Hi
I live in New Zealand and have used Betfair for 17–18 years.
The New Zealand government is in its last stage of introducing a law making it illegal for any offshore platform to accept bets from residents living in New Zealand.
This means that all New Zealanders wanting to bet on sports or horse racing will have to use the country's only betting agency, which is the TAB/Entain partnership. Entain partnered with the country's only betting agency, 'TAB,' in 2023; at the time, an extra $100 million was promised to the TAB by Entain if the government set up a monopoly for the TAB/Entain partnership.
I have followed the process and written many letters to government departments, crying foul and pointing out the disservice to law-abiding citizens who use offshore platforms both for recreational purposes and to generate a living.
I shudder to think what odds will be on offer to punters when the monopoly is in place. The bill will become law after the next reading in the house. I believe it will be within the next 2–4 weeks.
Betfair was present at the select committee hearing and presented its case to allow continued service to New Zealanders. Betfair also made it clear they would abide by laws passed by the NZ government. I need to point out it will NOT be illegal for New Zealanders to place bets with offshore platforms; the new law will make it illegal for offshore platforms to take bets from people living in NZ. This puts the liability on the providers.
Apart from relocating to Australia, which I am not ruling out but will be a last resort, does anyone on this forum have a solution that would allow me to continue using Betfair? On my Betfair account, it states New Zealand. Out of curiosity, today I tried changing this to Australia, which it wouldn't allow me to alter.
All feedback is very welcome and appreciated.
Regards
NZ-PUNTER
Amendment to law will stop New Zealanders using Betfair
I don't know what the KYC procedure is in NZ, but when countries have closed before, we've seen people setting up an address in a new country and opening an account that way. I first saw this when Spain was regulated against, and people just drove over the border and set up in Portugal.
That is true. Not so easy to set yourself up elsewhere when living in NZ though. A shameful situationEuler wrote: ↑Wed Jun 11, 2025 1:27 pmI don't know what the KYC procedure is in NZ, but when countries have closed before, we've seen people setting up an address in a new country and opening an account that way. I first saw this when Spain was regulated against, and people just drove over the border and set up in Portugal.
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ShaunWhite
- Posts: 10409
- Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:42 am
The only option I could find (gpt) other than full emigration was ...
Dual Residence with Split Time : If he genuinely spends part of the year in Australia, he may qualify to have an AU account.
Still requires documentation — not something that can be spoofed.
Dual Residence with Split Time : If he genuinely spends part of the year in Australia, he may qualify to have an AU account.
Still requires documentation — not something that can be spoofed.
As a Kiwi, it wasn’t a shock when the announcement came that greyhound racing would be shut down after next season. The government's logic seems clear enough, they estimate that around $180 million is being lost offshore annually, and coincidentally, greyhound racing generates roughly the same amount. Their solution? Consolidate everything under a TAB monopoly and recapture that money.
But if you read between the lines of what the government actually said, the core issue appears to be about offshore betting on New Zealand racing and sport. The complaint is that foreign operators aren’t contributing adequately to the NZ racing and sports sectors, despite Kiwi punters playing through them. That’s an argument I could understand, particularly since I rarely bet on NZ racing or sport on Betfair. My focus is almost entirely on Aussie racing and the EPL.
What doesn’t sit right though, is the unevenness of the stance. If the issue is about protecting local product, then surely the government can’t justify allowing the TAB to offer markets on offshore sport like the EPL while cracking down on Kiwis betting offshore on the same events. What’s Entain paying the EPL for the right to run those markets?
And frankly, Betfair’s response has been pretty mild. In reality, what can the NZ government do? Arrest them? Especially when users aren’t betting on domestic content? It feels like a double standard that undermines the argument for fairness and contribution. How can it be illegal for me to bet on overseas sports at Betfair?
If the government wants to enforce a local-only model, shouldn't that apply both ways?
