The New Zealand Racing Act Of 2003
- Modernized and consolidated laws related to racing and sports betting
- Replaced the Racing Act 1971 and aligned with the Gambling Act 2003
The Racing Act 2003 came into force on August 1, 2003. It effectively replaced the Racing Act of 1971 and simplified the statutes concerning racing and sports betting. The Act established the NZ Racing Board, replacing the Racing Industry Board and the Totalisator Agency Board.
The Racing Act of 2003 regulates racing activities, sports betting, and gambling on races and has modernized New Zealand gambling laws, making them more relevant to today’s market.
The Gambling Act of 2003 strictly prohibits bookmaking in New Zealand, with some exceptions as are allowed by the Racing Act. The exceptions to the bookmaking restrictions include private gambling, casino gambling, and racing and sports betting that the NZ Racing Board offers per the Racing Act. The Racing Board is the sole policy body and provider of racing and sports betting services in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Racing Board
The Racing Board is responsible for creating policy for the racing and sports betting industry, as well as providing those services to the citizens of New Zealand. The policies created by the board must be consistent with the requirements of the Racing Act 2003.
These policies must also support the economic development of the industry in general, as well as be conducive to the economic well-being of individuals who earn their livelihoods from the industry. All policies and rules created by the Racing Board are categorized as regulations, which means Parliament is free to scrutinize them.
Additional responsibilities of the board include establishing the racing calendar each year; research and development for the progress of the industry, conducting and regulating racing betting and sports betting; administering the racing judicial system, working on the implementation of programs that address and reduce problem gambling issues; and the distribution of funds to the racing codes.
Racing Codes in New Zealand
Racing codes are governing bodies that represent the three types of racing activity that are legal in New Zealand. They include the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated, the Harness Racing New Zealand Incorporated, and the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association Incorporated.
These racing codes are responsible for establishing the rules of racing for their specific segment of the industry, and for overseeing the registration of all participants, including both human and animal. Owners, trainers, jockeys, drivers, horses, and greyhounds must all be licensed through their applicable racing code in order to participate in racing.
What Types of Betting Are Allowed Under the Racing Act 2003
The Racing Board oversees and conducts fixed odds racing and sports betting, as well as totalisator betting under the TAB brand. Racing and sports betting are administered according to the Betting Rules that are made by the board, consistent with the Racing Act.
Citizens are able to access government-licensed racing and sports betting options online through the NZRB website. Thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing are all available, as well as betting on various sports events.
Is Offshore Sports Betting Permitted By the Racing Act 2003
The Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed that it is absolutely legal for Kiwis to participate in legally licensed offshore sportsbooks and racebooks that accept players from New Zealand. This option expands the range of choices available to New Zealand sports fans., and offers some competition for the local online sportsbooks that may drive better bonus offers and promotions on both fronts.
This guide has a listing of approved betting sites. You can learn more about betting on sports from our guide to understanding legal online sports betting in New Zealand.
FAQ’s
Is sports betting legal under the Racing Act 2003?
Yes, sports betting is legal in New Zealand when conducted through the TAB, which operates under the authority of the Racing Act. The Act allows fixed-odds and totalisator betting on approved events.
Can offshore sportsbooks operate under the Racing Act?
No, the Racing Act does not permit offshore sportsbooks to operate within New Zealand. However, it does not prohibit residents from using licensed offshore betting platforms.
What is the TAB and how does it function under the Racing Act?
The TAB is the sole legal provider of sports and racing betting in New Zealand. It offers betting services online and in retail outlets, and its operations are regulated by the NZRB under the Racing Act.
What types of betting are allowed under the Racing Act 2003?
The Act permits totalisator betting (pool-based) and fixed-odds betting on racing and sports events. These must be conducted through authorized channels like the TAB.
Does the Racing Act regulate horse racing in New Zealand?
Yes, horse racing is a major focus of the Act. It governs race scheduling, betting, and the distribution of profits to racing codes such as thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing.