Mobile betting in New Zealand: 2026 rules and safety checks
Reviewed 25 September 2026. A phone can be used for sports or racing betting and for online casino games, but these products have different New Zealand rules. The availability of an app or mobile website does not prove that its operator holds a New Zealand licence.
Sports and racing betting on a phone
The Department of Internal Affairs says offshore operators must no longer offer sports and racing betting to New Zealanders under the Racing Industry Amendment Act 2025. TAB NZ is the authorised provider. See our live betting guide for the distinction between in-play sports and live dealer casino games.
Online casino apps and mobile sites
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 provides a process for up to 15 online casino licences. DIA says the first licences are expected in early 2027 and the transition is being introduced in stages. No phone app should be called “NZ licensed” without checking its operator in the regulator’s current information. A limit of 15 licences does not mean 15 casinos are already approved.
The Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026 set requirements for licensed operators, including verification, customer protection and payment restrictions. These do not establish that every currently available offshore site offers particular ID methods, instant withdrawals, face recognition or a specific mobile wallet.
Mobile safety checklist
- Check the operator behind the app, its terms, privacy policy and contact details.
- Read deposit and withdrawal limits and any fees before entering payment information.
- Use official app stores or the operator’s verified website; be cautious of links sent in messages.
- Set a time and spending limit. Mobile access can make frequent gambling easier.
Online gambling duty is an operator obligation, not a percentage of each individual wager set aside for community grants. See our tax guide for the current 12% rate and the legislated 2027 change. For gambling harm support, call 0800 654 655 or visit Safer Gambling NZ.
