Best Rugby Betting Sites in New Zealand

Rugby is deeply ingrained in New Zealand’s culture and heritage. As the land of the mighty All Blacks, rugby union has an almost religious following. Rugby league also has a strong presence, with the NRL (National Rugby League) hugely popular. With rugby integral to Kiwi life, sports betting goes hand-in-hand for passionate fans. Wagering on rugby online has exploded in recent years, providing more choice and convenience than ever before. This guide will explore New Zealand’s top rugby betting sites. We’ll assess leading rugby bookies like LeoVegas, 22Bet and BZeebet for features most important to NZ punters. Attention will be given to markets and odds for NRL matches.

Top Rugby Betting Sites in New Zealand

Safe and licenced
Safe and licenced
Top rated
Top rated
Faster payments
Faster payments
High payments
High payments
#
Casino Details
Bonus
Features
Play
1
Rating
5 /5
100% up to NZ$300
T&C apply

To claim a bonus on 22bet, register on their website and complete all personal data fields in your account. Deposit a minimum of 2 CAD, and you’ll automatically receive a 100% sports bonus up to 180 CAD right after your deposit.

  • Daily bonuses
  • Sports betting and casino
  • A comprehensive range of payment options
  • Mobile application
  • 1000+ daily events to bet on
  • VIP rewards
Established
2007
Total Games
1100+
  • Bitcoin
  • EcoPayz
  • Mastercard
  • Neosurf
  • Neteller
  • Paysafecard
  • Skrill
  • Visa
2
Rating
5 /5
Read review
up to NZ$2000 + 200 FS
T&C apply
1.Claim your 1st Offer Card and deposit $10+.
2.Wager your deposit amount 20x on eligible slots.
3.Get a 100% matched deposit cash reward & Free Spins!
4.Repeat the above steps for the 2nd and 3rd Offer Cards!
Casino Welcome Offer: $2,000 Plus 200 Free Spins
Live Casino Welcome Offer: $2,000 & $30 in Golden Chips
Sportsbook Welcome Offer: 100% matched free bet.
Bingo Welcome Offer: $250 + 50 Free Spins.
  • Generous Welcome Offer
  • Live Casino Welcome Offer
  • Sports Betting available
Read review
  • Fast Payouts
  • Wagering 20x
  • Larger Selection of Games
Established
2012
Total Games
3300+
  • Apple Pay
  • EcoPayz
  • Mastercard
  • Neosurf
  • Neteller
  • Paysafecard
  • Visa
3
Rating
5 /5
Up to NZ$2000 + 100 FS
T&C apply

For Sportsbook:

  1. Register and deposit.
  2. Bet $20 on any sports market with odds of at least 2.00.
  3. Get a free bet for any market except system bets. To withdraw winnings (excluding the free bet amount), play it through 9x.

For Casino:

  1. Register, deposit, and opt-in for the promotion (no bonus code needed).
  2. Deposit a minimum of $10 to receive a 100% match up to $1,000, plus free spins on various games over five days.
  3. Use the bonus funds, and play across different games to meet the wagering requirements and claim your winnings.
  • Sportsbook available
  • Support 24/7
  • 1500+ slots
  • Mobile Friendly
  • Live Games
  • Amazing bonuses
Established
2023
Total Games
1500+
  • EcoPayz
  • Interac
  • Mastercard
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Visa
  • Paysafecard
  • Bitcoin
  • Instadebit

Top Rugby Betting Sites in New Zealand

After extensive research, we found LeoVegas, 22Bet and BZeebet to be New Zealand’s best betting sites for rugby:

1. LeoVegas – Best for rugby promotions & most markets

2. 22Bet – Top for live streaming & mobile betting 

3. BZeebet – Great betting NRL odds & easiest to use

We evaluated bookies on rugby markets, NRL odds, promotions, live streaming, ease of use and mobile compatibility. Here’s an overview of what these sportsbooks offer rugby league fans:

LeoVegas: One of the Best Rugby Betting Sites

100% Match Bonus Up to $200
T&C apply
1.Claim your 1st Offer Card and deposit $10+.
2.Wager your deposit amount 20x on eligible slots.
3.Get a 100% matched deposit cash reward & Free Spins!
4.Repeat the above steps for the 2nd and 3rd Offer Cards!
Casino Welcome Offer: $2,000 Plus 200 Free Spins
Live Casino Welcome Offer: $2,000 & $30 in Golden Chips
Sportsbook Welcome Offer: 100% matched free bet.
Bingo Welcome Offer: $250 + 50 Free Spins.

