Sports play a big role in New Zealand, and for many fans, placing wagers adds to the excitement of the game. As interest in online betting continues to grow, more Kiwis are turning to online casinos with sportsbook, all in one convenient place. Keep reading to learn more about the best casino sites with a sportsbook, what they entail and offer.
The New Zealand sports betting scene is governed by regulations designed to ensure player safety and fairness. Here are some benchmarks you need to know about wagering on sports as a Kiwi before you start playing:
Choosing the well-rated online platforms in NZ requires some straightforward but essential criteria. Follow the steps below to get started with your sports betting journey:
First off, choose an offshore or local sports betting site. Ensure you select a bookie that’s licensed and regulated by bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Government of Curaçao.
Then, fill out the registration form, where you’d need to input some personal information. After completing the form, submit it and verify your account, if needed.
Next, head to the cashier and choose a payment method that suits you. Remember to look out for welcome bonuses when making your first deposit, as such incentives can greatly enhance your wagering experience.
Lastly, go to the sports section, find your preferred category and pick a market attached to a sports event(s). Once you’re done selecting, open the bet slip, enter a wager amount, and place your bets.
Some popular and international sports dominate the NZ sports betting scene. The popularity of these sports showcases the innate connection with athletic competitions. This section covers the most common sports you can wager on at the best sportsbooks in New Zealand:
Rugby is the “heartbeat of NZ sports.” Bettors gravitate towards it at online sports betting sites, with markets like match winner, point spread, and All Blacks specials ranking as the most engaged.
New Zealand has had a deep-rooted history in cricket, having played its first competitive event in the sport in 1930. NZ bettors are naturally drawn towards matches featuring the Black Caps and high-profile players.
This is one of the top sports among Kiwis. NZ players are known to stake on football betting markets such as goalscorers, Asian handicap, double chance, and over/under. The most preferred betting leagues include the English Premier League and FIFA-organised tournaments.
New Zealand bettors have an affinity for betting on horse races. Bookies host several bets on events across the Melbourne Cup, Grand National, and the Kentucky Derby, making headlines.
Kiwi punters are not left behind in the Esports trend as they constantly stake real money on tournaments themed around popular Esports games like CS2, Valorant, Dota 2, and League of Legends. The New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF) has seen Esports-related betting gain steady traction in recent years.
With most players using their smartphones to place bets at online casinos and sports betting sites alike, the NZ wagering market is witnessing a steady rise in mobile gaming as well.
While there are several types of bets you can make at most casinos with a sportsbook, New Zealand players tend to favour some above others. Here are some of the most popular bet types Kiwi punters make:
Sports betting casino sites give players the best of both worlds — sports and casino betting. That way, players can diversify their gambling adventure without feeling limited. Here are the most played casino games at sportsbook casino sites:
Thousands of pokies are available at NZ sportsbook casino online sites. These games are easy to play and feature diverse themes, along with rewarding bonus rounds. Moreover, popular pokies at many casinos include Reactoonz, Gates of Olympus, and Bonanza Billion.
Online sportsbooks with a casino section usually have an array of table games themed around classics such as baccarat, poker, blackjack, and roulette. Besides, trending table games such as Casino Hold’Em, Classic Blackjack Side Bet Suite, Baccarat PRO, and Roulette Deluxe are available at online betting sites for NZ players.
Live casino games appeal to NZ players due to the real-time social interactions they bring to the betting scene. These gaming options are run by real dealers and have a chat feature that lets you converse with other players. Some of the top-choice live casino games available at NZ sports casino online sites include Skyline Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Crazy Time, and Sweet Bonanza CandyLand.
Online casinos that offer a sports betting experience are gaining traction in New Zealand. While they’re drawing the attention of players for the right reasons, these gambling destinations also have certain drawbacks worth mentioning. Check them out below:
NZ players can extend their casino and sports gameplay and increase their chances of winning by claiming the best bonus deals available. Some popular bonuses players can grab include:
Welcome bonuses are promotions tailored for new players. These offers typically match your initial deposit. For example, if a site has a 100% welcome bonus, and you deposit NZ$100, you’ll receive NZ$100 as bonus funds, totalling NZ$200. Moreover, welcome bonuses for new players can be used for both sports and casino.
Most NZ sportsbooks offer free bets (or bonus bets) to players when they fulfil a select condition. For instance, a site might demand that you deposit and wager NZ$10 before collecting free bets worth $30. Free bets aren’t withdrawable; you can only withdraw wins made from their use.
