Government Plans TAB NZ’s Online Monopoly
The government has proposed to extend TAB NZ’s monopoly for sports betting and horse racing to the online gambling market. The proposal was officially registered by racing minister Winston Peters, aiming to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020. If the proposal gets accepted, it would expand TAB NZ’s control over New Zealand’s sports and horse racing betting market.
TAB NZ was established under the Racing Industry Act, replacing the Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA), which previously oversaw the country’s betting activity. According to the explanatory note of the Racing Industry Amendment Bill, TAB NZ’s long-term distributions account for 90% of the income for racing codes in New Zealand.
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“Supporting The Industry”
Racing minister Peters explains that extending Tab NZ’s monopoly model online operations would increase revenue and support the wider industry. According to Peters, having TAB NZ as the only online operator in the country would contribute to protecting consumers in New Zealand from illegal online gambling platforms. Allowing competition via international online operators can be a threat to TAB NZ. Giving TAB a monopoly position is believed to ensure the financial sustainability of the racing industry. In the coalition government’s Q4 Action Plan for New Zealand this is highlighted as one of the objectives for this year.
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Prohibition Of Other Operators
With a new online gambling framework expected next year, the legislation includes new powers for the minister to give TAB NZ a privileged position by prohibiting other operators.
Local authorities aim to prioritise responsible gambling, seeking to minimise harm amongst players whilst ensuring they receive maximum consumer protection. The bill will now be sent to the governance and administration committee for the select committee process. As expected, TAB NZ informed that it welcomes the legislative changes with open arms, with the operator’s CEO Nick Roberts describing it as a “positive outcome” for the entire nation.
TAB New Zealand, commonly known as TAB NZ, is a statutory body that provides both land based and online betting services in New Zealand. The gambling operator makes returns back to New Zealand racing and sporting organisations, helping the livelihoods of Kiwis working in the industry. Each year, more than NZ$ 170 million is returned to New Zealand racing and sports.
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“Positive Outcome For The Entire Nation”
Roberts added that “Kiwis lose NZ$180 per year to offshore racing and sports betting operators”, stressing the importance of a legal framework in order to obtain tax income.
According to Roberts, keeping this money in the country will help to fund local communities instead of money moving to offshore companies. At the same time, he adds that Kiwis will be able to make their wagers on regulated websites ensuring a safe gambling environment. Currently, TAB NZ promotes the racing industry and offers markets such as horse racing, greyhound racing, rugby, football and cricket. Having a clear gambling law is also necessary to make a clear distinction between the legal offer and unregulated gambling platforms.
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New Online Casino Legislation Planned For 2026
The new gambling legislation is becoming a hot topic after the government announced in July that it would regulate online gambling with room for different types of gambling platforms such as online casinos, live casinos and sports betting. A new gambling bill is believed to be introduced in April 2025 after which it should be enacted before the end of the year. With a maximum of 15 licences, the auction process is expected to start in February 2026, with the legal casinos theoretically available from April 2026. Cabinet papers filed in September 2024 showed that a number of well known gambling operators have expressed interest in applying for a new New Zealand gambling licence. Bet36 and Betway are amongst the interested operators, in addition to local brands SkyCity, Grand Casino Dunedin, Christchurch Casino and thus TAB NZ.
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Currently, international gambling operators target players from New Zealand with their offshore licence. Although technically in a grey area, Kiwis are not prohibited from playing on these sites. They are not protected, however, by local gambling laws as the lack of a legal framework means that players cannot rely on New Zealand authorities to resolve disputes or ensure fair play. This makes it essential for Kiwis to choose reputable and licensed offshore casinos to minimise potential risks. We therefore recommend choosing an online casino that has been analysed by our experienced online casino review team.
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End Of Greyhound Racing
The government has also announced plans to end greyhound racing in the country, with racing minister Winston Peters wanting a shut-down next year. The greyhound industry has been facing increased criticism over animal welfare issues. Different investigations into racing over the past decade recommended significant changes within the sector. Peters announced that comprehensive legislation will be introduced next year. The government proposed a period of 20 months to take down greyhound racing. This transition period is needed to avoid that dogs will get killed which would be a possible scenario in case of a sudden shutdown. It is also needed as a transition period for people involved in the industry.
Peters informs that this decision isn’t taken lightly, but is motivated by the welfare of racing dogs. One of the main challenges is to rehome the more than 2,900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand.
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