Best Online Sports Betting Sites in New Zealand

Sports betting is very popular among Kiwis. In this guide, I’ll review the best betting sites in New Zealand, and explain the legal side of NZ sports betting. I’ll also list some tips and strategies to help you make the most of your sports betting experience.

New Zealand has so many choices when it comes to Sports Betting sites, the challenge becomes picking out the best ones. I’ve done the homework for you and listed below some of the top betting sites NZ has to offer. 

I’ve also included the pros and cons of each site and a few personal tips to help you make your decision:

Choosing the right sportsbook comes down to your personal preferences. For local sports fans, Supabet’s competitive odds on rugby and cricket make it an ideal option while QuickWin is the go-to for fast payouts. 

RTBet is the best one if you like in-depth analytics and data and if you want variety and enjoy playing casino games on the side, then the SlotsPalace hybrid approach is ideal.  

Malina Casino is the best one for regular promotions.  

At the end of the day, all of the above betting sites NZ are reputable and cater to NZ bettors so whichever one you choose should give you what you are looking for.

Online betting sites often a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract new players and retain loyal customers. These offers provide extra value and allow you to try new strategies or bet on matches with reduced financial risk. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of bonuses on offer at New Zealand betting sites:

Types of Bonuses and Promotions

Welcome Bonus

A reward for new players upon signing up, often matching the first deposit by a percentage (e.g., 100%). Best used to explore the platform’s features and games.

Free Bets

Offer free wagering opportunities without risking your own money. It is normally offered during all sorts of special events.

No Deposit Bonus

A small bonus is given just for registering, with no deposit required. Great for beginners to try the site risk-free.

Reload Bonuses

These are designed for existing players and provide a percentage match on additional deposits—a good reason to become a regular player at the betting site.

Cashback Offers

Refunds a portion of your losses over a specific period, softening the blow of unlucky bets.

Enhanced Odds Promotions

These are ad-hoc offers where the sportsbook boosts the payout odds on select events.

Expiration Period

Use bonuses before they expire, as the sportsbook may remove the bonus if you don’t use it within a specific time period.

Eligible Events/Games

Some bonuses only apply to specific bets or games.

Wagering Requirements

Check terms for playthrough requirements before withdrawing winnings.

Finding the right sportsbook is crucial if you want to feel comfortable depositing your money and placing bets there. With so many options available, carefully evaluating each platform ensures you choose the one that suits you the best. Here’s some of what you should consider before choosing a sportsbook:

Safety, Trust, and Licensing

• Verify that the sportsbook is licensed by a reputable authority (e.g., UKGC, MGA).
• Ensure the site uses secure encryption to protect your personal and financial data.

Betting Markets and Odds Quality

• Check the variety of sports and events available.
• Look for competitive odds.

Bonuses and Promotions

• See what welcome bonuses, free bets and ongoing promotions are on offer.
• Always read the wagering requirements and other terms and conditions.

Banking Transactions

• Look for Kiwi-friendly payment methods, including e-wallets, bank transfers, and crypto.
• Consider deposit and withdrawal speed, as well as any transaction fees.

Main Features

• Prioritize live betting, cash-out options, and mobile compatibility or apps if these are important to you.  
• Explore additional tools like stats, live streams, or bet builders.

Customer Support and User Experience

• Test customer support via live chat, email, or phone.
• Ensure the site is easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile phones.

Sports betting is legal and regulated in New Zealand under the Gambling Act 2003. The industry is overseen by strict regulations to ensure fair play, consumer protection, and responsible gambling. If you live in New Zealand, you can legally participate in both single-game betting and multi-bets (parlays) through authorized online sportsbooks.

The TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) is the sole provider of legal sports betting in New Zealand. Offshore betting is not strictly illegal for NZ players, but offshore operators are not permitted to advertise their services within the country.

Sports betting in New Zealand has a rich history, beginning with the introduction of horse racing wagering in the late 19th century. The Racing Act 2003, later incorporated into the Gambling Act 2003, established a legal framework for sports betting and allowed the TAB to expand its offerings to cover a wide range of sports.

The start of online betting sites significantly changed the betting landscape in New Zealand, with the TAB launching its online betting site in the early 2000s. Today, you can enjoy modern features such as live betting, mobile betting apps, and competitive odds on local and international sports.

