While New Zealand has a long tradition of gambling, the locals are particularly interested in online gambling. A growing number of Kiwis have been turning to the internet for casino games, sports betting, and other games of luck. But, with this growth, the lines between what’s legal and what’s not often appear blurred for the locals.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a regular Kiwi gambler, understanding the current laws and where things are heading can help you stay safe and avoid issues. In our article, we cover the legal stuff, what is off-limits, and the new changes on the horizon.
The Current Online Gambling Laws in New Zealand
The current online gambling rules in New Zealand are based on the Gambling Act of 2003. This legislation clearly defines which gambling activities are legal. It also states that running a gambling website from within New Zealand is illegal unless you get a special exemption from the government.
Currently, only two companies have this right:
- Lotto NZ, which offers lotto games online
- TAB NZ, which operates sports books
Interestingly, the law does not ban locals from gambling on offshore online gambling sites. This means that New Zealanders can legally play at any overseas online casino or sportsbook, even when these are not regulated by the local authorities. This has created a legal loophole since Kiwi players have access to gambling sites that don’t pay taxes to New Zealand and don’t have to comply with local consumer protection laws.
To make things even trickier, New Zealand has further restricted offshore sports betting. In 2023, TAB NZ partnered with global gambling giant Entain, and the New Zealand government responded by tightening restrictions on unlicensed offshore sports books—essentially handing TAB a monopoly on legal online sports betting.
What Kiwi Players Are Allowed to Do
New Zealanders can freely gamble on offshore casino websites. All major offshore casinos allow Kiwis to register, play, and even deposit credits in New Zealand dollars (NZD).
However, there are some risks involved when using these international websites:
- Offshore casinos don’t have to follow local safety rules
- Local authorities won’t have your back in case anything goes wrong
- These sites don’t contribute to the local economy through health or community programmes
When it comes to what locals can’t do, it boils down to setting up your own gambling website in New Zealand. So, if you are not Lotto NZ or TAB NZ, you can’t run your own local online gambling or betting operation.
A New Law Is Coming: Online Gambling Bill
The Kiwi government announced in 2025 that it plans to revamp the current online gambling laws. In July 2025, a bill that will allow legal online casinos in New Zealand passed its first vote. If voted into law, the bill will allow the government to issue 15 online casino licenses to various interested operators. This will be a big shift from the current position, because it will allow online casinos to be run legally from New Zealand for the first time.
What We Know About the New Licensing Plan for Gambling Sites
15 Licenses Will Be Up for Grabs
The government plans to issue 15 licenses, with each one valid for 3 years, after which they can be renewed. To get licensed, the companies will need to follow strict rules, including:
- Keep players safe
- Offer fair games
- Follow responsible gambling
Some of the companies expected to apply include:
- SkyCity
- TAB NZ
- 888
- Bet365
- Betway (SuperGroup Brands)
- LeoVegas Group
- Christchurch Casino
- Grand Casino Dunedin
The government plans to issue the licenses in early 2026. Once approved, the new casinos could go live by the end of 2026.
Taxation and Liabilities for Casinos
The bill includes important taxation and liability updates:
- A 15% goods and services tax (GST)
- A 12% duty on offshore gambling profits
- A 1.24% fee to support gambling help services
- Fines of up to NZ$5 million for rule breakers
Advertising will also be controlled. Online casinos will not be allowed to target younger individuals or use social media influencers in their marketing drives. They will also need to verify each player’s age and provide responsible gambling tools to all who ask for help.
TAB NZ Has Limits
While TAB NZ can apply for a licence, it likely won’t be allowed to offer online casino games and will be limited to sports betting. That means other companies will be given a chance to enter the market, which will foster healthy competition.
Pros and Cons of the New Law
As with any new law, there will be some pros and cons.
Benefits
- More gambling money stays in New Zealand
- Safer options for players within a regulated playing environment
- Players can seek help from the local regulators when an issue with an operator arises
Challenges
- The plan will take some time to roll out
- Local companies may struggle to compete with big global brands
- The licence bidding process isn’t fully clear yet
What This Means for You
If you are a Kiwi player who enjoys online gambling, here are three things that you need to know:
- You can play at offshore gambling sites for New Zealand, since this is currently legal for the player. Make sure they are at least licensed out of reputable jurisdictions like Malta, UK or Gibraltar
- Presently, a company can’t run a local online casino unless you are Lotto NZ or TAB NZ.
- New Zealand will likely legalise online casinos based in the country to make things safer and easier for local players.
So, while you wait for the new law, make sure to play at trusted offshore gambling sites. And keep an eye out for big changes that are likely coming your way in 2026.
