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Despite some confusion around its legality, placing bets at online betting sites in New Zealand is possible. I should know – I’ve spent hours testing NZ’s best bookies to get you up to speed on what these platforms have to offer.
This article is a culmination of my research on sports betting in New Zealand, including its legal standing and how viable it is. You can also take a look at the banners of this page where the best bookmakers in New Zealand are displayed so that you can easily find those brands that accept bets where you live.
There’s a lot to unpack on the topic of gambling sites in New Zealand. From its legal standing to the methods people use to access online sportsbooks and betting platforms – let’s jump straight in and cover off some of the country’s essential gambling need-to-knows.
OK, so this is a question with two answers.
Firstly, there are no legal domestic online betting sites in New Zealand. The NZ Gaming Commission prohibits homegrown online sportsbooks, with just one of its brick-and-mortar betting outlets permitted to offer their services on the web.
There are, however, no laws against accessing sports betting sites, meaning that Kiwis are free to use big-name branded sportsbooks. This isn’t just some sketchy legal loophole either – New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs acknowledges that citizens can freely access betting sites, so long as they take appropriate steps to ensure that said site is safe and reputable.
If you’re based in NZ and considering signing up with a sports betting brand, you may not have a clue where to start. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to get going with a reputable international bookmaker.
So long as you sign up with a reputable bookmaker that accepts customers from New Zealand, you should have a wide choice of payment methods at your disposal.
Some of the most popular banking options at online sportsbooks include:
On some sites, yes, but it does all depend on the brand you choose. I would say that the majority of international sports betting brands use US dollars as the standard go-to currency option, but some let players choose which currency they’d like to bet with. Some betting sites may even automatically adjust the currency depending on your location, which is super convenient when you’re first getting to grips with a new bookie.
Unlike some countries, New Zealand doesn’t charge any kind of tax on sportsbook winnings. There are essentially no laws or restrictions attached to placing sports bets with bookmakers from NZ, so you won’t be liable to pay any taxes, charges, or fees on your winnings.
Absolutely! Most online sportsbooks offer some kind of welcome bonus to attract new players to sign up, including perks like no-risk bets and deposit-match deals. Bonuses are something I would definitely recommend adding to your bookmaker comparison list, as they can really enhance your experience with a particular betting brand.
If your chosen sportsbook also has a casino, you may be wondering if you can legally access it.
The rules for online casinos in New Zealand are pretty much the same as they are for sports betting; you can’t play domestic online casino games in NZ, but there are no laws against accessing other brands. So, if your chosen New Zealand sportsbook also offers Vegas-style slots and table games, you’re free to try them out.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of using sports betting sites as a New Zealand resident, the pros and cons listed here should help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using them.
Now that you’re fully clued up on the ins and outs of sports betting in New Zealand, it’s time to go out there and find yourself a decent online sportsbook through which to back your favorite sports and teams.
Whether you’re a native Kiwi or searching for the top betting sites in Kuwait – there’s always a surprising amount to consider when it comes to finding the right sports betting site. With that in mind, I’ve offered some expert tips and advice on the things to tick off your checklist.
| Checklist | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Does the sportsbook accept NZ players? | This should be the first thing you check when you land on a new sports betting site. Bookies should make clear where they offer their services, but you may need to check the T&Cs for concrete validation that NZ is covered. Note: all of the brands displayed in the banners accept NZ bettors. |
| Can you bet in NZ dollars? | While by no means a dealbreaker, it’s much easier if a bookmaker allows you to place bets in your native currency. |
| What payment options are there? | Banking options are a major consideration when playing on international sportsbooks, since you may be liable to pay large fees if a site doesn’t support your preferred payment method. I would recommend an e-wallet with full international coverage to ensure speedy transactions and keep charges to a minimum. |
| What is the welcome bonus like? | Don’t settle for a paltry sign-up deal when joining an online betting site in New Zealand. There are some excellent bonuses to be had on big-name sports betting sites, so don’t be afraid to compare brands to find the very best offers. |
| Does the sportsbook have a good reputation? | I won’t lie: the quality of sports betting sites that accept players in NZ can vary massively. Read reviews and follow expert recommendations to find trusted sites with a solid reputation; the banners on this page should offer some inspiration if you get stuck. |
| Does the bookmaker offer competitive odds? | Once you’ve established the basics, compare odds and bet markets across different NZ sportsbook brands to find the most competitive, value-for-money options. Look out for interesting bet options, too, including a combination of parlay, props, and spread bets, to help keep things varied and fun. |
| Is regional customer support available? | Some of the best brands on the list of betting sites in New Zealand feature local customer support – ideal for getting issues dealt with promptly. If this isn’t available, check that a brand offers customer support in your language and at a convenient time for you. |
Looking for a little inspiration on the types of sports, teams, and tournaments that are popular picks for NZ sports bettors? I’ve profiled some of the nation’s best-loved sporting action below, along with some example bets that players may place.
Rugby is without a doubt one of the most popular sports to bet on in New Zealand. Whether you back the All Blacks or opt to take a punt on your favorite club rugby union team – rugby will be top of the agenda for most sports bettors in NZ.
The popularity of football, or soccer as it’s also known in some countries, has grown exponentially in NZ in recent years, so it’s certain to be a popular choice for those signing up for the best sportsbooks in New Zealand. Although betting on domestic NZ football leagues is possible on some international bookies, most soccer fans back teams in big-name foreign leagues instead – particularly the English Premier League.
The Blackcaps are a beloved outfit in the Land of the Long White Cloud, particularly during the summer. Test matches, ODIs, and T20 games are super popular cricketing formats for NZ sports bettors, while tournaments like the Cricket World Cup always lead to an increase in interest in online cricket betting in New Zealand.
New Zealand may not have the simplest sports betting laws in the world, but I hope this guide has illustrated that placing bets on your favorite sports is possible so long as you take the necessary precautions. Always ensure that an overseas bookie accepts players from New Zealand, and compare odds, bonuses, and payment methods to find the very best sports betting site for your needs.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a bookmaker that covers sports bets in NZ. Don’t just use any overseas sportsbook that takes your fancy – find a reputable outfit that directly references New Zealand in its T&Cs. If in doubt, refer to the banners on this page for a choice selection of bookmakers handpicked by experts.
Don’t go if you haven’t read my overview of the best sports betting apps for New Zealand!
Sports bettors in New Zealand can place bets with international bookmakers that accept customers from NZ as part of their official service. Most domestic brands are prohibited, so looking overseas is your best option.
Sometimes but not always. New Zealand’s sports betting sites tend to offer bets in NZ dollars, but for other brands, you may need to select a different currency like USD.
Sports bettors in New Zealand have a wide choice of international bookmakers to choose from, so it’s important to compare things like odds, bonuses, and customer service to find the very best sportsbook for you.
If you place a bet on an overseas sportsbook, you may need to pay fees to make deposits and withdrawals; this generally depends on the payment method you’re using. The good news is that, unlike some countries, NZ doesn’t apply any taxes to sportsbook winnings.
Yes, bonuses are available on sports betting sites in NZ, so be sure to compare different offers before signing up with a particular operator. Players can enjoy a range of promotions, from deposit-match deals to free and no-risk bets.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