Another justification put forward for these changes is the supposed lack of host responsibility when Kiwis gamble offshore. The idea is that by forcing betting back through NZ-based operators, punters would fall under local rules and safeguards. But let's be honest—this feels like a farce.
I can still top up my TAB account with a credit card. I get bombarded with gambling adverts during primetime. Most TAB outlets are based in pubs, where responsible gambling measures are, let’s say, questionable at best. There’s no monthly statement showing your win/loss history, no nudge toward personal accountability. And we’re expected to believe that having a bet while down at the pub is the model of responsible behaviour?
As the original poster asked, what happens to the odds under a monopoly? Horse racing margins already hover around 128%. If that creeps any higher, how is that helping the average punter? Problem gamblers won’t be protected—they’ll just lose money faster. With features like automatic payments allowed, it’s hard to argue that the TAB is doing anything more than the bare legal minimum when it comes to protecting vulnerable users.
If this is their gold standard of responsibility, then we’ve got a bigger problem than offshore betting.
But if you read between the lines of what the government actually said, the core issue appears to be about offshore betting on New Zealand racing and sport. The complaint is that foreign operators aren’t contributing adequately to the NZ racing and sports sectors, despite Kiwi punters playing through them. That’s an argument I could understand, particularly since I rarely bet on NZ racing or sport on Betfair. My focus is almost entirely on Aussie racing and the EPL.
What doesn’t sit right though, is the unevenness of the stance. If the issue is about protecting local product, then surely the government can’t justify allowing the TAB to offer markets on offshore sport like the EPL while cracking down on Kiwis betting offshore on the same events. What’s Entain paying the EPL for the right to run those markets?
And frankly, Betfair’s response has been pretty mild. In reality, what can the NZ government do? Arrest them? Especially when users aren’t betting on domestic content? It feels like a double standard that undermines the argument for fairness and contribution. How can it be illegal for me to bet on overseas sports at Betfair?
If the government wants to enforce a local-only model, shouldn't that apply both ways?
Another justification put forward for these changes is the supposed lack of host responsibility when Kiwis gamble offshore. The idea is that by forcing betting back through NZ-based operators, punters would fall under local rules and safeguards. But let's be honest—this feels like a farce.
I can still top up my TAB account with a credit card. I get bombarded with gambling adverts during primetime. Most TAB outlets are based in pubs, where responsible gambling measures are, let’s say, questionable at best. There’s no monthly statement showing your win/loss history, no nudge toward personal accountability. And we’re expected to believe that having a bet while down at the pub is the model of responsible behaviour?
As the original poster asked, what happens to the odds under a monopoly? Horse racing margins already hover around 128%. If that creeps any higher, how is that helping the average punter? Problem gamblers won’t be protected—they’ll just lose money faster. With features like automatic payments allowed, it’s hard to argue that the TAB is doing anything more than the bare legal minimum when it comes to protecting vulnerable users.
If this is their gold standard of responsibility, then we’ve got a bigger problem than offshore betting.
I have a Nephew who is in London, I could get him to open an account for me but the problem is if I need support on that account. I would have to get him to sort it and I don't really want to have to rely on him sorting that or have him have to supply documents for proof of income. I am sure he would do all those things for me but I don't feel good about it so probably wouldn't do it.ShaunWhite wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:09 amThe only option I could find (gpt) other than full emigration was ...
Dual Residence with Split Time : If he genuinely spends part of the year in Australia, he may qualify to have an AU account.
Still requires documentation — not something that can be spoofed.
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ShaunWhite
- Posts: 10409
- Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:42 am
The only option open to the man-in-the-street vs the authorities is a boycott, a classic 'withholding contribution to the production process'.
"If we can't bet where we want, then we won't bet anywhere".
That would send shivers through TAB and the govt revenue dept. But despite the power of social media it's almost impossible to organise a coordinated effort these days, even for a brief period as a statement of intent, but as this change is so impactful, and as there's a relatively small betting population to rally then ...?
Our bookies and govt could do with a dose of that too but the chances of it happening here are zero.