Culturally, sports betting has become an integral part of New Zealand's sporting landscape, with many fans placing bets on rugby, cricket, and horse racing. Sponsorships and partnerships between the TAB and major sporting organizations, such as New Zealand Rugby, have further integrated betting into the country's sports culture.

Before placing a bet in New Zealand, you need to make sure you meet the legal criteria:  

Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to participate in sports betting.

Residency: You can place wagers within New Zealand and there are no residency requirements for accessing the TAB's services.

ID Verification: A valid, government-issued ID is required to confirm age and identity when creating an account or withdrawing winnings.

Prohibited Individuals: Sports officials, players, and other individuals directly involved in sports events are barred from betting on those events.

Betting Platform: Bets must be placed through licensed operators, such as the TAB, to comply with New Zealand law.

Taxes: Winnings from sports betting are not taxed in New Zealand, as gambling profits are considered windfalls and not income.

Online betting can be an exciting and enjoyable experience when approached with the right knowledge. Here’s some info to help you get started.

It’s always a good idea to get to know the language used by online sportsbooks, especially if you are new to the sports betting scene. Here are a few of the most common terms:

Odds: Indicates the probability of an event and determines potential payouts.

Stake: The amount of money you wager on a bet.

Payout: The total amount you receive if your bet wins (stake × odds).

Betslip: A virtual ticket showing your selected bets, odds, and potential winnings.

Single bets: A wager on a single outcome.

Accumulators: Combine multiple selections into one bet for higher potential returns. 

In-play betting: Place bets on live games as they happen.

Tips for Beginners

Start Small

Begin with low stakes to build confidence and understand the process.

Set a Budget

Establish a limit for your bets and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Research

Study the teams, players, or markets before placing your bets.

How to Set Up an Account 

Signing up to a betting site is quite simple—just follow these steps: 

1. Choose a reputable New Zealand Betting site and click Sign Up. 
2. Provide your personal details like name, address, and date of birth. 
3. Complete identity verification with a government-issued ID to comply with regulations. 
4. Deposit funds using your preferred payment methods to start betting.

How to Place Your First Bet 

1. Look through the sportsbook and select a market or event. 
2. Choose the type of bet and enter your stake. 
3. Review your betslip for accuracy, including odds and potential payouts. 
4. Click Place Bet to confirm your wager.

Odds represent the probability of a specific outcome and determine how much you can win relative to your stake. There are three common formats for presenting odds:

Moneyline odds

Used primarily in the US, these odds indicate how much you would need to bet to win $100 (for negative odds) or how much you would win from a $100 bet (for positive odds). For example, -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100, and +200 means a $100 bet could win you $200.

Decimal odds

These are the most popular in New Zealand. The number represents the total payout (stake + winnings). For example, odds of 2.50 mean that for every $1 you bet, you could win $2.50.

Fractional odds

Common in the UK, fractional odds show how much you win relative to your stake. For example, odds of 5/1 mean you could win $5 for every $1 you bet.

Some of the most common betting markets include:

• Moneyline bets: A bet on the outright winner of a game or event.
• Point spread: A bet on the margin of victory. A favourite must win by a certain number of points to cover the spread, while the underdog can lose by that margin and still win the bet.
• Over/Under (Totals): A bet on whether the total points, goals, or other measurable statistic in a game will be over or under a set amount.
• Parlays: A bet that combines multiple selections into one bet, where all selections must win for the bet to pay out.
• Prop bets: Bets on specific events or occurrences within a game, such as player statistics or game outcomes.

Popular sports to bet on include football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and cricket. Many Betting sites in NZ take bets on these sports among many others.

While traditional sports betting is the most popular in New Zealand, several other types of bets have gained popularity in recent years: 

Esports: Betting on competitive video gaming has surged in popularity, driven by a growing esports audience and major tournaments for games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS: GO.  

Entertainment and ceremonies: Betting on events such as award shows (e.g., the Oscars) and ceremonies, such as betting on whether an actor will win an Oscar, is another fast-growing market. 

Politics: While not very common in NZ, Betting on political events like elections has attracted global interest, especially in major markets like the US and UK. 

Novelty Bets: Novelty bets involve unusual or non-sporting events, like betting on the weather or on the winner of a reality TV show.

