In a sweeping legislative move that reshaped New Zealand’s gambling landscape, the country passed new laws in June 2025 that effectively banned overseas betting operators like Bet365, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power and SportsBet from accepting wagers from Kiwi punters. The legislation, which came into effect in early July 2025, marked the end of an era where New Zealanders could freely place bets with international bookmakers.
What Changed?
The Racing Industry Amendment Act made it illegal for overseas-based betting operators to accept bets from people located in New Zealand. While the sites themselves haven’t been geo-blocked, operators are now required to verify customers’ addresses, making it effectively impossible for New Zealand residents to use these platforms even with VPN services.
The legislation passed unanimously through all three readings in Parliament, receiving support from all political parties. Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the proposed changes in December 2024, and they became law just months later. 
The Rationale Behind the Ban
Protecting Domestic Revenue
The primary motivation behind the ban was financial protection for New Zealand’s racing and sporting industries. According to government statements, hundreds of millions of dollars were being wagered with offshore betting agencies that provided little to no return to New Zealand racing and sporting organizations.
The TAB, New Zealand’s state-approved betting operator, provides approximately 90 percent of the racing industry’s revenue, supporting what officials describe as a $1.9 billion business employing 13,500 people. Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasized that “with the rapid growth in online betting, we needed to make changes to protect TAB NZ’s betting revenue to support the progress of the industry.”
The Entain Partnership Factor
A crucial element in this legislative change was TAB’s strategic partnership with Entain, a UK-based sports betting company. In 2023, TAB and Entain entered into a 25-year deal that gives Entain exclusive access to betting in New Zealand through TAB and its subsidiary brand, Betcha. Under this agreement, Entain receives a 50/50 share of gross profits, with a guaranteed minimum of $150 million annually going to TAB for the first five years.
The new legislation triggered a $100 million one-time payment from Entain to TAB NZ, with $20 million earmarked for Sport NZ and the remainder to be distributed to racing codes over time.
The Monopoly Question
The law effectively grants TAB and Betcha a monopoly over New Zealand’s racing and sports betting markets. This situation differs from other countries with similar restrictions, such as Australia, where punters can choose from multiple domestic betting agencies despite offshore operators being banned.
Both TAB and Betcha operate using the same technology platform as Ladbrokes, another Entain company, meaning their odds typically mirror those offered in the competitive Australian market. This technological connection is intended to provide some assurance to Kiwi bettors concerned about fair pricing in a monopoly environment.
Minister Peters emphasized that “increased ministerial and regulatory oversight will be in place to ensure TAB NZ operates with integrity,” adding that “if TAB NZ’s performance does not meet expectations, action can be taken to uphold the protection of customers.”
What This Means for Bettors
New Zealand punters can still use overseas bookmakers when physically located outside the country, such as when attending international race meetings or sporting events abroad. However, for domestic betting, they are now limited to TAB and Betcha.
Some bettors who preferred the interfaces, odds, or sports coverage of international platforms like Bet365 may find the transition frustrating. Bet365, in particular, had established itself as one of the most popular betting sites in New Zealand behind TAB, offering over 35 betting markets and features like live streaming that attracted many users.
Concerns About Problem Gambling
The legislative change came amid growing concerns about gambling harm, particularly among young men. The Problem Gambling Foundation noted alarming trends, with Director of Public Health Andree Froude stating, “We’re really concerned about the number of young men getting into sports betting and the stories we’re hearing are alarming.”
Social media influencers promoting gambling companies had become increasingly prevalent, with some promoting overseas casinos in breach of New Zealand law. The foundation launched campaigns highlighting the tactics used by betting companies to target vulnerable demographics.
The Global Context
New Zealand’s move follows a pattern seen in other jurisdictions seeking to regulate their gambling markets more tightly. While the Gambling Act 2003 had technically only prohibited gambling companies based within New Zealand’s borders, creating a loophole for offshore operators, the new legislation closed that gap entirely for sports and racing betting.
The legislation represents a significant shift in New Zealand’s approach to online gambling regulation, prioritizing domestic economic interests and regulatory control over consumer choice in the betting market.
Looking Ahead
TAB NZ Chief Executive Nick Roberts stated that “this legislation will turbo charge those contributions, delivering national impact,” referring to the expected increase in returns to racing and sporting communities. He emphasized that “our strategic partnership with Entain means that Kiwis have access to a world class betting experience in a safe environment.”
Whether this monopoly arrangement will prove beneficial for Kiwi punters remains to be seen, but the government has committed to regulatory oversight to ensure fair treatment of customers and responsible gambling practices.
The ban on Bet365, SportsBet, and other offshore operators marks a new chapter in New Zealand’s gambling history, one that prioritizes domestic economic interests while attempting to balance customer protection and industry sustainability.