LeoVegas is one of New Zealand’s most popular sports betting sites, renowned for its exceptional rugby markets and promotions. This bookie serves up an immense range of rugby betting options, covering everything from individual matches to futures markets across both codes. You’ll find an emphasis on rugby league, with 100+ markets regularly available on NRL games. LeoVegas really stands out with consistently sharp NRL odds, often besting competitors. Expect to see this especially for Aussie rugby league. Line betting also impresses, with Leo’s offering amongst the widest.

Clicking through LeoVegas’ slick platform everything is clearly laid out and easy to navigate. In our experience customer service response times are super quick too. Punters can live stream rugby matches directly from the site in HD quality. Broadcasts for southern hemisphere rugby league are readily available, including NRL. An outstanding welcome offer exclusive to NZ gives you up to $200 in free bets when joining. Ongoing promos like bet boosts and accumulators insurance provide extra value.  

Pros
  • Huge rugby betting markets & sharp NRL odds
  • Quality live streaming service
  • Top promotions & newcomer offer
  • Seamless site navigation & quick support
Cons
  • Higher fees for some payment methods

How to Get the Leo Vegas Bonus

Jump into the action with LeoVegas’ outstanding New Zealand welcome offer – receive a huge 100% Profit Boost up to $200 in extra winnings when you sign-up and make your first deposit bet.

This unrivalled promotion puts cold hard cash in your account, with your initial real money wager instantly matched up to $200 if it wins. Imagine betting $100 on the All Blacks to win the Rugby Championship 2023. If they triumph, you take home an awesome $300 thanks to the 100% boost!

With the rugby season kicking off, now’s the time to supercharge your sports bets with LeoVegas.

Their market-leading Profit Boost stacks up as the most lucrative welcome offer in New Zealand right now:

  • 🏉 100% Match on First Settled Real Money Bet – Up to $200!
  • 🏉 In Cash Profit Rather Than Free Bets
  • 🏉 Only Requires Minimum $10 First Deposit

22Bet: Top Rugby Live Betting

$1500 Weekly Bettors Tournament
100% First Deposit Bonus Up to $200
T&C apply

To claim a bonus on 22bet, register on their website and complete all personal data fields in your account. Deposit a minimum of 2 CAD, and you’ll automatically receive a 100% sports bonus up to 180 CAD right after your deposit.

In just a few short years, 22Bet has emerged as a top-tier sportsbook for Kiwis. This global site continues going from strength to strength, now with a user base in the millions. 22Bet provides an immense catalogue of rugby betting opportunities, spanning both codes. Expect 100+ markets on major competitions, whilist covering everything from English Premiership to Mitre 10 Cup. Its rugby league offering also holds up well, with NRL wonderfully catered for. 22Bet proves very competitive with NRL head-to-head and line betting odds in our analysis. Live streaming brings events like State of Origin directly to your device in smooth HD playback. Their designated streaming page makes finding rugby league broadcasts a breeze. 

Those using 22Bet’s mobile experience will be pleased by full platform functionality and neat compact layouts. Apps tailored specifically for iOS, Android and Huawei provide added convenience. 22Bet incentivises newly joined Kiwis with a 100% first deposit match up to $200, amongst the largest welcome offers available. 

Pros
  • Massive range of rugby league bets
  • Robust mobile experience with apps
  • 100% welcome offer up to $200
  • Smooth live streaming capability
Cons
  • Site can appear cluttered on first use

22Bet bonuses adapted for New Zealand

100% First Deposit Bonus Up to $200

Deposit a minimum of just $10 and receive an awesome 100% matched bonus up to $200! Maximize your sports betting bankroll from the get go.

$1500 Weekly Bettors Tournament

Pit your sports betting prowess against others punters for big money! 22Bet host a $1500 weekly Bettors Tournament – climb the leaderboard for your share from the huge prize fund by placing real money wagers and racking up points.

