Gambling Guide – New Zealand

Gambling, loved or hated, is one of the most enduring pastimes in history, with its roots steeped in the mystique of ancient China and Mesopotamia. Driven by human nature to defy the odds, know the unknowable, and flex a psychological edge in games built not only on chance but also skill. Forming the basis of financial trading, marketing theory, and so ingrained in human society that “making a bet” has become a universally accepted show of how strongly you back your opinions. Today, gambling is more available than ever before; the internet has made it possible for players to enjoy all sorts of gambling from the palms of their hands. This page serves as the consolidated guide to online gambling in New Zealand, its legality, player safety, responsible gambling, and the types of gambling available, making this the only resource you need to gamble safely on the internet in New Zealand.

Laws that Govern Online Gambling in New Zealand

Online gambling is set to get some brand new rules in New Zealand in 2026, rules that will change the way Kiwi’s gamble on the internet forever reinventing New Zealand casinos. This new Online Casino Gambling Bill will license and regulate 15 casinos in NZ, until then however New Zealanders are allowed to gamble at online casinos as long as they are not based within New Zealand. These are online casinos that are licensed by regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Comission and more. Sportsbetting online on the other hand is already limited to only being legal at TAB and its sister sites with no other operator allowed to offer online betting services in NZ.

• Minimum age to use a gambling site in NZ : 18
• Minimum age to gamble in person at a brick mortar Casino: 20
• ID checks & compliance: NZ-licensed operators (TAB NZ, casinos, Lotto NZ) are AML/CFT reporting entities and must verify customers’ Identity information and manage financial crime risk. Offshore licensed operators perform the same checks for online casinos verifying ID and other personal information at registration or at least before withdrawal.

Your Rights when gambling online in New Zealand

Gambling online in New Zealand comes with some specific rights and protections, these only apply to NZ regulated products however, TAB for sportbetting and Lotto NZ for lotteries. Online casinos however arent covered by these protections, this means that when it comes to general consumer and privacy rights these are at the discretion of the casinos themselves and the codes they hold themselves to. While offshore licensing bodies maintain some standards, these are not identical for each licensor making choosing the right casino site a crucial part of the journey and why minimumdepositcasinos.org holds ourselves to the highest standard in our suggestions.

Find a quick checklist to help you make the right choice below:

• The only legal sportsbetting operator in New Zealand is TAB and its sister sites; no other sportsbetting site is legally allowed to accept New Zealanders’ bets, even the marketing of such is prohibited and can even result in operators refusing to pay out your bet.
• Age protections are enforced by casinos.
• Safer gambling tools that include self-exclusion and stake limits
• To not be exposed to illegal gambling promotions.

Depositing and Cashing out when gambling online in NZ

Choosing a payment method that works for you can change your entire online gambling experience, ensuring privacy and security whilst also affecting any fees you might incur. The payment method you select is also an essential part of being able to withdraw your gambling winnings quickly and easily, connecting you with your money.

Read our NZ Casino Payment method page for more details or consult our quick guide below for an overview of NZ online gambling payment methods and their features. Be aware that these are different for different sites with some offering additional payment methods or features, we indicate this in our casino reviews or bonus offers.

Gambling Becoming a Problem? NZ Gambling Help and Where to get it

If your gambling starts to become a problem, leaving you stressed or spending more than you planned, you might need help. There’s a ton of resources available to New Zealanders with gambling problems that are free and confidential, giving you 24/7 support to help you set spending limits or stop gambling entirely.

• Gambling Helpline — Call 0800 654 655 or text 8006 any time. Live chat is also available.
• PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation) — Free counseling for gamblers and affected others (in person, phone, online).
• The Salvation Army NZ Call +64 4 384 5649 — Counseling, groups, and practical support.

• TAB Sports Betting: 18+
• Lottery and Casino (including online): 18+
• Land Based Casinos : 20+