TAB NZ becomes New Zealand's sole legal operator for online sports and racing bets

New Zealand has enacted legislative reforms granting TAB NZ exclusive rights to offer online racing and sports betting, effectively prohibiting offshore operators from accepting wagers from the country.

The amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020 took effect on June 28, following Royal Assent and parliamentary approval.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the national gambling regulator, confirmed it will enforce compliance. The department has already notified unlicensed providers to withdraw from the market with immediate effect.

Director of Gambling Vicki Scott said: “We expect that responsible gambling operators will respect and comply with this law change. They should close New Zealand accounts and pay outstanding money to customers promptly.” 

She added that bettors should be aware of risks tied to offshore providers, which may lack consumer safeguards. “If an overseas company is offering you these bets, they are breaking the law here,” Scott said.

Online casino talks continue

The amended law extends TAB NZ’s monopoly beyond land-based venues, making it the sole legal provider of online betting.

According to Racing Minister Winston Peters, “TAB NZ is the core funding source for New Zealand’s racing industry and contributes vital funding to a variety of sports codes. This legislation redirects New Zealand punters’ dollars for the benefit of the racing industry and sports here, rather than overseas commercial operators.”

The legislation also mandates TAB NZ to provide performance data and expands harm minimization measures from retail venues to online platforms. The DIA will regulate TAB NZ’s online operations on an interim basis until a new regulator is established for an open iGaming market planned for 2026.

Although the reforms target sports and racing betting, online casino gambling remains unregulated. A licensing regime is under development through the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, which could allow up to 15 commercial operators. Entities expressing interest include SkyCity, 888, Bet365, and Super Group.

Last week, the DIA invited operators to register interest in the upcoming online casino framework, indicating a move toward legalizing advertising for licensed platforms.

Economic impact and industry response

New Zealand’s racing sector generates NZ$1.9 billion annually and employs 13,500 people. Entain, TAB NZ’s partner under a 25-year agreement signed in 2023, has pledged to invest NZ$100 million in the sector.

“We’re honoured to contribute to the future of the racing codes, and [also to] play a part in keeping Kiwi sport alive and thriving,” said Entain’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Sam Moncur.

Green Party MP Steve Abel cited estimates that $185 million was lost annually to offshore operators, saying: “This bill will ensure that more of that money is retained by New Zealand.”