Greyhound racing in New Zealand ended in August 2026

Reviewed 25 September 2026. Domestic greyhound racing ceased on 1 August 2026. This page explains the change and corrects older betting information that referred to NZ greyhound racing as an active industry.

What changed?

The Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026 provides for the closure. The Department of Internal Affairs describes the second stage, from 1 August 2026, as the cessation of greyhound racing in New Zealand. The transition process includes rehoming greyhounds and supporting participants. Check DIA’s current racing-policy page for implementation updates.

Historical NZ race guides, venue details and pre-closure form are no longer a current domestic betting calendar. We have removed the previous claims that the industry continues to operate, that every TAB bet funds named welfare programmes and that casino rules determine greyhound betting payment methods.

What about overseas races?

This closure concerns racing held in New Zealand. It does not by itself describe every overseas greyhound event or guarantee that a particular overseas market is offered to NZ customers. Under the Racing Industry Amendment Act 2025, TAB NZ is the only betting operator permitted to provide racing and sports betting to customers in New Zealand. Check TAB NZ’s current events, terms, age rules and accepted payment methods directly if you are considering a bet. Do not infer a market’s availability from this page.

Casino licences are separate

The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 does not grant ordinary racing or sports betting rights to casino operators. DIA expects to begin issuing online casino licences in early 2027; an auction place or overseas licence is not an NZ casino licence. See our racing betting guide for general TAB rules and bet types.

Safer gambling: Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over and can cause harm. Set a spending limit and avoid chasing losses. For help, visit Safer Gambling NZ or call 0800 654 655.