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Which are the Leading Betting Sites in New Zealand?

The betting sites outlined in the table below are the top ones that enjoy popularity in New Zealand due to their quality products. Take a look at each one and decide which bookmaker is worth registering at. Read on for more useful info on the gambling market in the country and interesting trivia.

Betway
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  • Live Streaming
  • Live Betting
  • Cashout
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
  • Virtual Sports
  • Bet Builder
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  • Boosted Odds
  • Partial Cash out
22Bet
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  • Live Betting
  • Cashout
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
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  • Boosted Odds
  • Live Streaming
  • Poker
  • Virtual Sports
LeoVegas
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  • Live Betting
  • Cashout
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  • Live Casino
  • Bet Builder
  • Boosted Odds
  • E-Sports

Best Bookmakers in New Zealand Listed

  1. Betway – Our #1 pick for New Zealand
  2. 22bet – Best sportsbook in New Zealand
  3. LeoVegas – Exciting range of betting options

New Zealand’s Top Bookmakers Reviewed

In New Zealand, a large range of betting sites are available. They offer minor and major sporting events. Most of these online bookies that Kiwis wager with are licensed in Australia and have very good reputations. The various sites that New Zealanders can place wagers with and not worry about safety include the brands reviewed below though there are several others.

Betway

Betway Rugby League  

Players in New Zealand can enjoy a wide range of sports betting thrills from Betway online bookmaker. They offer horse racing bets, and their football betting is sorted too. The bookmaker has over 500 games to choose from such as blackjack and many others. They also offer a Ladbrokes Live casino with great bonuses and promotions to choose from.

In terms of odds, Betway is ranked in the middle of other larger bookmakers. However, Kiwis can find slightly better odds in their sbook where players bet with competitive odds.

  • Pros
  • There are over 500 games to choose from
  • The website is trusted and since it is audited by GLI
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Supports multiple currencies
  • Cons
  • Their payout process is slow

22bet

22bet Rugby Union  

When it comes to betting on rugby or any other sports favourite among New Zealand punters then 22bet is the right choice. This bookmaker is an international phenomenon that enjoys a good reputation across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Of course, bettors residing in New Zealand can see the appeal of this sportsbook as well.

  • Pros
  • Lots of high odds markets
  • Future bets available
  • Niche sports betting in place
  • Cons
  • Apps need improvement

LeoVegas

LeoVegas In-Play  

This bookmaker Leo Vegas has been in the gambling industry since 1934 while its online version was introduced in 2011. They offer plenty of sports betting action with games such as horse racing, greyhound racing, football, baseball, boxing, among others.

They cover almost 60,000 football matches every year, and their odds are quite reasonable since their selection and value of games stand out. Players will have plenty of promotions and bonuses from Leovegas bookmaker.

  • Pros
  • They provide Live stream events
  • They have the Cash in My Bet option on the Match betting markets
  • Wide range of bookmaker games
  • About 10,000 live betting events per week
  • Cons
  • They offer low welcome bonus amount
  • They could improve their website layout

What to consider when choosing a Betting Site in New Zealand?

There are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing a betting site in New Zealand. Things such as the welcome bonus and the odds available have to be put into consideration. Most of the reputable betting sites know exactly what players are looking for, and they do their best to ensure that they provide quality offers.

  • Deposit bonuses
    Most of the bookmakers will offer a deposit bonus for players who put their first deposit in their account. Bonuses may be displayed in percentage format depending on the site you choose to bet from. Different betting sites offer different welcome deposit bonuses.
  • Available odds
    Players should look into the odds of different sports and see if they can find value in them. In terms of odds, they can look into things such as the broad selection of odds, the bonus odds or free bets and the multiple sports covered. Using this, players can gauge on which betting sites offer the best value.
  • Security
    You must consider whether the betting site offers a secure environment that is protected using the latest advanced technology. The software used to safeguard your personal information, and banking details should be updated.
  • Reputation
    You must be able to verify the betting site’s reputation as a top-betting establishment and one that focuses on providing its players with the best services.
  • Licensing
    As a player, you need to check on the legitimacy of their gambling license. You need to carry out thorough investigations to find out whether they have a history of abuse to players or non-payment issues.

Betting in NZ – Trivia

  • Currency: New Zealand Dollar
  • Population: 4,794,000
  • Active Players: 3,600,000
  • Designated Authority: Department of Internal Affairs
  • Regulated Gambling Products: Lotteries, Horse Racing, Slot machine games, Online Bookies
  • Types of Operators: Offshore companies, land-based casino operators

Did you know that?