BZeebet: Best for NRL Sports Betting

T&C apply

For Sportsbook:

  1. Register and deposit.
  2. Bet $20 on any sports market with odds of at least 2.00.
  3. Get a free bet for any market except system bets. To withdraw winnings (excluding the free bet amount), play it through 9x.

For Casino:

  1. Register, deposit, and opt-in for the promotion (no bonus code needed).
  2. Deposit a minimum of $10 to receive a 100% match up to $1,000, plus free spins on various games over five days.
  3. Use the bonus funds, and play across different games to meet the wagering requirements and claim your winnings.

A newcomer bursting onto the scene in 2022, BZeebet has quickly become a go-to NZ sportsbook for rugby punters. BZeebet stands out with a no frills approach focused purely on sports. This gives added attention to cover niches like Aussie domestic rugby. We found notably strong NRL futures markets pricing during testing. NRL match odds hold up very well at BZeebet too, keeping pace with or bettering competitors in multiple instances. Margin betting, an often overlooked betting NRL market, is also available with best rugby league odds. Those that prefer things kept fuss-free will enjoy BZeebet’s minimal interface. Everything you need for rugby betting is easily found through the horizontal main menu.

Currently there is no live streaming service offered by this newer bookie. However, we expect added streaming functionality will come in time. BZeebet greets new punters with a matched deposit offer up to $150, alongside 10% weekly cashback on losses for the first 30 days.  

Pros
  • Great value NRL odds & futures prices
  • Intuitive, no frills site navigation
  • Up to $150 deposit match + cashback offer
  • Covers niche Aussie domestic competitions
Cons
  • No live streaming capability yet

How to Get the BZeebet Bonus

BZeebet greets Kiwi punters with a solid free bet welcome offer. To qualify, simply sign-up and place a minimum $30 qualifying bet at odds of 1.95 or greater. In return, you’ll receive a $30 free bet which can be used on markets priced 1.72 and above.

So for a $30 wager at the qualifying odds standard of around evens, you’ll be gifted a handy $30 free bet to redeem – decent value to help test the BZeebet site. This free bet amount matches your initial qualifying outlay, giving good incentive to new customers.

With BZeebet’s competitive prices on rugby union and league in particular, their welcome deal presents a nice pathway to explore their focused sportsbook offering risk-free. Well worth capitalizing on.

New Zealand Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions

Reputable international bookmakers offer New Zealand punters an array of compelling sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions:

  • Welcome Offers

    Welcome offers provide the biggest upfront value for new punters. Common sign-up bonuses include:

    • Deposit Matches: The most popular welcome offers. Sportsbooks match first deposits up to 100% or higher, worth upwards of $300 in free credits for Kiwis.
    • Risk-Free First Bets: Instead of matching deposits, some sites give new customers a refund in bonus money if they lose their initial bet. Often valued $150+ and perfect for beginners.
    • No Deposit Free Bets: Less common but still appealing – receive a free bet just for registering an account, no initial deposit required. Usually around $10 in value to try the site.
  • Reload Bonuses

    Sportsbooks encourage further deposits from existing punters with bonus reload offers extending longer term value, typically 30%-50% deposit matches available on future payments.

  • Ongoing Promotions

    Other recurring promos provide continuous betting perks:

    • Odds Boosts: Get enhanced odds on selected betting markets for bigger potential payouts. An easy way to secure added value.
    • Multi-Bet Insurance: Receive your stake refunded as a free bet if one leg of a multi wager loses by close margins. Incentivises bolder parlay plays.
    • Referral Bonuses: Get a free bet or other reward for getting a friend to join the sportsbook site as a new customer.
  • Bonus Considerations

    Whilst rewards provide extra value, consider the terms and conditions too:

    • Wagering Requirements: The number of times a bonus must be bet before allowing withdrawals. Usually 4-6x the total received.
    • Expiry Periods: How long you have to meet wagering requirements e.g. 30 days. Budget your betting accordingly.
    • Capped Payouts: Maximum limits on withdrawal amounts from bonuses (often less than initial sums).
    • Payment Restrictions: Not all deposit methods may qualify for bonuses or count to unlocking requirements.

