NZ 
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The NZ Online Sports Betting Industry
The legislation around online sports betting in New Zealand has changed significantly in recent years. It is now legal for New Zealand residents to place online sports bets from within NZ under the Gambling Act.
The Gambling Act, which was introduced in 2003, made certain online gambling services, including sports betting, racing betting and lotteries, permitted. These are operated and controlled under the Totalisator Agency Board, which is a division of the New Zealand Racing Board.
Currently, TAB, which is an acronym of the Totalisator Agency Board, has a monopoly on the New Zealand online betting industry and is the only betting operator regulated by NZ authorities.
However, there are many options beyond TAB. New Zealand-based gamblers can access gambling services online from operators based outside of New Zealand. Popular betting brands such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, Betway and Bet365 are now accepting New Zealand players, and don't forget online pokies, as there are more and more options in NZ.
Popular Betting Markets in New Zealand
Famed for its rugby and cricket teams, New Zealand has a strong association with competitive sports. However, when looking at New Zealand’s appetite for sports betting, their tastes are rather eclectic. This is why online sportsbooks offering services in New Zealand will provide a variety of sports betting markets for Kiwi players to explore.
These include football, soccer, cricket, rugby, baseball, basketball, tennis, horse racing and much more. As well as popular sports, players can also bet on markets such as volleyball, handball, squash, surfing and snooker.
Betting Promotions in New Zealand
Whether you are new to online betting or have been wagering on sports for years, you will understandably want to find the best sites for online promotions. This is because online betting promotions can help players to place their bets at a reduced rate or free of charge. Here are the most commonly-offered online betting promotions in New Zealand:
- Welcome Bonuses: Welcome bonuses, or sign up bonuses as they are often called, are bonuses given to players when they register a new account. NZ online betting sites will use welcome bonuses as an incentive to try and generate interest amongst new players.
- Risk-Free Bets: Risk-free bets are a popular promo type for bettors not only in New Zealand but throughout the world. They are bonuses awarded to players after they have experienced their first loss. They essentially reimburse players should they fail to turn a profit with their first bet.
- No Deposit Free Bets: No deposit free bets are the most-searched-for betting promos by New Zealand bettors. This is because, unlike many free bet variations, the player will not need to deposit any money whatsoever in order to access the bonus money.
- Matched Free Bets: Matched free bets are a standard offer provided by most betting sites internationally. They refer to bonuses that ‘match’ the deposit amount that the player has parted with.
- Free Bet Bundle: With betting sites competing against one another to win your business, many will work hard to make their welcome bonus as attractive as possible. This has seen a rise in the number of bookmakers offering free bet bundes. These provide players with multiple free bets to use over several bets.
- Event Bonuses: Many bettors will log into online betting accounts in the run-up to big sporting events. In order to capitalise on this, betting operators will offer event-based bonuses. These can be geared at specific football matches, golf tournaments, races and so on.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: Refer a friend bonuses are one of the many ways New Zealand online betting sites are growing their gambling communities. These offers provide players with extra funds in exchange for referring the site to friends and peers. The value of the free bets can be as high as $200!
- Acca Insurance Deals: Accumulator betting is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand. Acca bets incorporate various selections, all of which have to be correct for the bet to be successful. Acca insurance deals provide acca bettors with insurance, covering them if one selection were to end up being incorrect.
- Best Odds Guaranteed: Best Odds Guaranteed offers are most commonly associated with horse racing bettors like TAB Racing. This ensures that if there is a movement in a horse's price, the bookie will pay out on the best price possible.
- Extra Places Offers: Extra Places offers are for horse racing bettors placing each-way bets. As their name would suggest, they see bookies pay out on extra places. For instance, if a bookie usually pays out on the first three horses in a race, an extra place offer will see them pay out on the fourth.
The Fundamentals of a Top Online NZ Betting Site
When renewing your online betting options in New Zealand, you will want to ensure that the site you are signing up to can accommodate your betting needs and preferences. Here are the most important factors to focus on:
- Betting Promotions: One of the biggest sellest points for a player looking to register with a betting site is the promotions it has to offer. This is because online betting promotions can not only save players money but allow them to explore new and exciting betting opportunities. The best online betting promotions you will find on NZ online betting sites include free bets, acca insurance bonuses, refer a friend bonuses and extra places offers.
- Loyalty Program: While betting sites with generous new player promotions are great, how a betting site treats its existing customers is a testament to them as a brand. This is why betting sites with loyalty programs are always favourable.
- Breadth of Markets: The more betting options available on a betting site, the better. This is because players with many options can get a better idea of what they enjoy, making every session fun and engaging. New Zealand online betting sites with the best selection of betting markets include Bet365 and LeoVegas.
- Bet Types Covered: As well as a great selection of betting markets, betting sites with various bet types are also advantageous.
- Responsible Gambling: When looking for a new betting site to register with, safety is of the utmost importance. This is why reviewing an operator’s responsible gambling policy and tools is always a worthwhile move.
- Design and Layout: The aesthetics of a betting site can have a significant impact on how enjoyable it is to use and bet through. When comparing NZ online betting sites, be sure to look into the layout and design, ensuring it is easy on the eye and the markets you are interested in are simple to navigate.
- Customer Services: A betting site with a strong customer service offering is always one to consider. Whether you have a question about the betting service or a grievance you want rectifying, it’s a great source of comfort knowing that you will be answered promptly. The best betting operators will offer customer service support via the telephone, email and live chat.