Online Gambling in New Zealand in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Hello, and welcome to Lionbonuses.com! If you’ve landed on this page, it’s because you’re curious about how the gambling landscape in New Zealand is changing.

You may have already heard the news: from December 2025, offshore casinos will no longer be allowed to offer sports betting to Kiwi players. If you’re used to placing bets on sites like bet365, you might be wondering what’s really happening. Don’t worry: we’re here to break it down in simple words.

But first, we’ll take a look back at how gambling began in New Zealand, who regulates it today, and where Kiwis have been playing over the past decades. Then we’ll dive into the upcoming changes, what they mean for you as a player, and why the future of gambling in NZ is still exciting.

So stick with us, as it’s going to be an interesting ride!

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A Look Back at the Early Days of Gambling in New Zealand

How was gambling born in New Zealand? For most of history, gambling was restricted or outright banned. It only became legal thanks to specific government acts, starting with the legalisation of betting on horse racing through the TAB in 1961, followed later by national lotteries, the introduction of pokies in 1987, and the establishment of land-based casinos in 1994. Each of these milestones has shaped how New Zealanders gamble today.

But was gambling always legal in the country? Not really. Gambling was long seen as taboo, both worldwide and in New Zealand. In fact, horse racing and bookmaking were declared illegal in 1920. With time, though, betting became more accepted as entertainment, and new forms of gambling gradually joined the scene:

Lotteries gained popularity in the mid-1900s.
Pokies were introduced in 1987 with the first classic video slot machines.
Real casinos started opening not so long ago, in 1994.
Online casinos soon followed, offered mainly under offshore licences.

Today, land-based gambling is overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), which regulates all licensed activities in New Zealand. A key part of this system is that a share of gambling profits must be returned to the community through funding for charities, sports clubs, cultural events, and local projects. For example, Lotto profits go to the Lottery Grants Board, while pokies in pubs and clubs are licensed through charitable trusts that distribute funds back into the community.

However, when it comes to online play, things look different. Most of the casinos Kiwis use are based offshore, outside the DIA’s control. Some of these licences are very reliable, like the MGA, while others, such as Curaçao or Anjouan, are less strict and don’t offer the same level of protection. Still, many casinos under those lighter licences are safe and valid to play at.

Timeline of Gambling in New Zealand

To help you better understand how gambling has evolved in New Zealand from the beginning till 2025, we’ve put together a quick timeline of the key milestones. This makes it easier to see how the industry developed: from early restrictions to the online era we live in today.

Gambling Timeline

Year	Milestone	What Happened
1920	Horse racing bookmaking is banned	Betting is only allowed on-course; bookmaking is declared illegal.
1961	TAB created	The Totalisator Agency Board was launched, giving Kiwis an official way to bet on racing.
1987	Lotto + pokies introduced	Lotto tickets first launched; pokies legalised in pubs and clubs across NZ.
1994	First casino opens	Christchurch Casino became New Zealand’s first land-based casino.
2008	Lotto tickets go online	MyLotto launched, letting players buy Lotto & Powerball tickets online.
2025	Offshore sportsbooks ban	From December 2025, offshore casinos will no longer be allowed to offer sports betting.

What Online Gambling Means for Kiwis in 2025

Today, the way Kiwis gamble has shifted massively compared to the early days. TAB betting still exists, but most players now prefer the convenience of online casinos, pokies, and mobile betting platforms.

So, what does online gambling actually mean for Kiwi players in 2025? In short: convenience, choice, and instant access.

Just like shopping for clothes, tech, or entertainment, globalisation has pushed everything online, and gambling is no exception. The last decade has created an expectation of instant availability, and players want to game wherever and whenever they like.

This is not just a New Zealand trend, but a global one, seen across continents. What makes it more interesting here is the rise of crypto wallets and digital payments, which have made deposits and withdrawals faster than ever. Combined with the variety of games available, Kiwis now have access to betting options you’d never see in a land-based casino. From niche pokies to innovative online-only formats, there’s something out there for every taste.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in New Zealand?

We mentioned how offshore-licensed casinos have been running most of the online action for Kiwi players. That setup, however, won’t last much longer. Just like many other countries, which eventually introduced their own licensing systems, New Zealand is now heading in the same direction.

And honestly, that’s not a bad thing: gambling is serious business and, while many offshore casinos do a great job, local regulation adds an extra layer of safety. When a government steps in, it usually means there is:

An authority responsible for oversight
Clear rules that casinos must follow
Protections in place for players

So, what does this have to do with online sports betting? Well, here’s the big news: from December 2025, offshore casinos will no longer be allowed to offer sports betting to New Zealand players.

And in our view, this is just the start of everything.

How the Upcoming Regulation Could Change Online Gambling for Kiwis

With the sports betting ban in place from December 2025, the real question is: what comes next for online gambling in New Zealand? And why start with sports and not pokies? In our opinion, and we might be wrong, it’s because sports betting has historically been the most common form of gambling in New Zealand, even though pokies are now incredibly popular. We believe the government doesn’t want to shut gambling down completely; it simply wants to introduce clearer rules. And they’ve decided to begin with betting.

So, is sports betting gone for good in New Zealand?

Not at all. And no, the prohibition years of 1920 aren’t coming back. People today expect instant access to everything, especially to gambling! What’s happening here is more about creating a framework so that, in the near future, betting companies can apply for a New Zealand licence, just like they do in many other regulated countries.

Is a New Zealand Gambling Licence on the Way?

Not yet, and it’s not 100% confirmed. But the signals are clear, and by early 2026, we expect to hear something more concrete from the government. Until then, Kiwis can still enjoy online casinos, pokies, and lotteries, but sports betting at offshore sites will be off the table for now.