"If we can't bet where we want, then we won't bet anywhere".
That would send shivers through TAB and the govt revenue dept. But despite the power of social media it's almost impossible to organise a coordinated effort these days, even for a brief period as a statement of intent, but as this change is so impactful, and as there's a relatively small betting population to rally then ...?
Our bookies and govt could do with a dose of that too but the chances of it happening here are zero.
The advantage I have is that this is just a hobby, I’m not doing it for the money. For me, it’s about the principle. I could just as easily shift to football markets, where I still find value. For example, I checked today and saw I can bet into three MLS matches at the TAB. The book percentage sits at 106%, while Betfair takes a 6% commission on any winnings. Even with that, Betfair remains the better of the two—but the point is, I should have the right to choose.
Frankly, this feels like laziness on TAB/Entain’s part. How can a monopoly be the only option? If that's genuinely how they see the future of wagering, then maybe the wrong people are steering the ship.
Frankly, this feels like laziness on TAB/Entain’s part. How can a monopoly be the only option? If that's genuinely how they see the future of wagering, then maybe the wrong people are steering the ship.
1. When will the ban start?
The Bill will likely be signed into law next week and become effective immediately.
2. What sites will be affected?
All betting sites run by overseas-based betting agencies including huge betting exchange Betfair.
Fuming to say the least
The Bill will likely be signed into law next week and become effective immediately.
2. What sites will be affected?
All betting sites run by overseas-based betting agencies including huge betting exchange Betfair.
Fuming to say the least
Just adding my 2 cents as being another Kiwi totally unhappy about this crazy change to legislation that will outlaw the use of Betfair and similar in NZ.
Plenty in my head, but not sure I can unravel it all!
Entain is an international company that has partnered with the NZ TAB, promising to the govt they will grow the business, and hence spin off money to said govt. Tab has traditionally touted that it's profits are community distributed in various causes including gambling harm reduction. Entain/TAB seems happy to retain that image, but far from there being any idea of altruistic motivation, it would seem to me that the international company will be happily offshoring profits, with the govt supposedly being happy with their share in the form of taxes. I feel our govt has gone back in time to an era of protectionism. Entain proposes to introduce new betting options, and I'm guessing they will, but I don't expect to see any of the exciting and innovating possibilities that exchange betting allows, including, most importantly, the active encouragement of punters/investors to make a profit! The Entain model is to allow people to have a flutter, perhaps also with some encouragement through enticement offers, an extended flutter, - but ultimately, for the punter to profit is totally not part of their business plan! Our govt is happy for them to grow the business, to increase their tax take, but any growth would just be more people who are losing more money.
I am recently retired, 2 years, not terribly asset rich, but able to live reasonably comfortably if I don't splash out too much. I have spent many years using Betfair in search of that Holy Grail Second Income Stream. I have been careful, often making good use of BA Practise mode, so while I am certainly in the negative, it is minimal over the whole. About a year ago I completely upended my strategies, and started down a whole new track, and I am currently feeling carefully excited that success is just over the rise! (- keeping in mind of course that I have felt that same expectation of success a number of times already over the years, and each time of course have been disappointed, but This Time!!)
My point being, that unless I up sticks and head off to live in some warmer clime, which certainly has it's merits, I am suddenly about to have to pick all of that up and drop it in the rubbish bin. I can't remember when I first joined Betfair, but it would be at least 15 years if not 20.
The govt quotes some very large figure that it claims that offshore betting companies are taking out of the country, and they seem to believe that by outlawing those companies, that money will then be invested with the TAB, but dreaming they are! I don't know about all those other affected betters, but for me, the possible expectation of profit, and the array of betting options and aftermarket tools to help utilise them are what I am looking for, and the TAB just does not spin those wheels, and with their underlying profit model, they never will.
My places of choice are either Bali or Thailand, any opinions out there on their relative merits!?
