Betting with digital coins is growing fast in New Zealand, though many Kiwis are still wondering if it’s legal. Traditional online gambling follows New Zealand law. Yet, things get a bit tricky when it comes to using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for betting. Let’s check the current legal situation and find out what Kiwi players need to know in 2025.
Current Legal Framework for Crypto Gambling
There is a common question: Is crypto betting in NZ legal or not? As of 2025, there are no specific laws in New Zealand that prohibit or regulate betting with cryptocurrencies directly. The Gambling Act 2003 is currently the main law that governs betting activities in the country. It states that only operators with a local license can legally offer gambling services in the country.
However, the law doesn’t cover the use of digital currencies like BTC or USDT. Another important thing is that local punters don’t face any restrictions when visiting and placing bets in online casinos and sportsbooks.Such operators typically have Curaçao and Maltese licenses and support crypto payments with Ethereum, Bitcoin, DOGE, and other popular cryptocurrencies. Besides, offshore casinos frequently cooperate with trusted iGaming providers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Pragmatic Play.











