The Most Popular Sports Betting Markets Among Kiwi Bettors

Sports betting has become a major pastime for many New Zealanders, with the industry growing steadily over the years. With the rise of online sportsbooks and mobile betting platforms, Kiwi bettors now have access to a variety of betting markets across different sports. Additionally, Casinoble provides in-depth reviews and insights into the best betting sites, helping players make informed decisions. This article explores the most popular sports and betting markets among New Zealand punters, shedding light on where the action happens the most.
The Most Popular Sports for Betting in New Zealand

Rugby: Super Rugby & International Matches
Rugby holds a special place in the hearts of Kiwis, and it’s no surprise that it dominates the sports betting scene. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most successful rugby teams, including the legendary All Blacks. Betting on rugby is extremely popular, with markets available for both domestic competitions like Super Rugby Pacific and international events like the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby betting markets include match winners, first try-scorer bets, and point spreads, which allow bettors to wager on the margin of victory. The live betting feature is also widely utilized, allowing punters to adjust their bets based on real-time gameplay. Given the high level of competition and frequent fixtures, rugby remains one of the top sports for betting in New Zealand.



Cricket: T20, ODIs, and Test Cricket
Cricket is another highly popular sport among Kiwi bettors. New Zealand has a strong presence in international cricket, competing in T20 Internationals (T20Is), One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Test cricket. Major events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Big Bash League (BBL) draw significant betting activity.
Cricket betting offers diverse markets, including match-winner bets, total runs over/under, and player performance wagers. In-play betting is especially engaging for cricket fans, as the game’s long format allows for strategic betting based on match conditions. Bettors also frequently place wagers on specific players, such as the top run-scorer or the highest wicket-taker.

Football: A-League, EPL, and FIFA Tournaments
Football enjoys a massive following in New Zealand, with betting markets available on both domestic and international leagues. The A-League, which features New Zealand’s own Wellington Phoenix, attracts local punters, while top European competitions like the English Premier League (EPL), UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup generate heavy betting interest.
Common football betting markets include match result bets, over/under goal totals, both teams to score (BTTS), and Asian handicaps. Football’s unpredictable nature and fast-paced gameplay make it ideal for both pre-match and live betting. Additionally, accumulator bets, where punters combine multiple selections into a single bet, are a popular way to increase potential payouts.



Horse Racing: TAB Racing and Major Events
Horse racing has been a traditional betting favorite in New Zealand for decades. The TAB, New Zealand’s primary betting operator, offers markets on both local and international races. Major events such as the New Zealand Cup, Melbourne Cup, and Royal Ascot are particularly popular among Kiwi punters.
Betting on horse racing includes a variety of options, such as win/place bets, quinellas, trifectas, and exactas. Many bettors rely on form guides, jockey statistics, and track conditions to inform their betting decisions. The availability of live streaming and mobile betting platforms has further increased the sport’s accessibility.

Basketball: NBA & NBL Bets
Basketball has experienced significant growth in New Zealand, with the NBA and Australian National Basketball League (NBL) being the most popular leagues for bettors. The fast-paced nature of basketball and the frequency of games make it an attractive option for sports bettors.
Popular basketball betting markets include moneyline bets (match winner), point spreads, total points over/under, and player prop bets. Live betting is especially common, allowing punters to place bets as the game unfolds based on momentum shifts and player performance.

Understanding the Most Popular Betting Markets
Moneyline Bets
One of the simplest and most common forms of sports betting, moneyline bets involve picking the outright winner of a match. If a team has odds of 2.50, a $10 bet would return $25 in total.
Point Spread Bets
Point spreads level the playing field by giving the underdog a head start or deducting points from the favorite. For example, a -10.5 handicap means a team must win by at least 11 points for a successful bet.
Over/Under Bets
These bets predict whether the total points/goals in a game will be above or below a set number. In football, an over/under line of 2.5 goals means betting on whether the total goals will be over or under this figure.
Futures Betting
Futures bets involve long-term predictions, like wagering on the winner of the Rugby World Cup or EPL title. These bets offer high odds and require patience for potential big payouts.
Prop Bets
Prop bets allow wagers on game events like the number of tries in rugby or how many sixes a cricketer will hit. These bets add extra excitement and sometimes offer higher odds.
In-Play Betting
Live betting allows placing wagers while a game is ongoing. It is popular among Kiwi bettors who react to real-time developments in rugby, cricket, and football.
Conclusion
Sports betting remains a favorite activity for Kiwi punters, with rugby, cricket, football, horse racing, and basketball leading the charge. Whether it’s a simple moneyline bet, a strategic point spread wager, or a live in-play bet, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities. We, at Casinoble, help bettors navigate these markets with expert reviews and recommendations. As sports betting continues to evolve, these popular markets are likely to remain at the forefront of New Zealand’s gambling scene.
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