Bonuses positively impact betting bankrolls, but understanding the rules enables punters to fully capitalise for maximum gain.

Leo Vegas Welcome Offer
Leo Vegas Welcome Offer

How We Evaluate the Top New Zealand Sports Betting Sites

When reviewing online bookmakers for Kiwi punters, we assess several key criteria to determine the best platforms:

  • Sports & Markets Offered

    Top sites provide extensive betting coverage of popular NZ sports like rugby, cricket and netball, while also catering for niche interests like surfing or basketball. They supply abundant market variety too – moneylines, spreads, totals, props and more.

  • Odds Competitiveness

    The best operators frequently update odds to remain highly competitive, providing better value for savvy bettors. Allowing customers to display odds in formats like decimals is ideal for NZ punters.

  • Promotions & Bonuses

    Compelling sign-up offers and ongoing promotions like free bets and odds boosts add value to the betting experience. Top sites provide generous rewards with fair terms.

  • Payment Options

    Supporting convenient banking methods favoured by Kiwis is key. Leading options include credit/debit cards, Google/Apple Pay and local services like POLi. Low minimum deposits and fast payouts are also important.

  • Mobile Compatibility

    With most sports betting done on smartphones today, sites must offer a seamless mobile experience. User-friendly native apps or mobile sites with full functionality are essential.

  • Security & Reputation

    We only recommend licensed bookies holding credentials from renowned governing bodies, ensuring fair, secure services backed by encryption tech and auditing. Brand reputation speaks volumes too.

By judging New Zealand online bookies on benchmarks like these, we can identify the absolute top tier platforms that tick all boxes for Kiwi punters and offer a premium, well-rounded experience.

Rugby Betting Features Comparison

To help compare the rugby and NRL betting offerings at LeoVegas, 22Bet and BZeebet, we’ve summarized some key points:

SportsbookMarketsLive StreamingPromotionsMobile Experience
LeoVegas100+ for rugby league events. Wide-ranging NRL futuresYes – Smooth HD streamingNZ-exclusive $200 free bet offer. Ongoing boosts & insuranceiOS & Android apps. Great on mobile
22Bet100+ markets on major rugby events. Early lines for NRLYes – Easy access from streaming page100% deposit match up to $200iOS & Android apps + mobile site
BzeebetStrong NRL futures markets. Margin betting availableNo – Expected in future$150 matched deposit + $60 cashbackEasy to use mobile site

Rugby and cricket unsurprisingly dominate sports betting interest amongst Kiwi punters, but various other homegrown sports also draw plenty of wagering action:

  • Rugby Union

    As New Zealand’s most celebrated sport, rugby enjoys immense betting popularity, especially for the beloved All Blacks. Markets span international contests, Super Rugby club matches and Mitre 10 Cup. Expect an abundance of futures, props, spreads and totals variety.

  • Cricket

    Although overshadowed by rugby on the global stage, cricket holds passionate local interest. Kiwis love betting on matches involving national side the Black Caps or domestic franchises during tournaments like the Plunket Shield. Run lines, match props and outright event winner odds see plenty of punter money.

  • Netball

    A cornerstone of New Zealand sports culture with elite domestic leagues and internationals in the Silver Ferns national team who perform well at pinnacle events like the INF World Cup. Markets centre around handicaps, totals and match props.

  • Football (Soccer)

    Whilst not matching rugby’s popularity in NZ, football betting interest grows yearly. Markets centre on European competitions like English Premier League as well as Aussie’s A-League. Three-way moneylines and Asian handicaps are commonly bet on.

  • Basketball

    Tall Blacks basketball matches plus NBA betting prove popular amongst younger Kiwi punters. The high pace leads to plenty of points betting options alongside moneyline and handicap wagers. Rising local leagues now see novelty markets emerge too.

22 Bet Rugby Betting NZ
22 Bet Rugby Bonus NZ

How to Bet on Rugby League & NRL  

Wagering online through leading sites has become the preferred betting method for most Kiwi rugby fans. But if you’re new to punting on rugby league and NRL, some key need-to-knows can help guide you.

