New Zealand Introduces New Online Gambling Bill and Bans Offshore Sports Betting

New Zealand has prohibited online race and sports betting by overseas operators after giving Tab NZ exclusive rights. Tab NZ is now the sole provider to offer online racing and sports betting within New Zealand, since the amendment to the Racing Industry Act 2020 took effect on June 28th.

New Zealand’s Regulator, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), has notified providers to withdraw from the market and will oversee enforcement. They have also encouraged operators to register interest in the upcoming casino licensing regime in the country.

Legislation to licence online casinos was introduced in New Zealand on 30th June and plans to come into effect in 2026. Targeted consultation on harm minimisation and consumer protection is currently underway. The bill is expected to be enacted in January 2026, with licences intended to be issued towards the end of next year.

New Zealand’s regulation should facilitate a safer and compliant regulated online gambling market, with stronger protections in place for its local market, and increased economic output for domestic providers.

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