound racing industry, with meetings held at tracks across the country throughout the year. TAB NZ offers both tote and fixed-odds betting on domestic racing, with full coverage of every meeting. Major events like the New Zealand Cup (Riccarton, Christchurch), the Auckland Cup Carnival and the Interislander Summer Festival generate peak betting activity.
Australian racing is equally popular with Kiwi punters. TAB NZ provides full coverage of every Australian meeting, with particular emphasis on Group 1 races. The Melbourne Cup is the single largest betting event on TAB NZ's calendar — it transcends sport in both Australia and New Zealand and attracts casual punters who may not bet on anything else all year. Other major Australian events including the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, The Everest and Golden Slipper all receive comprehensive market coverage.
Football, Tennis & Other International Sports
With the Entain platform powering TAB NZ's international sports offering, Kiwi punters now have access to a global range of sports betting markets. Football (soccer) coverage includes the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, A-League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The All Whites' (now New Zealand Football Ferns and Phoenix) path through Oceanian qualifiers attracts domestic interest.
Tennis is popular year-round with all four Grand Slams, ATP and WTA tour events and Davis Cup matches available. Basketball (NBA, NBL), golf (PGA Tour, DP World Tour, major championships), motorsport (Formula 1, MotoGP, V8 Supercars), boxing and MMA/UFC are all covered. The Entain partnership has been particularly beneficial for niche and international sports, which now carry market depth that TAB NZ's legacy platform could not support.
How TAB NZ Betting Works
Creating an Account
Opening a TAB NZ account is straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old and a New Zealand resident. Registration requires your full name, date of birth, residential address and a valid form of identification. TAB NZ verifies your identity electronically in most cases, though you may be asked to provide a copy of your driver's licence or passport if the electronic check cannot be completed. Once verified, you can deposit funds and begin betting immediately.
The Mobile App
The TAB NZ app is the primary way most Kiwi punters interact with the platform. Available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play), the app has been substantially overhauled since the Entain partnership. The current version features a cleaner interface, faster navigation, improved live betting with real-time odds streaming, cash-out functionality, multi-bet builder tools and push notifications for results and odds changes. The app supports biometric login (fingerprint and face recognition) for quick access.
The app also provides integrated form guides for horse racing, with past performance data, track conditions, jockey and trainer statistics and speed maps. For sports betting, basic match statistics, head-to-head records and team form guides are available within the app, helping punters make more informed decisions without needing to switch to external resources.
Bet Types: Fixed Odds vs Tote
TAB NZ offers two distinct betting products. Fixed-odds betting locks in your odds at the moment you place your bet. If you take $2.50 on the All Blacks to win, you receive $2.50 for every dollar wagered regardless of how the odds move after you place your bet. Fixed odds are available on virtually all sports and racing events and are the most popular choice for sports bettors.
Totalisator (tote) betting pools all wagers on an event together, deducts the operator's commission (takeout), and distributes the remaining pool among winning bettors proportionally. Your final payout is not known until betting closes. Tote betting is most commonly used for horse racing and offers exotic bet types like Quinella (picking the first two finishers in any order), Exacta (first two in correct order), Trifecta, First 4 and Pick 6. The tote dividend is displayed as an indicative (approximate) figure that can change right up until the event starts.
Live Betting Features
Live betting (in-play betting) has been dramatically improved through the Entain partnership. Punters can now bet on events as they unfold, with odds updating in real time. For major rugby and cricket matches, live markets include next try/wicket, current set/half winner, live handicap and total points/runs lines that adjust as the match progresses. Cash-out is available on most pre-match and live bets, allowing punters to lock in a profit or cut losses before the event concludes. Partial cash-out lets you settle part of your bet while leaving the remainder running.
TAB Retail Outlets
Despite the growing dominance of online and mobile betting, TAB NZ maintains a network of retail outlets across New Zealand. These include standalone TAB stores, agency outlets in pubs and clubs, and on-course betting facilities at racetracks. Retail outlets remain popular with older demographics and those who prefer the social aspect of watching racing and sport while placing bets. You can place bets, collect winnings and manage your TAB NZ account at any retail location. Self-service terminals are available at many venues, offering the same markets as the online platform.
Betcha & Other Betting Options
While TAB NZ dominates the sports betting landscape, Betcha is the only other domestic betting option that has emerged in New Zealand. Betcha launched as a social and peer-to-peer style betting platform and operates within New Zealand's gambling framework, although its product range is substantially more limited than TAB NZ's. Betcha focuses on a smaller selection of sports and events, and its market depth, live betting capabilities and racing coverage do not match TAB NZ's comprehensive offering.
