Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Gambling Act 2003

Gambling - Prohibitions and authorisations

9: Gambling prohibited

You could also call this:

"No gambling allowed, except when the law says it's okay"

Gambling is against the law unless it is allowed by the Gambling Act 2003 or the Racing Industry Act 2020. You must follow the rules of the Act and any licence, game rules, and minimum standards. Gambling can also be allowed if it is private.

Some types of gambling are always against the law and cannot be allowed. These include bookmaking and remote interactive gambling.

You cannot do these types of gambling, even if you want to, because they are not permitted by the law.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM208233.

Topics:
Money and consumer rights > Gambling
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Part 2Gambling
Prohibitions and authorisations

9Gambling prohibited

  1. Gambling is prohibited and illegal unless it is—

  2. authorised by or under this Act and complies with this Act and any relevant licence, game rules, and minimum standards; or
    1. authorised by or under the Racing Industry Act 2020 and complies with that Act and any regulations made under it; or
      1. private gambling.

        1. The following types of gambling are prohibited and illegal and are not authorised by and may not be authorised under this Act:

        2. bookmaking:
          1. remote interactive gambling.

            Notes
            • Section 9(1)(b): amended, on , by section 129 of the Racing Industry Act 2020 (2020 No 28).