In New Zealand, popular bets include over/under for rugby and cricket matches, live betting for dynamic events like rugby games, and prop bets on specific player performances. These types of bets are often influenced by local sports culture and the high level of interest in major national sporting events like the Rugby World Cup and Super Rugby.

There are some specific considerations that shape the NZ sports betting lanscape:

• College Sports: Betting on college sports is legal but may be subject to stricter regulations. It's essential to ensure compliance with age restrictions and laws related to betting on athletes who are not professional.
• Local Teams: New Zealand has a strong following for teams like All Blacks (rugby), Warriors (rugby league), and Black Caps (cricket). Bettors often show loyalty to local teams, which can influence betting trends and the odds offered.

Mobile betting apps make life so much easier while out and about, and New Zealand is no exception.  

In Auckland, The City of Sails, Kiwis love to be out on the sea, and when the fish aren’t biting, the next best entertainment is playing at online casinos or placing a bet on the All Blacks to win their next rugby match.  

Most betting sites offering dedicated apps for iOS and Android, which resize perfectly to suit your screen size whether you are using a smartphone or tablet. If you prefer not to download sports betting apps, you can access your accounts directly through mobile browsers for instant access—although the app version normally provides a smoother, faster experience.

NZ Mobile betting apps are packed with features designed to make your betting experience enjoyable:

Push Notifications: Get real-time alerts about promotions, bonuses, and odds updates, so you never miss an opportunity.

Streamlined Payments: Quick and secure payment methods allow you to deposit and withdraw funds easily.

Exclusive Offers: Many sports betting apps offer mobile-only promotions, including free bets and bonus boosts.

Other Online Gaming Options: Beyond Sports Betting

While sports betting is popular in New Zealand, you may want to consider looking at alternative gaming options such as online casinos, virtual sports, poker rooms or bingo.

Some online sportsbooks also offer these alternative gaming options, allowing you to switch between different types of betting without needing to sign up for separate platforms.

Popular games include online pokies, table games like blackjack and roulette, online poker, and virtual sports such as virtual football or horse racing.

Below is a comparison of sportsbooks offering various gaming options:

When it comes to online betting, choosing the right payment methods is crucial for ensuring fast, secure and reliable transactions, whether you're depositing funds to place a bet or withdrawing your winnings. 

Many sportsbooks and gaming platforms offer a wide range of traditional payment methods, as well as the growing option of cryptocurrency if you want faster and more anonymous transactions. 

Here are some of the most common traditional payment methods for deposits and withdrawals:

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies have become very popular for Kiwi bettors as they are easy to use, quick and more secure since no one gets to see your financial information. Some of the popular cryptocurrencies used in New Zealand are listed below, however, most sportsbooks offer a lot more than those listed, so it's best to look at their payment options when you are ready to deposit.

Bitcoin (BTC): The most widely accepted cryptocurrency, known for its security and fast transaction speeds.

Ethereum (ETH): A versatile cryptocurrency with faster processing times than Bitcoin.

Litecoin (LTC): A lighter and faster version of Bitcoin with low fees.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH): A popular alternative with faster transaction times and low fees.

Many of the best betting sites offer bonuses for crypto deposits, to give you a further incentive to deposit with cryptocurrency.

Responsible gaming is about ensuring that gambling remains a fun activity without negatively impacting other aspects of your life. It involves maintaining control over your gambling habits and recognizing when things are getting out of hand. Responsible gaming practices help you to ensure that you keep your gambling in control and don’t start betting away the rent money. The following tips can help you keep your habits in check:

Set a budget and stick to it: Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Establish time limits for betting sessions: Avoid spending excessive time gambling by setting specific time limits.

Never gamble to recover losses: Accept that losses are a part of gambling and do not chase them.

Avoid betting when under the influence of alcohol or stress: Emotional or impaired decision-making can lead to poor betting choices.

Many NZ betting sites offer tools designed to help you manage your gambling habits:

• Deposit and betting limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits to control spending.
• Self-exclusion tools: Temporarily suspend or permanently close your account if you feel you need a break.
• Time-out options: Take a break from gambling by temporarily limiting access to your account.
• Reality checks: Receive reminders about the time you’ve spent betting to help you stay aware of your habits.

There are also many support organisations like Gamblers Anonymous and Gambling Helpline NZ. Most betting sites also list details of these kinds of organisations on their responsible gambling pages.