TAB New Zealand
- Founded
- 1972-01-01 in Wellington, New Zealand
- Headquarters
- Level 4, 55‑65 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
TAB New Zealand (formally the Totalisator Agency Board, trading as TAB NZ) is the Crown‑owned body that operates the country’s only legal betting on horse racing, greyhound racing, and sports. Established by the Racing Act 1971 and commencing operations in 1972, TAB NZ replaced an earlier off‑track pool betting system run separately by racing clubs. Its original mandate was to provide a unified, government‑owned betting service to support the funding and integrity of New Zealand’s racing industry. Headquartered in Wellington, the organisation runs a nationwide network of retail TAB agencies (often inside bars and sports pubs), a digital betting platform (TAB.co.nz and the TAB mobile app), and a telephone betting service. It also manages the commingled pool betting for many overseas racing jurisdictions. All profits – after operating costs and a tax‑equivalent payment – are distributed to the Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA, formerly the New Zealand Racing Board) and ultimately to the three racing codes: thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound. In 2020 the government merged TAB NZ into the newly created TAB New Zealand (a business unit of the Racing Industry Transition Agency) as part of a sector reform aimed at improving financial sustainability. The organisation directly employs approximately 400–500 staff.
Detailed Review
TAB NZ is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s legal wagering ecosystem. Its operations are governed by the Racing Industry Act 2020 (which replaced the Racing Act 2003), and it holds a monopoly on racing and sports betting within New Zealand. The organisation does not offer casino‑style games or online slots; its product set is limited to fixed‑odds and tote‑pool betting on racing and selected sports.
Product and Platform Breadth
The core offering is the TAB.co.nz website and the TAB Mobile App, which together handle the majority of turnover. The platform supports pre‑race and live (in‑play) betting for sports such as rugby, cricket, football, tennis, and basketball, as well as racing markets. A telephone betting service is maintained for customers who prefer it or who have limited internet access. Retail presence is maintained through approximately 1,400 outlets nationwide – mostly in bars, hotels, and standalone TAB shops. In recent years the organisation has invested in a major digital transformation, including a new betting engine and a refreshed user interface, to counter competition from offshore illegal operators.
Financial and Industry Role
TAB NZ is not a profit‑maximising enterprise; it is required to return all surplus to the three racing codes and to the New Zealand government for community projects. In the 2023/24 financial year the group reported gross betting turnover of around NZ$1.6 billion. Operating expenses are closely watched by the Racing Minister and by the governing board.
Regulation and Licensing
TAB NZ is licensed and supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (Gambling Compliance) and by the Racing Integrity Unit. All betting systems must comply with the Racing Industry Act 2020, the Gambling Act 2003, and the Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
Recent Developments
In 2025 TAB NZ is in the middle of a planned separation from the Racing Industry Transition Agency, with a new standalone entity – to be called simply TAB New Zealand – expected to be operational by mid‑2026. This reform is intended to give the betting arm greater commercial freedom to compete with offshore operators while still channelling profits back to racing.
Criticism and Challenges
The organisation faces persistent criticism over the level of problem gambling in New Zealand, the need to improve its digital offering to younger demographics, and tensions with racing clubs over the distribution of profits. Its monopoly status is periodically questioned by free‑market advocates, but no major liberalisation has occurred since the 2020 reforms.
Key Products
TAB.co.nz
The primary online betting website supporting fixed‑odds and tote betting on racing and sports.
TAB Mobile App
iOS and Android applications providing the same products as the website with added features such as live streaming and quick deposits.
TAB Retail Agencies
Over a thousand physical outlets (bars, clubs, standalone shops) where customers place bets via counter staff or self‑service terminals.
Telephone Betting
A phone‑based service for customers who prefer not to use digital channels; operates 24/7.
Sky Racing NZ
A television channel (Sky Channel 39) that broadcasts live racing from New Zealand and Australia, funded through a partnership with TAB NZ.
Offices & Headcount
450 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Mike Tod
Chief Executive Officer
- Sarah Mackenzie
Chief Commercial Officer
- Tom Kennedy
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
New Zealand Opens EOI Process for 15 Online Casino Licences, Sets Course for 2027 Launch
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs has opened the expression-of-interest process for 15 online casino licences, requiring a NZ$19,000 fee and NZ$7.5 million in capital, with a three-stage timeline culminating in licence issuance by early 2027. Entain has confirmed it will bid for the maximum three licences, leveraging its TAB NZ partnership, while the DIA clarified that TAB NZ itself is eligible to apply.
2026-07-17