Fans of betting in New Zealand will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to registering at some online bookmaker. However, not all of the available betting sites are worth trying. We recommend the best bookmakers for the country in the table below:
TOP Betting Sites in New Zealand
Leading New Zealand sportsbook and casinos often are the same as those that are held in great esteem in other markets where they are known for servicing the needs to the international betting community. Many of those are globally recognised brands respected for their dedication towards providing an unparalleled betting experience by delivering a full range of betting types such as sports, casino gaming, poker, bingo, and virtual sports, all in a safe, secure environment. As such, a few of those most trusted are highlight below and well worth the consideration of those considering a new betting partner.
Betway
Few others in the world of online sports betting offer a comparable selection of betting options and markets as this bookmaker. Known for its stellar reputation and fair odds, Betway affords punters a wide range of sport types to bet on, all designed with an emphasis towards being player-friendly through the implementation of easy to use navigational tools. Adding to its value is a range of other betting markets that include options for esports, in-play betting, live casino gaming, traditional casino gaming, and more.
- Pros
- Complex and exciting betting experience
- Secure platform
- Reputable bookmaker
- Excellent horse racing section
- Attractive free bet club
- Cons
- Some missing sports leagues
Bet365
There are few in the world of online betting that can hold a candle to Bet365, who for many, consider it for the level of prestige it has built through its 18-year history as a leading sportsbook and casino betting destination. Known for its industry recognition, Bet365 not only provides an extensive selection of sports types to bet on but also a complete range of other betting markets, all with a single goal of delivering the very best in online betting entertainment.
- Pros
- Great horse racing section
- Various Aussie rules betting options
- Impeccable reputation
- Top-notch security measures
- Cons
- Possible players’ restrictions
- Slow support
Rabona
The name Rabona is known throughout the world due to its constant efforts to present a complex betting experience to its customers. The platform is dedicated to sports fans, casino enthusiasts and arcade games players. While primarily seen as a sportsbook, Rabona goes well and beyond that spectrum by featuring a long list of other styles of gaming to ensure the brand is a one-in-all betting powerhouse. This encompasses everything from slots to tournaments, real dealer games, virtuals, and live gaming, all while continuing its tradition of offering a promotionally rich player-friendly place to bet.
- Pros
- A fast-growing brand
- Excellent design
- Superb betting experience
- Various promotions
- Superb eSports betting section
- Cons
- Not that impressive odds
Leo Vegas
The bookmaker is one of the more unique betting properties offering services online. Found in Sweden, nowadays Leo Vegas operates fully legally in many countries, thanks to the licenses from the UKGC and the authorities in Malta, Ireland, Denmark, etc. Its promotions are designed to be as unique as its betting markets, and for the discerning punter, it is one no others can compete with.
- Pros
- Superb reputation
- Secure platform
- Great casino
- Good promotions
- Cons
- Missing some sports
Why Choose Online Betting in New Zealand?
While it is completely legal to bet in traditional gambling venues in New Zealand, its openness to online betting has made it a friendly environment that is embraced by many of the world’s most popular bookmakers. Many of whom provide not only access to new sports betting sites but also a full range of betting opportunities that many countries refuse to allow. While online gambling in NZ may be unregulated, those offering licensed betting sites are. Therefore the concerned towards safety and accountability is removed, ensuring a secure and highly entertaining gambling experience.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
CurrencyIn 1967, New Zealand adopted a decimalised currency as its official currency. This saw the creation of the New Zealand dollar, and as such, international entertainment services commonly accept it as the currency of choice within New Zealander borders. | |
PopulationBased on New Zealand’s population clock, there are an estimated 4.794 million that call it home. It ranks as the 125th largest country in the world based on population making it most Oceania’s second most populous country. | |
Active playersIn 2015/2016, New Zealand’s betting public spent an impressive €1.3 billion on their preferred form of gambling entertainment. A result study showed that 86% residing in New Zealand had, within the last year, had gambled at least once in their lifetime and that more than 40% of those 18 and over reported gambling weekly. While sports betting made up the largest interest in those surveyed, 37% reported a fondness for betting on games of chance. | |
Regulatory authorityAfter establishing the New Zealand Gambling Commission in 2003, and acting as an independent decision-making body, it was tasked with taking over all responsibilities relating to the licensing of gambling venues and casinos. Its tasked involved approving changes to licenses issued under its responsibilities, overseeing appeals on decisions it makes, processing and acting on complains and acting as a liaison providing advice on problem gambling initiatives. As such, as gambling activities taking place in New Zealand are governed and regulated by the New Zealand Gambling Commission. | |
Licensed gambling productsAs a result of the 2003 New Zealand Gambling Act which states that gambling online is legal providing that betting establishment is located outside of New Zealand’s jurisdiction, New Zealanders have a broad range of betting markets at their disposal. This includes the following:
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Types of operatorsThe New Zealand Gaming Act defines the types of gambling that are legally permitted but essentially only applies this to land-based operations, as online gambling activities only are permitted if operating offshore. Current legislation allows for horse racing, lotteries, card games such as blackjack, roulette, Baccarat and Stud poker, live poker, pokies and other electronic games of chance. |
The Gambling Act of 2003 defined online betting legal if doing so at any of the land-based casinos is licenses. While online gambling in its entirety is not legal within the country, its laws clearly state and positively identify that those who wish to do so may as long as the betting establishment is located overseas. This applies not only to casino games of chance but all other betting markets including poker, bingo, sports betting, virtual sports, and international lotteries. As a result, citizens residing in the country are met with zero restrictive measures preventing them from fully enjoying all forms of betting online.