Whilst either of those options have their attractions (it's winter here, a bit cold and blustery outside, we have the heater on), I'd rather keep those as holiday destinations, and be able to stay in my home country where my family are. And it's not completely just the potential profit motive, it has been a pastime for many years, leading me to becoming reasonably competent with my computer, and finding my way around a spreadsheet.
The following is an interview with the boss of Entain/TAB NZ, a very personable bloke, the sort of guy you'd be happy to have a beer with. It goes for 52 minutes, and is not overly informative, but an interesting enough watch if you have a spare few minutes.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... &FORM=VIRE
My apologies for the ramble, but there doesn't seem to be much option beyond grumbling, the seemingly inevitable is getting closer! Any options for being able to continue with Betfair, I'm all ears, I am really unhappy about the prospect of shutting it down!
Plenty in my head, but not sure I can unravel it all!
Entain is an international company that has partnered with the NZ TAB, promising to the govt they will grow the business, and hence spin off money to said govt. Tab has traditionally touted that it's profits are community distributed in various causes including gambling harm reduction. Entain/TAB seems happy to retain that image, but far from there being any idea of altruistic motivation, it would seem to me that the international company will be happily offshoring profits, with the govt supposedly being happy with their share in the form of taxes. I feel our govt has gone back in time to an era of protectionism. Entain proposes to introduce new betting options, and I'm guessing they will, but I don't expect to see any of the exciting and innovating possibilities that exchange betting allows, including, most importantly, the active encouragement of punters/investors to make a profit! The Entain model is to allow people to have a flutter, perhaps also with some encouragement through enticement offers, an extended flutter, - but ultimately, for the punter to profit is totally not part of their business plan! Our govt is happy for them to grow the business, to increase their tax take, but any growth would just be more people who are losing more money.
I am recently retired, 2 years, not terribly asset rich, but able to live reasonably comfortably if I don't splash out too much. I have spent many years using Betfair in search of that Holy Grail Second Income Stream. I have been careful, often making good use of BA Practise mode, so while I am certainly in the negative, it is minimal over the whole. About a year ago I completely upended my strategies, and started down a whole new track, and I am currently feeling carefully excited that success is just over the rise! (- keeping in mind of course that I have felt that same expectation of success a number of times already over the years, and each time of course have been disappointed, but This Time!!)
My point being, that unless I up sticks and head off to live in some warmer clime, which certainly has it's merits, I am suddenly about to have to pick all of that up and drop it in the rubbish bin. I can't remember when I first joined Betfair, but it would be at least 15 years if not 20.
The govt quotes some very large figure that it claims that offshore betting companies are taking out of the country, and they seem to believe that by outlawing those companies, that money will then be invested with the TAB, but dreaming they are! I don't know about all those other affected betters, but for me, the possible expectation of profit, and the array of betting options and aftermarket tools to help utilise them are what I am looking for, and the TAB just does not spin those wheels, and with their underlying profit model, they never will.
My places of choice are either Bali or Thailand, any opinions out there on their relative merits!?
Whilst either of those options have their attractions (it's winter here, a bit cold and blustery outside, we have the heater on), I'd rather keep those as holiday destinations, and be able to stay in my home country where my family are. And it's not completely just the potential profit motive, it has been a pastime for many years, leading me to becoming reasonably competent with my computer, and finding my way around a spreadsheet.
The following is an interview with the boss of Entain/TAB NZ, a very personable bloke, the sort of guy you'd be happy to have a beer with. It goes for 52 minutes, and is not overly informative, but an interesting enough watch if you have a spare few minutes.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... &FORM=VIRE
My apologies for the ramble, but there doesn't seem to be much option beyond grumbling, the seemingly inevitable is getting closer! Any options for being able to continue with Betfair, I'm all ears, I am really unhappy about the prospect of shutting it down!
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wearthefoxhat
- Posts: 3554
- Joined: Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:55 am
Law/Decision makers that get the opportunity/authority to disrupt and impact someone else's hobby/interests are the bane in any society. This was seen in the United States, (on-line poker), UK (affordability checks) and other things that may follow on from that.