The Most Popular Types of Gambling in New Zealand

Rules might be being rewritten, but habits are still strong. Kiwis still love their gambling, and fortunately, there’s a wide menu to pick from!

Some stats: 70% of adults gamble every year, 6/10 play Lotto, and pokies and TAB-based racing/sports are firm favourites too.

We’ve listed the 5 most popular types of gambling in New Zealand, so you can see what most players like, and maybe what you’ll prefer too:

Horse Racing: Still a National Favourite

Horse racing was the first major form of legal gambling in New Zealand. The TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) was set up in 1961, giving Kiwis an official way to bet after decades of restrictions. Racing events like the New Zealand Cup and Karaka Million still attract big followings. As for today, about 1 in 10 adults bet on racing or sports through the TAB each year, proving it’s still part of Kiwi culture, even as online casinos grow.

Lotteries: From Paper Tickets to Online Powerball

Lotteries in New Zealand date back to the late 1800s with small “art unions.” The modern era began in 1987 with the launch of Lotto, run by the New Zealand Lotteries Commission. Since then, the lottery lineup has expanded with Instant Kiwi scratchies, Keno, and Big Wednesday. Nowadays, lotteries are the most popular form of gambling in New Zealand, with around 6 in 10 adults buying a ticket at least once a year. Their popularity grew even more once online sales were introduced. In fact, before 2008, Lotto and Powerball tickets could only be bought in person at dairies, supermarkets, or Lotto outlets. That changed in 2008, when the New Zealand Lotteries Commission launched online sales: from then on, players could log in through the official website (and later the MyLotto app) to buy tickets without leaving home.

Classic Video Pokies

Together with lotteries, classic video pokies entered the New Zealand gambling scene in 1987, when slot machines first appeared in pubs and clubs. They spread rapidly, and by the 1990s had become a fixture of Kiwi nightlife and entertainment.

Today, there are close to 18,000 machines operating nationwide, with around 82% in pubs and clubs and the rest in casinos. Pokies consistently account for a huge portion of gambling spend; in some years, nearly half of all gambling losses have come from these machines.

And of course, due to their impact, pokies have also been at the centre of debates. To reduce risks, regulations now require every machine to include a Player Information Display (PID) showing how long someone has been playing, how much they’ve lost, and reminders to take breaks. Even with these measures, pokies remain one of the most loved and most played gambling products in New Zealand.

Online Pokies

While Classic Video Pokies are everywhere, it’s the online pokies that have exploded in popularity in recent years. Offshore casinos give a choice among thousands of titles, available on desktop and mobile, with features you won’t find in physical slot machines, like bonus rounds, free spins, progressive jackpots, and many more ways to win.

Some of the top providers for Kiwi players include:

Novomatic – legendary for Book of Ra and other classic slots.
Pragmatic Play – creator of hits like Sweet Bonanza and Big Bass Bonanza.
NetEnt – famous for Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
Aristocrat – the Australian slot giant behind land-based favourites now online.
Microgaming (now Games Global) – one of the pioneers of online slots, famous for massive progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah.

These providers have made online pokies a top pick for Kiwi players by combining ease of play, huge jackpots, and endless variety. From classics like Book of Ra to modern hits like Sweet Bonanza, online pokies aren’t just a side option anymore: they’re at the heart of how New Zealanders gamble today.

Our Conclusion: The Future of Online Gambling in New Zealand

Looking back, it’s clear that gambling in New Zealand has gone through huge changes: from the days when horse racing bets were banned, to the rise of Lotto, pokies, and land-based casinos, and now the boom of online play.

The upcoming ban on offshore sports betting from December 2025 is not the end of the story, but the start of a new chapter. Just like many other countries, New Zealand is moving toward its own licensing system. That means:

More clarity: clear rules around what is and isn’t allowed.
More oversight: an authority (DIA) ensuring fairness for kiwi gamblers.
Better protection for players: safeguards and responsible gambling tools.
Community benefits: as part of the gambling proceeds are returned to local causes.

For Kiwi gamblers, the good news is that the core favourites, pokies and online casinos, remain available, with more variety than ever before. At the same time, regulation is expected to become more local, more transparent, and more focused on community wellbeing.

In short, the future of gambling in New Zealand looks exciting, with new opportunities on the horizon, and we’ll be here waiting to see what’s next!

FAQ on Online Gambling

Is online gambling legal in New Zealand?

Online gambling is legal when offered by Lotto NZ or TAB NZ. However, many Kiwis choose to play at offshore casinos, which is not illegal, but these sites are not regulated in New Zealand.

Is online sports betting legal in New Zealand?

From December 2025, offshore casinos will no longer be able to offer sports betting to New Zealand players. Lotto, pokies, casinos, and online slots will still be available, but sports bets must go through TAB NZ.

Who regulates gambling in New Zealand?

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) oversees all land-based gambling, including Lotto, casinos, TAB betting, and video pokies.

Do offshore casinos accept Kiwi players?

Yes. Many offshore casinos welcome players from New Zealand, often supporting NZD payments and even crypto. Popular licences include MGA, Anjouan and Curaçao.

What are the most popular types of gambling in New Zealand?

Lotto tickets are the number one choice, with about 6 in 10 adults playing each year. Pokies, both physical and online, are also hugely popular, alongside horse racing.

Can I still play pokies online in 2025 in New Zealand?

Yes. The new ban only affects offshore sports betting. Online pokies, casino games, and lotteries will remain available to Kiwi players.

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Nella

Hi, I’m Nella, and I’ve been working in the world of iGaming and online betting for over eight years. At Lionbonuses.com, I bring my knowledge and experience, offering readers clear and detailed content about online casino reviews, betting sites, bonuses, game providers, and everything related to the online gaming world.