Are there restrictions on players from New Zealand by some bookmakers?
Due to New Zealand’s gambling laws placing it amongst the world’s most liberal country inspect to its acceptance of its citizens right to choose, there are few bookmakers or casinos that impose restrictions of any kind against those that call New Zealand home. This allows kiwis to fully participate in all forms of betting, whether relating to sports betting, online poker, bingo, or casino games of chance.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
New Zealand punters with a preference for playing online are presented with the daunting task of elimination, trial, and error, which at times, may feel overwhelming when attempting to determine the best New Zealand sportsbook or casino. This is especially so if new to this style of betting due to the overwhelming attempts employed by sportsbook and casino operators who diligently try to sway your decision in choosing them over the competition. However, there are multiple defining factors which, when used in conjunction with your areas of interest, can and will help you to determine the best betting partner for you. When making a selection, and before completing the registration process, considering the following:
- Do they offer a secure environment protected using the latest in advanced security software to safeguard your personal information and transactional activities?
- Can you verify its reputation as a top-rated betting establishment that focuses on providing the best in online entertainment with an emphasis on player satisfaction?
- Are you able to check the legitimacy of their license, and in doing so, investigation its status, if the betting partner in question has a history of player abuse or non-payment issues?
- Do they offer a large number of sports with favourable odds and include the ability to watch live streaming of the events you are interested in?
- Is there a dedicated 24-hour support centre at the ready to assist you should the need ever arise, and if so, do they offer the method of contact you are most comfortable with, or at a minimum, a detailed FAQ page to assist you with common questions?
Bonuses for Players from New Zealand
Along with the internationally popular New Zealand sportsbooks mentioned above focused on drawing the attention of the kiwi player through a variety of welcome bonuses and promotional bonuses, those joining the competitive world of online betting entertainment focus on providing a never end of promotions designed to be globally attractive. As such, New Zealanders have the unfettered joy of participating in a constant flow of creative and bankroll increasing promotions for a wide variety of betting markets. However, being global betting partners, those accepting punters from the continent of Oceania will find that those offered are not specifically aimed towards kiwis but instead are offers to all who are jurisdictionally allowed to participate. This can include free bets, deposit bonus promotions, enhanced odds, ACCA’s, and more.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in New Zealand
Sports in New Zealand are tightly tied to their British colonial heritage, most of which are common with those who are members of the Commonwealth. Its most popular sport and its national, similar to that of its neighbour, Australia, is rugby, and as such, it commands a loyal following among those who are passionate about sports. In a nation where 40% of its betting public bet once or more weekly, it sees a large part of the lion share going to other sports that are held dear to kiwis, even if overshadowed by their love of rugby. These are, in no particular order of popularity:
- Rugby
- Football
- Netball
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Tennis
- Swimming
Are Online Casinos Popular in New Zealand?
Despite its Gambling Act which strictly forbids the operation of an online casino within its borders, online casinos remain close to the hearts of New Zealand citizens, which is evident by the estimated $2 billion spent annually with offshore betting establishments. Due to the friendly stance taken by New Zealander’s political powers, kiwis continue to engage in gambling pastimes such as betting on sports and playing casino games.
Adding to its attractiveness is the protection of some of the world’s elite regulatory bodies and that is resulting in increase in participation as more discover the value, quality and sheer joy online casinos deliver.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- That the average New Zealander spent €511.30 gambling online in 2016, which was an increase of 26% from the year before.
- Land-based casinos in New Zealand generated over €650 million in revenue just from New Zealanders playing slots.
- Until 1961, all forms of sports betting were deemed illegal, that its first casino opened in 1994 and its first national lottery was established in 1933.
- The New Zealand government legalised all forms of gambling in 1977, which was amended in 1990 to include slot machines, which ultimately led to its first land-based casino opening in 1994.