For most Kiwi punters, TAB NZ remains the practical choice for sports betting. Betcha may appeal to casual bettors looking for a different user experience or those interested in its social features, but serious sports bettors will find TAB NZ's market range, racing coverage and Entain-powered technology far more comprehensive.
Historically, many New Zealand bettors used offshore bookmakers such as bet365, Sportsbet, Pinnacle and others operating from overseas jurisdictions. These operators offered sharper odds, wider market coverage and competitive promotions that TAB NZ could not match. However, the regulatory transition that began in 2025 has progressively curtailed access to these operators. Similar changes are reshaping New Zealand's online casino market, as the country moves toward a licensed domestic framework for all forms of online gambling.
The Regulatory Transition
New Zealand's gambling regulatory landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. The Gambling (Online Casino Gambling) Amendment Act 2026 represents a landmark shift, introducing a licensing framework for online casino games while reinforcing the regulatory structure around sports betting. For sports bettors specifically, the key developments revolve around the phase-out of offshore operators and the strengthening of TAB NZ's monopoly position.
The offshore operator wind-down has proceeded in stages. Since 28 June 2025, it has been unlawful for overseas betting operators to offer services to New Zealand residents. The Department of Internal Affairs has adopted an operator-focused enforcement approach, targeting the companies rather than individual bettors. Major offshore bookmakers have begun geo-blocking New Zealand IP addresses and closing Kiwi customer accounts. Payment processors have also been directed to block transactions to unlicensed operators, making it increasingly difficult for punters to deposit with or withdraw from offshore sites.
For sports bettors accustomed to using offshore bookmakers, this transition requires adjustment. The primary trade-off is that the odds competition that existed between multiple international operators no longer applies. TAB NZ sets its own odds without direct domestic competition, which historically has meant slightly wider margins than the sharpest international books. However, the Entain partnership is designed to mitigate this: Entain's sophisticated pricing models and global liquidity give TAB NZ the capability to offer more competitive odds than it could with its legacy systems.
The DIA has signalled that enforcement will intensify through 2026 and beyond, with the goal of channelling all betting activity to the regulated domestic market. Punters who continue to use offshore operators do so at their own risk, with no consumer protections, no access to the New Zealand dispute resolution process and no guarantee that an offshore operator will honour withdrawals. The regulated TAB NZ platform offers full consumer protection, guaranteed payout of winnings and access to the DIA's complaints process if issues arise.
Payment Methods for NZ Bettors
Bank Transfer
Direct bank transfer is the most widely used deposit and withdrawal method at TAB NZ. New Zealand's banking infrastructure supports fast electronic transfers, and most deposits arrive in your TAB NZ account within a few hours during business days. For withdrawals, funds are typically returned to your nominated bank account within one to two business days. Bank transfers are free of charge for both deposits and withdrawals, and there are no transaction fees imposed by TAB NZ. This method is straightforward, reliable and works with all New Zealand banks including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank and TSB.
Visa & Mastercard
TAB NZ accepts both Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards for deposits. Card deposits are processed instantly, allowing you to begin betting immediately after funding your account. Withdrawals to debit cards are available but may take one to three business days to process, depending on your issuing bank. Credit card withdrawals follow a similar timeline. Some New Zealand banks may classify gambling transactions separately, so it is worth checking with your bank if you encounter any issues depositing with a card. Card payments are processed securely through TAB NZ's PCI DSS-compliant payment gateway.
POLi (Being Phased Out)
POLi was historically a popular payment method in New Zealand, allowing punters to make online bank transfers without needing a credit card. POLi connected directly to your internet banking and processed deposits in real time. However, POLi announced its discontinuation, and the service is being progressively phased out across New Zealand. TAB NZ and other New Zealand businesses have been transitioning customers away from POLi to direct bank transfer and card payment options. If you previously relied on POLi, bank transfer provides equivalent functionality with similar processing times.
How Deposits & Withdrawals Work at TAB NZ
Deposits at TAB NZ are designed to be quick and straightforward. You can fund your account via the website, mobile app or at any retail outlet. Minimum deposit amounts are low — typically NZ$1 for bank transfer and NZ$5 for card deposits — making the platform accessible to casual and recreational bettors. There are no deposit fees.
Withdrawals follow a simple process: navigate to the withdrawal section in your account, choose your payment method and enter the amount. TAB NZ processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours on business days, and funds typically arrive in your bank account within one to two business days after processing. There are no withdrawal fees. TAB NZ does not impose maximum withdrawal limits for standard accounts, although very large withdrawals may trigger additional verification checks under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. For cryptocurrency payment options in New Zealand, see our dedicated crypto guide.
