Greyhound Racing and Betting to be Banned in New Zealand in 2026

Greyhound Racing and betting on it is very popular among Kiwi punters. However, this is possibly soon to change, as New Zealand’s MP Winston Peters recently announced that greyhound racing will be banned in the country from July 2026.

As of writing, there are only 5 countries and geographical areas where the sport is still legal, being New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Britain, and the United States. This is set to change, though, within about 15 months time.

Although way fewer dogs die or become injured because of the sport, the injury rates have remained unacceptably high in all countries where greyhound racing is practiced, and this, naturally, is the primary reason the ban will come into effect next year.

In 2024, 9 dogs were euthanized due to greyhound racing injuries, which is significantly lower than the 64 number 5 years ago in 2019. Despite these fewer racing-related animal deaths according to Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) the ban is non-negotiable, and Parliament won’t reconsider the issue.

In total, 1166 dogs had 36,063 starts in 2024 and newly introduced welfare standards makes many punters wonder why this huge reduction in injuries has not been seen as a valid reason for the sport and betting to continue as usual.

Updating the Racing Industry Act 2020

A full committee process has been initiated to ensure all parties involved had a chance to say what was on their minds. Additionally, an Advisory Committee has been appointed to assist in managing the transition process into the sport becoming fully illegal.

Appointed advisories include Heather Simpson, Lindsay Burton, and Murray Johnson. Their main advisory roles include ensuring animal welfare and support individuals and companies involved in the betting industry.

Additionally, the New Zealand Government is cooperating with animal welfare organisations to rehome the dogs involved and to establish programs to further this agenda.

Entain's Response to the New Legislation

Although well-known and respected betting company Entain recently signed a deal to run the NZ Tab in 2023 for the next 25 years, practically creating a monopoly for the company, its Chief Executive Nick Roberts said that the ban will have a positive outcome, both for the company and Kiwis, as Entain estimated that punters lose over $180 million annually to offshore racing and sports betting operators.

Retaining the money in the country will maximise funding to the companies' fund raising and local communities instead of foreign, often scrupulous gambling companies and corporations.

According to him, speaking on behalf of the entire Entain, Kiwis deserve to bet and gamble in a safe and regulated environment, despite the many challenges ahead in this regard.

What this Means for Greyhound Racing Punters

The new ban will come into effect in June, 2026. Until the ban is live, punters are allowed to place both pre-match and live bets on Greyhound racing events. However, once the ban is introduced, the tab showing these types of betting markets will most likely be removed from sports betting platforms offering these options.

Our casino and betting experts highly advise to make prompt withdrawals from your sports betting accounts used for Greyhound racing bets before the new ban takes into effect.