New Zealand’s online sports betting landscape continues to evolve under a dual influence: stringent local regulation and the enduring allure of offshore platforms. TAB NZ retains its monopoly following a 2025 legislative amendment, while international operators such as Bet365, Betway, and LeoVegas continue to attract Kiwi punters with advanced technology, deeper markets, and competitive odds. Rugby, cricket, and horse racing remain emboldened by cultural tradition, whereas eSports and niche sports are gaining traction among younger bettors. With impending 2026 iGaming licensing and enhanced consumer protections, New Zealand’s betting ecosystem is transitioning to a more secure, diverse, and digitally sophisticated era.

Top 10 Online Sports Betting Platforms for New Zealanders in 2025

New Zealand’s market features a unique combination of national exclusivity and offshore innovation. Below is a detailed look at the ten leading platforms serving Kiwi bettors today:

1. TAB New Zealand: The sole licensed provider following the 2025 Racing Industry Amendment Bill. Focused on rugby, horse racing, and cricket—with retail and digital options, plus weekly loyalty incentives. Its main limitation is a smaller betting universe and limited in-play menus.
2. Bet365: A global powerhouse famed for its reliability, extensive live-streaming, and broad coverage—from rugby and cricket to soccer and niche markets. The mobile app is seamless and widely regarded as the industry benchmark.
3. Betway: Excels in live betting, especially tennis, rugby, and football. The app is highly rated, and ongoing promotions make it popular with tech-oriented bettors.
4. 22Bet: Renowned for its consistent, competitive odds across mainstream and niche sports, including eSports. Quick payouts and a welcoming mobile UX enhance its appeal.
5. 20Bet: A football-centric platform offering over 3,000 football markets alongside 40+ sports. It provides robust bonuses, reload offers, and a VIP program suited to high-frequency bettors.
6. LeoVegas: A mobile-first operator that integrates sports and casino within a slick interface. Strong support and responsive UX contribute to its rising profile among Kiwi punters.
7. PowerPlay: Combines in-play betting with a full-featured casino, offering intuitive navigation and dynamic live wagering options.
8. Palmerbet: Specialist in horse racing and cricket markets, offering local insights and competitive odds—well-suited to bettors focused on domestic events.
9. Picklebet: An eSports pioneer targeting younger demographics with niche game markets and emerging sports, appealing to trend-conscious bettors.
10. Spinbetter: Offers an eclectic range of unconventional sports like bare-knuckle boxing and dodgeball, paired with top-tier eSports coverage and live-stream features.

Which Sports Attract the Most Bets?

Betting patterns reflect New Zealand’s sporting heritage as well as global trends among digital-savvy consumers:

• Rugby: The dominant sport in online wagering, driving roughly 40% of all bets—especially during major competitions like Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship.
• Cricket: A national favourite, with betting volumes spanning international tests, T20 leagues, and domestic competitions.
• Horse Racing: Retains strong engagement around hallmark races such as the New Zealand Cup and Karaka Million.
• Football (Soccer): Appeals to a younger betting cohort; Teasing formats like Parlays, handicaps, and in-play markets in global leagues are highly popular.
• Basketball & Rugby League: NBA, NBL, and international rugby leagues have grown in prominence among punters.
• eSports: The fastest rising segment—featuring games like FIFA, Dota 2, and LoL—driven primarily by Gen Z and Millennials.
• Netball, Boxing, MMA, and Greyhound Racing: Niche yet loyal markets, with spikes during major events and tournaments.

Legal Landscape: Betting Rules in New Zealand

New Zealand’s regulatory structure is anchored by a mix of legislation and emerging amendments:

• Gambling Act 2003: Grants TAM NZ and the Lotteries Commission exclusive betting authority.
• Offshore Betting: While offshore platforms are barred from targeting Kiwis, local users are not prosecuted—hence they continue to utilize NZD deposit gateways and enjoy various perks.
• 2025 TAB Amendment: Extends TAB’s monopoly to include online sports wagering, bolstering legal clarity while prompting intensified offshore enforcement.
• Online Casino Reform (2026): Legislation is underway to license up to 15 online casino operators, prioritizing oversight, player protection, and harm reduction.

Why These Platforms Lead the Market

The success of these platforms is driven by four key factors:

• Regulatory Legitimacy: TAB NZ holds local licensing and aligns with national sports governance.
• Global Expertise: Bet365, Betway, and 22Bet bring advanced tech, competitive odds, and comprehensive market offerings.
• Innovation: LeoVegas and Picklebet lead on mobile UX and eSports integration, aligning with evolving bettor preferences.
• Diversity: Offshore operators offer broader sports coverage and niche markets that local providers cannot match under current regulation.

Responsible Gambling & Consumer Safeguards

With expanding access, authorities are intensifying safeguards:

• Adoption of self-exclusion tools and spending caps.
• Advertising restrictions targeting vulnerable audiences.
• Enhanced oversight on licensed operators’ transparency and fairness.

These measures signal a proactive shift toward mitigating harm and improving integrity in the online gambling sector.

Strategic & Investor Insights

New Zealand’s betting market is entering a period of transition: aggressive innovation from offshore operators juxtaposed with tighter local regulation. International brands offer flexibility and experience; TAB NZ provides legal security and alignment with national values. The 2026 licensing regime signals a broader shift toward regulation, suggesting potential for increased institutional involvement.

Investor Takeaway: Platforms with advanced live-streaming, mobile-first UX, eSports exposure, and robust AML compliance will be well-positioned to thrive. Betting on offshore versus leveraging local legitimacy continues to define strategic positioning.

New Zealand: A Market at Crossroads

New Zealand’s 2025 online sports betting environment offers new opportunities and challenges—regulatory exclusivity has secured TAB NZ’s dominance, even as offshore platforms redefine market expectations. As iGaming licensing and consumer protections mature in 2026, punters will benefit from a richer, safer environment—and the most agile platforms will shape the next wave of growth.