Responsible Gambling for Sports Bettors
Setting Limits at TAB NZ
TAB NZ provides a comprehensive suite of responsible gambling tools that every punter should be aware of, regardless of how frequently they bet. You can set deposit limits on a daily, weekly or monthly basis directly through your account settings in the app or on the website. Once a deposit limit is set, it takes effect immediately. If you wish to increase a limit, there is a mandatory cooling-off period before the increase takes effect, preventing impulsive decisions during a losing run.
Spending limits can also be set independently of deposit limits, capping the total amount you can wager within a given period. Loss limits allow you to set a maximum net loss, after which your account is temporarily restricted until the next period begins. These layered controls give punters granular control over their betting activity and serve as practical safeguards against problem gambling.
TAB NZ also offers session time reminders that alert you when you have been logged in for a set period. These reminders are opt-in but strongly recommended, particularly for live betting sessions where it is easy to lose track of time and spend. Reality checks display your net position (wins minus losses) during a session, giving you a clear picture of how your betting is actually going rather than relying on selective memory.
Self-Exclusion
If you feel that your betting has become problematic, TAB NZ offers self-exclusion options. You can exclude yourself from your TAB NZ account for a minimum period of six months, during which you will be unable to log in, deposit, place bets or enter TAB retail outlets. Self-exclusion can be requested through customer support, at any TAB outlet or through the TAB NZ website. The exclusion covers all TAB NZ products including sports betting, racing and all bet types.
New Zealand also operates a multi-venue exclusion programme for problem gamblers, which can extend self-exclusion across casinos, TAB outlets and other gambling venues. This programme is coordinated through the Department of Internal Affairs and provides a more comprehensive exclusion for those who need it.
DIA Oversight & Consumer Protection
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is New Zealand's gambling regulator, responsible for licensing, compliance monitoring and enforcement under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020. The DIA conducts regular audits of TAB NZ's operations, reviews its responsible gambling programmes and investigates complaints from bettors. If you have a dispute with TAB NZ that cannot be resolved through their internal complaints process, you can escalate the matter to the DIA.
The DIA also operates the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655), a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline provides counselling, support and referrals for anyone affected by problem gambling — whether you are the gambler yourself or a concerned family member or friend. Online support is available at gamblinghelpline.co.nz, including live chat and text services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in New Zealand?
Yes, sports betting is legal in New Zealand but it operates under a strict statutory monopoly. TAB NZ is the only organisation authorised to offer sports and race betting to New Zealand residents under the Racing Industry Act 2020. Since 28 June 2025, offshore operators have been prohibited from offering online betting to Kiwi punters, and the Department of Internal Affairs focuses enforcement on operators rather than individual bettors.
What is TAB NZ and how does it work?
TAB NZ (formerly the New Zealand Racing Board) is the sole licensed provider of sports and race betting in New Zealand. It offers both totalisator (tote) and fixed-odds betting across a wide range of sports, racing events and international markets. TAB NZ operates online, via a mobile app and through a network of retail outlets across the country. In 2023, TAB NZ entered a transformative 25-year partnership with Entain to modernise its technology platform and expand its product offering.
Can I bet on rugby in New Zealand?
Absolutely. Rugby union is the most popular betting sport in New Zealand. TAB NZ offers extensive markets on All Blacks test matches, Super Rugby Pacific, the National Provincial Championship (NPC), and international rugby events including the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations. Markets include match winner, handicap, total points, first try-scorer, halftime/fulltime and many more. Rugby league betting on the Warriors and NRL is also widely available.
Do I pay tax on betting winnings in New Zealand?
No. New Zealand does not tax gambling winnings for individual bettors. Whether you win $50 or $50,000, your winnings are entirely tax-free. This applies to all forms of legal gambling in New Zealand, including sports betting, racing, lotteries and casino games. The betting operator (TAB NZ) pays a betting levy and taxes on its revenue, but the bettor keeps 100 percent of any winnings.
What happened with the Entain and TAB NZ deal?
In June 2023, TAB NZ signed a landmark 25-year partnership with Entain, one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming companies. Under the deal, Entain provides TAB NZ with its proprietary technology platform, giving Kiwi punters access to a significantly wider range of betting markets, improved live betting features and a more modern mobile experience. The partnership is designed to grow TAB NZ's revenue, which in turn funds the New Zealand racing industry and community sport.
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Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be entertaining, not a way to make money. Set limits, take breaks and never chase losses. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz. All forms of gambling carry risk. You must be 18 or older to gamble in New Zealand.