  • Four-fifth of the population wager in one way or the other
  • New Zealand gamblers spent an estimated €1.3 billion in 2016 financial year
  • The land-based gamblers in New Zealand are more than the online gamblers
  • It is illegal to gamble online in online gambling platforms based in New Zealand, but you can gamble in foreign-based online platforms

Gambling in New Zealand

Gambling in New Zealand has been a common activity for several centuries. Gambling activities in the country have undergone a series of strict regulations. However, in the present days, Kiwis are allowed to participate in many types of gambling activities as directed by the Internal Affairs Department. Forms of gambling allowed in New Zealand include lotteries, horse racing, slot machine games and also playing at online bookmakers that are based outside of New Zealand borders.

Documentations of gambling activities in New Zealand dates back to 1830s. During this period, Kiwis were allowed to bet mostly on horse racing. New Zealand resident, George Julius was able to make an impact on the world of sports and gambling even though the country is an isolated island. This impact is still felt in the country to date. George Julius invented the automatic totalisator, also called the tote board in 1913. This machine allows horse racing fans to see the positions of horses in the racing track.

In the 1920s, Bookmakers were prohibited in New Zealand. Betting 0n horse racing was only allowed on the tracks until 1961. All other forms of gambling activities in the country were also restricted until the 1980s when Parliament approved lottery games and online bookmakers. Shortly after this approval, slot machines were legalized and later introduced. Online Bookmakers were also legalized and the first bookmaker opened in 1994.

In New Zealand, gambling activities are regulated by the Gambling Commission, which falls under the Department of Internal Affairs. The Commission was established in 2003 and has been responsible for licensing online bookmakers and also specifies conditions necessary for licensing. The Commission also approves agreements between bookmakers and the bookmaker venue license holders.

Therefore, under the Gambling Act 2003, New Zealand prohibits all forms of gambling unless permitted. There are four forms of gambling activities in New Zealand, and each of these requires a special license from the government to operate. Bookmaking and remote online gambling activities are prohibited across the board. The Kiwi law dictates that it is illegal for players to gamble at any online bookmaker in New Zealand borders. It is a relief to learn that as long as New Zealanders are of legal age, they can comfortably bet in online bookmakers that are not based within the borders of their county.

It is also illegal to advertise any forms of gaming in New Zealand from other countries. Kiwis who might prefer to play at New Zealand based machines are limited to slots or pokies, sports betting and also gambling at one of the nation’s six land-based casinos. Looking at them, the gaming regulations in New Zealand seem stringent. These laws are mostly focused on closing down New Zealand based operators that are not licensed by the New Zealand Government. The law makes it clear that Kiwis can enjoy their favourite casino games such as blackjack, video poker, craps, keno, slots or pokies at online bookmakers based elsewhere.

Do Players from New Zealand get restricted by some bookmakers? Why?

Players from New Zealand can enjoy their favourite forms of gambling activities from the majority of online bookmakers as long as the bookmaker is licensed and is not operating in New Zealand borders. Bookmakers from all over the world try to accommodate New Zealand based players because the country offers such a big market for these bookies. These bookmakers also know that New Zealanders have no casinos of their own in their country.

Therefore, punters in New Zealand can go ahead and enjoy their favourite casino games such as poker, baccarat, keno, slots, roulette, and craps any time they want as long as they are not doing so within New Zealand borders, and the online bookmaker they choose to play at is regulated and safe.

How much tax do you pay on gambling winnings in New Zealand?

Taxation involving the gaming sector in New Zealand is controlled by the New Zealand Income Tax Act (1535/1992) and the Lottery Tax Act (522/1922). According to these Acts, the lottery organizer has to pay a lottery tax which covers the income tax. There are restrictions on the taxing of lotteries such that winnings from lotteries are not taxed if the lotteries are organized in accordance with the law of New Zealand or in any state of the European Economic Area.

According to the Lottery Tax Act, for the lotteries that gaming operators organize, gaming operators must pay tax to the government. Therefore, as long as a player is playing at an online bookmaker based internationally, New Zealanders can keep 100% of their winnings as they are not subject to income tax.


