Gambling in New Zealand: Rules, Operators and Key Facts

New Zealanders love their sport – rugby, cricket, netball and racing above all – and betting is a big part of that culture. Gambling is legal and popular, but it is tightly controlled, with a small number of operators allowed to offer each type of game. Here is a quick guide to how the system works.

Most gambling is governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which aims to control the growth of gambling, reduce harm and make sure games are fair. The Department of Internal Affairs licenses and inspects operators, while the Gambling Commission decides on casino licences and hears appeals. Racing and sports betting are covered by separate racing legislation.

The Act sorts gambling into classes according to prize size and who runs it – we explain them in detail in our guide to New Zealand’s gambling classes.

TAB NZ is the only operator allowed to offer sports and race betting in New Zealand, both in shops and online. Its profits support the racing industry and sports organisations across the country. Since 2023, the British-based gambling group Entain has run TAB NZ’s betting operations under a long-term partnership.

• Lotto NZ runs the national lottery games, including Lotto, Powerball and Instant Kiwi, in shops and online.
• Pokies in pubs and clubs are run by licensed trusts and societies. A share of their income must go back to the community as grants for sport, education and charities.
• Casinos – there are six licensed casinos, in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. The law does not allow new casino licences, so this number is fixed.

New Zealand companies cannot run online casinos, but it is not illegal for residents to play at offshore sites. Many international casinos accept NZ players and New Zealand dollars. The government has announced plans to license a limited number of online casino operators, so check the Department of Internal Affairs for the current rules.

If you play online, choose a casino with a recognised licence and good safer gambling tools. Read our guide to online casinos in New Zealand and compare sites in our list of online casinos for NZ players.