Entain’s TAB New Zealand Takeover - What’s Changed Since Early Concerns Emerged

Entain’s takeover of the operational control of TAB New Zealand in mid-2023 attracted immediate attention after allegations emerged that one of its offshore subsidiaries had breached New Zealand’s strict gambling advertising rules. The issue surfaced just days into the long-term partnership and raised questions around compliance. More than two years on, there has been no public enforcement action linked to that episode. Here’s what is known so far.

Early Scrutiny After the Takeover

Entain officially assumed day-to-day operational control of TAB NZ in June 2023 under a 25-year partnership designed to modernise the platform and increase returns to New Zealand racing and sport. Within the first week of the takeover, reports emerged that an offshore Entain subsidiary had sent a promotional email to a New Zealand bettor.

The message promoted a sports betting offer, despite New Zealand law prohibiting overseas gambling operators from advertising to local residents.
At the time, the incident prompted criticism from gambling harm advocates who argued it undermined confidence in Entain’s ability to meet local regulations so early into the partnership.

Regulatory Response and Enforcement

Following the reports, attention turned to whether the Department of Internal Affairs would take formal action under the Gambling Act 2003. Entain acknowledged the email had been sent and said it was taking steps to restrict New Zealand access to certain offshore brands operated by the group.
However, more than two years later, there has been no fines, prosecutions, or formal warnings connected to the email promotion.

Legislative Changes Strengthen TAB NZ’s Position

Since the takeover, New Zealand’s gambling framework has undergone significant change. In 2025, amendments to the  Racing Industry Act expanded TAB NZ’s exclusivity to include online sports and racing betting.

“With the rapid growth in online betting, we needed to make changes to protect TAB NZ’s betting revenue” — Racing Minister Winston Peters. 

The changes were intended to ensure wagering activity remains onshore, strengthen consumer protections, and secure long-term funding for domestic racing and sporting bodies. They also reduced the presence of offshore sports betting operators in the New Zealand market.

What Happens Next

Entain remains firmly embedded in New Zealand’s regulated betting market through its partnership with TAB N. While its arrival was marked by early controversy, the relationship has since entered a more stable phase.

At the same time, the government continues work on a regulated online casino licensing regime, which would operate separately from TAB NZ’s sports and racing monopoly. For now, the compliance concerns raised in 2023 appear to have remained isolated, with no further public action announced.