No-deposit offers are promotions you can activate without making a financial commitment. Also, they are quite rare. Old and new betting sites where it’s available usually deliver a small amount in free credits (i.e., NZ$5 or NZ$10). Moreover, Kiwis can sometimes find no deposit free spins at casinos if they are looking for casino incentives.
The best betting sites in New Zealand stand out with premium VIP programs. These schemes have different tiers. To move from one tier to another, you’d need to set wagers and earn points. As you go through the ranks, you’ll become eligible for personalised bonuses, invites to VIP events, and higher withdrawal limits.
Several sites have promotions themed around certain sports events significant to the NZ populace. To give an example, during the Rugby World Cup, you might encounter odds boosts on matches featuring the All Blacks.
Betting odds give context on how much you’ll win if you wager on a betting market. Sportsbooks in NZ offer different odds formats, including decimal odds, fractional odds, and moneyline odds. Here are some NZ gambling sites that boast the best sports betting odds:
| Casino | Sportsbook Bonus |
|---|---|
| Casinova | First Deposit Bonus of 100% up to $200 |
| Billybets | 100% up to $200 Welcome Offer for NZ players |
| Mr.Pacho | Registration Bonus of 100% up to $200 |
Choosing the top casino sites with a bookmaker for Kiwis requires thoughtful analysis. Before arriving at our list of the best sports betting casinos in NZ, these are the metrics our experts consider:
We begin by checking if a site holds a valid licence from a regulatory body like the UKGC or MGA. The presence of a certificate ensures the site adheres to standards regarding fairness and player safety.
Next up, we check the casino and sports section to see if the operator has enough variety. The sports section should have a wide array of betting options across football, cricket, and rugby. Conversely, the casino should host a vast game selection across slots, table games, and live dealer titles.
After assessing the variety of payment methods, we go further by checking the cashier areas of these sites. Sportsbooks should accept NZ-friendly payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, Mastercard, Visa and bank transfers.
We test each site on our desktop and mobile devices to ensure it delivers a smooth-sailing experience. Also, we check to see if available support channels are responsive and available 24/7.
The history of sports betting in New Zealand dates back to the late 1800s, when horse racing was in vogue. To counteract the influence of bookmakers on betting-related matters, the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) was created in 1950. By 1961, the TAB had made a net profit of over £900,000, making it the country’s fifth-most profitable enterprise.
At the beginning of the new century, calls for further regulations in the NZ gambling space led to the passing of the Gambling Act of 2003. Embedded in the Act were rules for regulating certain wagering activities and minimising the harms tied to gambling. In 2003, the Racing Act was passed. Its regulations amalgamated the TAB and the NZ Racing Industry Board to become the NZ Racing Board.
However, the Racing Act was replaced by the Racing Industry Act in 2020. This led to TAB NZ becoming the sole horse racing and sports betting operator in the country. The amendment also brought POCC regulations that directed offshore sites offering sports wagering services to pay a select amount to the Department of Internal Affairs for bets made by NZ residents. In recent years, online betting has grown leaps and bounds in New Zealand due to features like mobile gaming and live betting.
Gambling should be considered for entertainment purposes first. However, some individuals may see it as a route to make quick money, leading to financial and emotional issues. To ensure your gambling activities remain responsible, have a betting budget and stick with it. You should also avoid chasing losses. To avoid problem gambling, you can use these tools:
If you need further assistance with problem gambling or how to avoid or deal with addiction, you can seek assistance from support organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous and Gambling Helpline NZ.
Most NZ players bet on popular sports and play casino games on mobile. Due to geolocation restrictions, Kiwis can’t download mobile apps from offshore casinos directly from the Google Play or App Store.
Nonetheless, these operators have intuitive and clutter-free websites NZ players can access using their Android and iOS devices. Since these sites integrate progressive web technology, a fluid and responsive experience awaits.
For Kiwis who want a casino where they can also bet on their favourite sports, many operators offer this service. New Zealand bettors can stake on sports events at licensed offshore gambling sites that accept players from NZ. Before you begin betting, make sure to select a legal and reliable sportsbook site. You should also keep tabs on sports news and follow experts for the best sports betting tips.
Yes, it is. Players can place bets via the TAB NZ or any of the offshore casino sites featured in this guide.
Gambling Kiwis won’t need to pay personal income tax on betting winnings made via the TAB NZ.
Yes. Many bookies for Kiwis accept transactions and wagers in NZD. This saves players the hassle of currency conversions.
