The New Zealand Government has confirmed the passage of amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020, receiving Royal Assent, in a move that establishes a formal “legislative net” around the country’s racing and sports betting industry.
Under the revised legislation, the statutory body TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) will see its current exclusivity for land-based racing and sports wagering extended to include online gambling, effective from 28 June 2025. This measure aims to block unlicensed offshore operators from offering wagering services to New Zealand residents, with the objective of ensuring that wagering revenues remain within the country. The retained funds are expected to support the long-term financial sustainability of New Zealand’s racing and sports sectors while also bolstering harm minimisation measures for local players.
Entain, which operates under a 25-year strategic partnership with TAB NZ signed in June 2023, welcomed the development. As part of its original agreement with TAB NZ, Entain will now make an additional NZ$100 million payment to TAB NZ upon the implementation of the legislative net.
The arrangement between Entain Australia and TAB NZ was initially designed to provide New Zealand customers with a more advanced local betting offering, including enhanced safer gambling tools. This latest regulatory change is positioned to underpin that partnership by securing the onshore market against offshore competition.
Sam Moncur, Entain Australia and New Zealand’s Managing Director – New Zealand, said: “Entain is proud to be building on TAB NZ’s legacy of racing and sport in New Zealand and is privileged to provide an engaging betting experience to Kiwis. This legislative amendment further deepens our commitment to the industry. Alongside the ongoing efforts from government, members and sponsorship, we are honoured that Entain’s financial support of sporting and racing codes through our strategic partnership, plays a role in strengthening communities and teams across New Zealand.”
