BasePoker Weekly Freerolls: Everything You Need to Know
15 Jun 2026Read More
New Zealand Targets Prediction Markets in New Gambling Crackdown
- NZ orders Kalshi & Polymarket to halt operations, labeling them unauthorized gambling.
- DIA's move reinforces TAB NZ's legal betting monopoly amidst global prediction market growth.
- Future reforms in NZ could introduce licensed online casinos but exclude open prediction markets.
Image Credit: Freepik
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has ordered Kalshi and Polymarket to exit the country, classifying prediction markets as unauthorized gambling. While these platforms gain traction globally as forecasting tools, they conflict with TAB NZ’s legal monopoly on domestic betting.
The New Zealand government has initiated a significant regulatory crackdown on global prediction markets, ordering major platforms Kalshi and Polymarket to cease operations within the country.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) issued formal warnings to both operators, asserting that their products constitute gambling under current national law.
Regulatory Standpoint and Enforcement
On 16 February, the DIA officially notified both platforms that their prediction models, which allow users to trade on the outcomes of future events, fall under the legal definition of gambling.
In New Zealand, the Racing Industry Act 2020 mandates a strict monopoly on sports and racing bets, held exclusively by TAB NZ.
Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling at the DIA, emphasized that specific restrictions prevent any unauthorized entity from offering betting products to New Zealanders. Following the warning:
- Kalshi acted swiftly, adding New Zealand to its list of prohibited jurisdictions within hours.
- Polymarket remains under monitoring by the DIA, with regulators expecting a similar professional withdrawal to comply with local statutes.
The Monopoly of TAB NZ and Future Reforms
Currently, TAB NZ maintains a legal stronghold over the country’s online betting landscape. This monopoly is managed via a 25-year partnership with the UK-based gambling giant Entain. While the current rules are rigid, a new iGaming bill is progressing through Parliament.
This legislation aims to modernize the sector by allowing up to 15 licensed operators to enter the market, though it is primarily focused on online casino services rather than open prediction markets.
Global Trends and Divergent Views
The crackdown in New Zealand mirrors recent moves in other regions. Both the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and several European regulators have previously taken a hard line against Polymarket. In contrast, the US presents a more complex picture.
While state-level regulators continue to challenge these platforms, the Federal Reserve recently highlighted that Kalshi’s data can serve as a valuable tool for macroeconomic forecasting.
Despite their utility in research and policy, New Zealand’s regulators remain firm: if a platform offers wagers on provincial cricket or political catchphrases, it is gambling, and without a license, it is illegal.
Upcoming Events
20 June 2026
888poker $300GTD Freebuy Poker
A Community Freebuy Worth Marking Down: PokerHeaven’s $300 GTD on 888poker
WSOP Circuit Tallin 2026 Poker
Chasing the Gold Rings: A Complete Guide to WSOP Circuit Tallinn 2026
Irish Open Australia 2026 Poker
Irish Open Goes Global: Inaugural Sydney Schedule Features 40+ Tournaments
European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 Poker
Tallinn to Host Inaugural European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 This October
Battle of Malta Autumn Edition 2026 Poker
What to Expect from the Battle of Malta October 2026 Autumn Edition
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Poker
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Set to Ignite Asia Poker Arena with TWD 165M GTD Main Event
Poker EventsStarts in
Latest News
-
BasePoker Freerolls -
FreerollBoost Your Bankroll with Two Exclusive Weekly Freerolls at BCPoker15 Jun 2026Read More
-
PokerStars Open MalagaPokerStars Open Malaga Aims for Another Record-Breaking Year10 Feb 2026Read More
-
888poker FreebuyA Community Freebuy Worth Marking Down: PokerHeaven’s $300 GTD on 888poker16 Jun 2026Read More
-
Poker eventAsian Poker Tour returns to Paradise City Casino02 Jun 2026Read More