About the gambling market

Gambling expenditures in New Zealand total around $NZ 2billion per year after the long periods of a prohibition on all forms of gambling activities in New Zealand. 35% of this amount is from Pokies followed closely by bookmakers that account for 26% of this amount. Lottos make up 21% of this amount while sports betting make up 18%. According to New Zealand laws, all public betting firms need to donate a portion of their profits towards community projects. There are a total of six land-based bookies in the islands.

According to statistics, it is estimated that 80% of New Zealanders gamble in one way or another. Many of these players participate in lottery games. Citizens in the country spend a total of more than $2 billion on gambling operations. The race tracks, street betting shops for sports betting activities and bingo halls in New Zealand are many compared to the land-based bookies. Popular online bookmakers that compete for New Zealand players include William Hill Casino, BitStarz, GDay Casino, Mansion Casino, among others.


  • Live streaming – This is one of the most sought out features by sports betting lovers. Live streaming feature determines whether a given bookmaker will be chosen by players. The live streaming feature is available on most online bookmakers that accept New Zealand players such as Betway, 22bet and Bet365.
  • In-Play – This feature works best for players who like taking advantage of every step of the game. This feature works in such a way that bets are placed when a match is underway.
  • Cash-out feature – This feature gives players more control over their bets and offers them an opportunity of taking a return before an event finishes. It is available at Betway and Leo Vegas online bookmakers.

Available bonuses for players from New Zealand

Different online bookmakers offer different bonuses for New Zealanders. There are different signup bonuses, free bets, and deposit bonuses for players to choose from. To take advantage of these bonuses, players need to create a new account with the recommended online bookmakers and then deposit funds.


The favourite sports of the bettors in New Zealand

  • Horse racing – This is one of the most popular sports enjoyed by New Zealanders. In most Kiwi households, this is the leading betting activity meant to pass the time.
  • Cricket – The Most popular sport for New Zealand bettors. The sports dates back in history and attracts support from most gambling sites.
  • Football – Aussie Rules Football attracts a huge crowd of sports lovers. The sport can be bet on by both high roller and low roller players.
  • Tennis – It draws its interest from their neighbours in Australia. The sport is welcomed by top-notch gambling sites for New Zealand players.

Are Online Casinos popular on the market?

New Zealand features some of the best online casino sites in New Zealand where players get a chance to play and win real money. The betting sites are categorized in terms of fairness, customer service, and payouts. In New Zealand Kiwis receive perks from betting online like conveniently playing from their comfort and the opportunity to play on numerous sports games from all over the world. You can play your favourite games in online bookmakers such as Rizk, Fansbet, Karamba, among others. The games available include roulette, blackjack, slots or pokie machine games, among others.



Currency and Preferred Payment Methods in New Zealand

The New Zealand dollar is frequently accepted as a method of processing payments by online bookmakers and sportsbooks. Brands such as Betway, Bet365, and Guts Casino accept the New Zealand dollar when making transactions. There are also many different banking options for Kiwi players to choose from. The methods include credit and debit cards with options ranging from Visa debit card, Mastercard with Maestro, PayPal, and e-wallet methods such as POLi and others, including Paysafecard, Skrill, and Neteller.


Bookies with mobile apps for customers from New Zealand

Mobile gaming delivers the quickest and most convenient method of placing bets in online bookmakers. New Zealand gambling sites support platforms for mobile devices giving Kiwis the excitement that comes with betting online on their favourite sports. Bet365 offers one of the commonest mobile apps; this app is also supported by Android devices and thus provides players with great user experience and also offers diverse offers.

Use of mobile apps also allows players to learn how to place bets and also how to choose a convenient top online sportsbook.


Final comment

The top betting sites in New Zealand offer players’ ways of increasing profit while also enjoying the most exciting sports betting events from all over the globe. Football betting sites have some of the best odds and betting tips for Kiwi players. Some of the best bookmakers in New Zealand offer players the chance of playing their favourite sports from the best New Zealand mobile sports betting sites.


FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in New Zealand?

Yes, betting online is legal in New Zealand.

Is online horse racing legal in New Zealand?

Yes. Horse racing falls under the same rules and regulations that apply to sports betting

Which websites accept sports bets from New Zealand?

Some of these betting sites are 22bet, BetRegal, Betway, Bet365 accept New Zealand players.

Is live betting legal in New Zealand?

Yes, players can enjoy live betting over the internet and on mobile apps.

Is online poker legal in New Zealand?

It is legal to play poker in New Zealand


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    Author: Maria Miteva
    Maria Miteva
    Maria is an advocate of responsible gambling. Her reviews and articles are well-researched pieces of quality content.