Can see this model being adapted in the UK, where the TAB = Tote betting. UK betting shops only exist now because of the FOBT machines revenue, once they become "illegal" (common sense suggests that'll happen), they will mostly close and maybe some retail outlets like the TAB in New Zealand exist instead.
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They are not to desimilar to the current UK self betting terminals. (not FOBT). They could be re-programmed to take on tote betting and other UK only racing and sports...etc
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Where will that leave Betfair or other exchanges in the UK if that happened?
The law is the law and have to be followed, so the New Zealand model will be what the UK will be left with. Any entity receiving revenue from betting would have to pay, so that's why the Tote model would win through.
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The UK is notoriously slow and cumbersome in enacting change so this could take 10 years+ to put in place, but any change in the law to stop FOBT's, would accelerate the first part and that could happen within 3-5 years.
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Can see this model being adapted in the UK, where the TAB = Tote betting. UK betting shops only exist now because of the FOBT machines revenue, once they become "illegal" (common sense suggests that'll happen), they will mostly close and maybe some retail outlets like the TAB in New Zealand exist instead.
---
They are not to desimilar to the current UK self betting terminals. (not FOBT). They could be re-programmed to take on tote betting and other UK only racing and sports...etc
-----
Where will that leave Betfair or other exchanges in the UK if that happened?
The law is the law and have to be followed, so the New Zealand model will be what the UK will be left with. Any entity receiving revenue from betting would have to pay, so that's why the Tote model would win through.
-----
The UK is notoriously slow and cumbersome in enacting change so this could take 10 years+ to put in place, but any change in the law to stop FOBT's, would accelerate the first part and that could happen within 3-5 years.
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I read the act and it is a joke, they want the tax and nothing else matters. In the act it says all consumption taxes will be lifted. But off shore bookmakers/exchanges can still offer markets on NZ sports and racing. But it gets worse, the NZ government want these entities to still disclose what turnover they are getting from it, they say if it is a lot they may reintroduce it. But they said they know $180m is from Kiwi's now they are saying they don't know. Why the change?
I think the reason they are allowing this to happen is they are worried if countries start imposing consumption tax on their sports, imagine Fifa saying we want X amount or you can't offer markets on football outside NZ. NFL, NBA, other sports do this and the TAB will go under, they cant survive on 4 days of horse racing in NZ and our local sports
If I was in charge of a bookmaker overseas I would not give them any Data, there is a geo block in place, therefore any info has nothing to do with with the NZ Government. What right does the NZ Government think they have to request what people in the UK or Aust or any country are spending their cash. If you want this data it comes at a cost.
But it is funny they set up a department to look into the Duopoly of the 2 Supermarkets as they say a monopoly is no good for anyone, except when they have it
I think the reason they are allowing this to happen is they are worried if countries start imposing consumption tax on their sports, imagine Fifa saying we want X amount or you can't offer markets on football outside NZ. NFL, NBA, other sports do this and the TAB will go under, they cant survive on 4 days of horse racing in NZ and our local sports
If I was in charge of a bookmaker overseas I would not give them any Data, there is a geo block in place, therefore any info has nothing to do with with the NZ Government. What right does the NZ Government think they have to request what people in the UK or Aust or any country are spending their cash. If you want this data it comes at a cost.
But it is funny they set up a department to look into the Duopoly of the 2 Supermarkets as they say a monopoly is no good for anyone, except when they have it
Haven't received anything from Betfair but got this from Sportsbet
You can no longer access your Sportsbet account via the app or website while located in New Zealand. All accounts registered to NZ customers will be suspended from 14 July.
So looks like July 14 is the end, so I am getting all my money out of Betfair now so I am done and dusted
You can no longer access your Sportsbet account via the app or website while located in New Zealand. All accounts registered to NZ customers will be suspended from 14 July.
So looks like July 14 is the end, so I am getting all my money out of Betfair now so I am done and dusted