Understanding Key Betting Markets

When opening any sportsbook, you’ll likely first see matchup odds for upcoming fixtures followed by numerous bet types underneath. Some key markets for rugby league punters include:

  • Head-to-Head (Moneyline Betting): Pick which team you think will win
  • Line (Handicap Betting): Wager against a set spread/handicap for each team 
  • Totals (Over/Under): Bet whether total combined points scored will go over or under a set line   

These make up standard win-lose betting markets, with the later two allowing you to back teams at more even odds if you wish.

You’ll also find try scorer markets, letting you bet on individual players to cross the line. First try scorer odds tend to pay the highest at around $8-12 on favourites. Betting last try scorers can offer big odds but is very hard to predict.

  • NRL Premiership Winner 
  • State of Origin Series Winner   
  • Dally M Medal (Player of the Year)
  • Top Try Scorer  

Understanding Rugby Bet Types

Understanding bet types available will make wagering online easier. Here are some of the most common you’ll see:

  • Head-to-Head:

    The simplest rugby bet – pick one team to beat the other. Known as moneyline betting in some regions.

  • Line Betting:

    Also called spread or handicap betting. Gives the underdog team a “head start” with a virtual points advantage to make match odds closer to even. Let’s you gain bigger potential payouts for successful prediction on the favourite.

     

  • Totals Betting:

    Wager on whether you think the total combined points scored by both teams will fall over or under a set line, usually set around 30-50 points. Great for betting lower scoring defensive matchups.

  • Futures Betting:

    Predict eventual long term outcomes weeks or months in advance rather than match results, like picking the NRL or Mitre 10 Cup season winner. Allows identification of early betting value.

  • Prop Bets:

    Wager on team or individual milestones/events occurring or not e.g. a specific player to score multiple tries. Fun novelty bets that can offer big payouts.

     

  • Parlay Bet:

    Combining two or more wagers into a single bet slip to chase a much larger potential payout. Gives you more control to create the exact multi-bet you want. Riskier but more rewarding.

  • Teaser Bet:

    Allows you to adjust the point spread/total for any given match bets. Effectively lets you “buy” more points to make the bet easier to win. Outcome payouts are lowered to compensate. Reduces risk on your predictions.

Getting acquainted with these common bet types opens more ways to wager on rugby matches for advanced and beginning punters alike. Consider mixing up more exotic bet selections along with head-to-head picks for bigger potential rewards.

Bzeebet Rugby Online Betting
Bzeebet Rugby Online Betting

Tips for Betting Rugby League

Use these tips to make informed wagers once ready to punt real money:

  1. 1
    Favourites win most head-to-heads but underdogs often cover the spread. Back both when identifying betting value.
  2. 2
    Key injuries dramatically swing the odds and likely match outcomes. Monitor team news closely.
  3. 3
    Wet weather brings handling errors and unpredictable play. Expect high scores in sloppy conditions.
  4. 4
    The pre-game “Favourites” tag predicts head-to-head NRL wins nearly 70% of the time, a good benchmark.
  5. 5
    State of Origin Game One winners have taken 9 of the last 10 series. Use it as a predictor for series odds value.
  6. 6
    Local derbies like the Battle of Queensland bring emotion fuelled upsets. Consider backing the underdog.
  7. 7
    Late season “out of finals contention” teams can lack motivation against opponents still competing for play-off berths.
  8. 8
    Schedule situational spots like short turnarounds after long haul travel leave some teams more vulnerable.
  9. 9
    Monitor line movements and significant betting trend shifts which suggest informed money behind certain wagers.

Keeping these key factors in mind will help you make better evaluated rugby league predictions. Combining data points like team news, scheduling factors and betting market activity ultimately leads to the most insightful wagers.

Stay fully up to date on all developments and consider how each may tip the upcoming match odds one way or another. Doing your rugby league homework pays off with better informed betting decisions.

Sports betting legality in New Zealand operates under the Gambling Act 2003. This legislation allows only one domestic sportsbook licensee, TAB NZ. No other sportsbooks can offer online wagering platforms from within the country.

However, the Act does not explicitly prohibit Kiwis from betting at reputable offshore online bookmakers. Whilst the Department of Internal Affairs urges caution around using overseas operators, they clearly state doing so is not illegal under current laws.