- New Zealand was the first country in the world to make it legal for women to vote
Available Mobile Apps
Factoring in the extensive access to many of the world’s most beloved sportsbooks and casinos, kiwis are keenly aware of the many fine betting apps that work in NZ, and as a result, and an even keener understanding of the quality mobile apps provide, and equally so, mobile-browser portals. All are thoughtfully designed to feature a complete range of casino and sportsbook features and have been optimised to ensure the features present maximise the value of experience. This includes touch-screen capabilities, conveniently located navigational links, all of which are in place to provide punters with a positive experience.
Supported Payment Methods
Online sportsbooks and casinos frequently accept the New Zealand dollar when processing payments. They have an in-depth understanding that when conducting business on an international level, that those competing for business in each jurisdiction will do so in a manner that allows them to use their preferred currency.
All the brands mentioned above accept NZD transactions, both for deposits and withdrawals, and in the spirit of that, widely accept ecoPayz, iDebit, InstaDebit, Zimpler, boku, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, Entropay, Euteller as well as several cryptocurrencies as viable kiwi payment choices.
New Zealand gambling tax laws, can for some lead to confusion about what, if any, they are obligated to report or pay. The good news is that under the taxation laws, gambling is defined as a recreational activity, and therefore is deemed non-taxable. The only exception to this is if a punter falls under the definition of being a professional gambler, whereby if designated as such due to a lack of any additional streams of income, will be required to pay tax based on the New Zealand income rate applicable to their derived income.
However, that only applies to those gambling professionally within the jurisdictional authority of New Zealand. In the event that gambling activities take place online, there is zero obligation to report any winnings, regardless of whether the individual defines themselves as a casual or professional player.
FAQs
I just withdrew for the first time from a sportsbook I play frequently with. I wish to withdraw to my Skrill account but am unsure how long this will take.
The processing time for payment to be received, irrespective of the method, will depend on the sportsbooks terms relating to withdrawal processing. Generally, being that in this case, you have chosen Skrill, the processing time will be within 48 hours. However, with many sportsbooks, this will be processed in 24 hours or less.
I wish to deposit using a credit card, but am concerned the name of the casino be noted in my credit card statement. Is there any way to control this?
The name that appears on your credit statement is determined by the company processing your payment. Generally, this will not identify the name of a sportsbook. However, you may contact customer service at the sportsbook you have registered and request this information.
I am considering signing up with a sportsbook that is offering me a free bet for registering. If I win, can the free bet be withdrawn?
In most case, the answer to your question will be no. A free bet is meant as a promotional tool for you to use to place a sports bet. Most often, this will be for a specific type of sport, and while winnings garnered from it will able to be withdrawn, the amount given as a free bet will not.
Which sportsbooks can I register with that will not force me to provide proof of my name, my date of birth, and where I reside?
Unfortunately, none. In fact, if you happen to come across a sportsbook, or for that matter, any betting establishment that does not request proof of identity, we recommended you immediately close your account and cease any betting activities. Those operating responsibly and within the regulations of their licenses are required to verify the names, address and date of birth of all those who have registered an account. This is to protect against underage gambling, fraud, and potentially, money laundering.
I have heard that if I win a large jackpot at a casino that they often will no longer allow me to play. Is this true?
This is simply not true. Casinos understand and accept the risk that, at times, those that play at their establishments will win, and in some cases, win large amounts. A casino will not then, as a measure of retaliation, close your account. This will only occur if your betting activity is deemed to be in breach of its general terms and conditions.
Why do many of the bonuses I see have different terms and conditions? This makes me question their authenticity.
Terms and conditions, and their implantation are put in place as a way to identify the rules of play when accepting a bonus. As each bonus is unique, so too are the terms and conditions. This can relate to the type of game that may be played, wagering requirements, and even the maximum amount that can be wagered at any given time.
Do I have to wait for a specified time before I can fund my account upon successful registration?
In most case, no you will not and will be free to fund your account using the payment method of your choice. However, some sportsbooks may limit you from funding your account or may limit the amount until you submit your proof of identity and its subsequent approval.
Final Comments
The New Zealand Government has a liberal position towards gambling that provides the average citizen with a substantial level of freedom to enjoy a wide range of betting products, both land-based, but more importantly, with international gaming establishments. This puts New Zealanders is the unique position to enthusiastically and freely engage in all forms of gambling online. That freedom has translated into international bookmakers and casinos openly accepting citizens of New Zealand and, in the process, ensuring a high level of competition which, to the benefit of kiwi punters, makes for a more favourably betting environment whereby the benefit from generous promotional opportunities. It would be beneficial for the New Zealand government to legalise online betting, if for no other reason but to protect its citizens, but as of this point, that is not something that is expected any time soon.
