Is Online Gambling Legal in New Zealand?
New Zealanders can legally gamble online, but only through casinos based outside the country. The Gambling Act 2003 prohibits online casinos from being run inside the country unless they are operated by licensed state-owned entities like Lotto NZ or TAB NZ. This means offshore gambling sites are not blocked or criminalized for players, even though those platforms are not licensed within New Zealand.
There is a legal gray area: while it’s not illegal for players to use offshore casinos, those operators are not regulated by New Zealand authorities. As a result, protections for consumers are limited. A new regulatory framework is expected to launch in 2026, introducing a licensing system that will allow up to 15 online casino operators to legally serve New Zealand players from within the country.
Gambling Regulators and Licensing in New Zealand
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the national authority responsible for monitoring and enforcing gambling regulations in New Zealand. It oversees land-based casino operations, licensed betting platforms, and lottery services. However, its authority does not extend to online casinos based overseas.
New Zealand players often access offshore gambling sites that operate under international licenses issued by regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the Government of Curacao. These licenses are widely recognized and are often preferred because they allow for faster withdrawals, flexible payment options, and fewer restrictions on transaction limits.
Since these offshore platforms are not governed by any local agency, players are not protected under domestic law. This means any issues involving delayed withdrawals or account access must be handled through the casino’s licensing body abroad. Still, reputable international regulators impose strict withdrawal standards and require security measures like identity verification, encryption, and fraud monitoring.
Best Payment Methods for Fast Withdrawals in New Zealand
Online casino players in New Zealand have access to a mix of traditional and digital withdrawal methods. While availability depends on the casino, offshore platforms typically support several options that vary in speed, limits, and compatibility with gambling transactions.
Fiat Methods
- Bank transfer
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Debit cards
- POLi (deposit only; not available for withdrawals)
Bank transfers and cards are commonly supported but may involve longer processing times. POLi is widely used for deposits within New Zealand but does not support withdrawals, making it a one-way method.
E-wallets and Online Payment Services
- Skrill
- Neteller
These are the most widely accepted digital wallets for gambling use and are often preferred for faster processing and mobile compatibility. PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are generally not available for gambling transactions due to restrictions set by the providers.
Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Tether (USDT)
Cryptocurrencies are often chosen for quick access to funds, fewer restrictions, and support for larger withdrawals. Most casinos that accept New Zealand players now include multiple crypto options.
Because local payment tools like POLi are limited in function and major platforms like PayPal restrict gambling use, many New Zealand players turn to e-wallets and crypto wallets when fast and reliable withdrawals are the priority.