Why LeoVegas is Our Top Pick for Rugby League Bet

In our analysis, LeoVegas narrowly beats out 22Bet and BZeebet as the #1 rugby sportsbook for Kiwi punters. A principal factor is Leo’s outstanding breadth of rugby league betting markets, spanning both NRL matches and futures. You’ll struggle to find more choice elsewhere.

Leo also consistently delivers sharp NRL and rugby league odds, clearly adjusting lines quicker than competitors. This leads to added value particularly when betting Australian domestic rugby. An excellent live streaming service properly integrates broadcasts like NRL matches into Leo’s slick platform. Few sites make streaming rugby league more accessible. Combined with strong promotional incentives for new and existing punters, LeoVegas ticks all boxes as a complete rugby betting package.  

Leo Vegas Betting NZ
Leo Vegas Betting NZ

Responsible Gambling in New Zealand

While sports betting can be an enjoyable hobby for many Kiwis, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Several measures can help promote healthy betting habits:

  1. Step 1 Set Affordable Limits

    Determine reasonable budgets for money and time spent gambling that align with your financial situation. Take personal circumstances into account.

  2. Step 2 Take Breaks

    Schedule regular pauses in play, such as a few minutes every 20 minutes. Periodically take days off from betting altogether to keep activity in moderation.

  3. Step 3 Avoid Risky Bets

    Don’t chase losses or bet more than you can comfortably afford to lose. If emotions override discipline, walk away.

  4. Step 4 Use Bankroll Management

    Dividing funds into separate amounts for specific sessions prevents overspending in the heat of the moment compared to having one large sum.

  5. Step 5 Don’t Bet Impaired

    Gambling under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgement and increases reckless decision making.

  6. Step 6 Use Built-In Safeguards

    Reputable betting sites provide tools like deposit limits, timeout facilities and spend tracking functions. Utilize these.

While most handle gambling appropriately as light entertainment, for some it can become problematic, with addiction deeply impacting lives. If you or someone close is struggling with compulsive gambling, support resources like Gambling Helpline offer free, confidential assistance and counselling 24/7. Stay informed of warning signs and don’t hesitate to get help if needed.

Conclusion

Rugby betting continues going from strength to strength in New Zealand, with increasing choice through quality online bookmakers. Our top picks of LeoVegas, 22Bet and BZeebet all offer robust rugby betting features that should satisfy the needs of most Kiwi punters and fans. With sharp NRL odds, extensive markets and great promotions, you can feel confident signing up.

Remember to always gamble responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable, reach out for help. Now that you know the top rugby bookies available, it’s time to start betting on this great game. We wish you the best of luck with your future rugby punting!

FAQ

What’s the best rugby betting site in New Zealand?
Based on extensive research, we found LeoVegas to be the #1 online sportsbook for rugby punters in NZ. LeoVegas offers unmatched variety of rugby league and union betting markets, highly competitive odds, excellent promotions and smooth live streaming capabilities. The user-friendly site and apps also make wagering very accessible.
Is online rugby betting legal in New Zealand?
Yes, betting at reputable international online bookmakers that are licensed and regulated overseas is perfectly legal for Kiwis. Domestic-based sports betting is restricted to the TAB, but sites recommended here like LeoVegas legally offer their services to New Zealanders.
What rugby competitions can I bet on?
There’s huge variety to bet rugby across Super Rugby club matches, Rugby Championship internationals, Rugby World Cup, NRL, State of Origin plus niche competitions like Mitre 10 Cup. Reputable sites cover all major leagues and tournaments popular with Kiwi punters.
What types of rugby bets can I place?
You’ll find moneyline match picks, handicap spreads, totals on points scored, try scorers, futures markets predicting season outcomes and much more. Top bookies provide 100+ betting options across both codes of rugby league and union.
Can I live stream rugby matches online?
Yes, leading operators like LeoVegas enable registered members to live stream events directly on their sites or apps. Expect smooth HD quality broadcasts widely available for competitions such as Super Rugby, NRL and international test matches to enhance your betting experience.
Do bookies offer bonuses for rugby betting?
Absolutely. Bookmakers provide generous welcome bonuses like matched deposit offers and free bets to new customers. Ongoing promos are available too – odds boosts for rugby fixtures feature regularly. This gives great incentive to sign-up and added value.