New Zealand Orders 20Bet to Cease Illegal Advertising Targeting Kiwi Players

New Zealand orders 20Bet to stop illegal gambling ads targeting Kiwis. Fourth offshore operator targeted since 2023. New laws coming in 2026.

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has issued a formal order to Cyprus-based gambling operator 20Bet, demanding that they stop all advertising targeting New Zealanders.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) confirmed that 20Bet was running paid YouTube advertisements promoting online casino and sports betting services directly to New Zealand audiences. The ads featured messaging that specifically mentions Kiwis, for example, ‘play like a Kiwi’, which blatantly targets New Zealanders.

Regulatory Action Highlights Growing Enforcement Against Offshore Operators

This action breaches the Gambling Act 2003, which prohibits offshore operators from advertising gambling services to New Zealanders. Only TAB NZ holds the legal right to offer sports and racing betting in the country.

If you’re a Kiwi player currently using 20Bet or considering it, this regulatory action signals that the platform operates outside New Zealand’s legal framework

While the DIA’s order focuses on stopping advertisements rather than blocking access to the site itself, it’s essential to understand the implications.

Playing on unlicensed offshore sites means you have no local consumer protections, no recourse through New Zealand authorities if disputes arise, and you’re using a platform that the government has identified as operating illegally in the market.

There is a caveat to this, though.

The truth is that if you play at an online casino overseas licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curacao Gaming Control Board, you are protected when there is a dispute. Casinos licensed by these authorities must offer ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) services. That means you get free mediation services if you are not satisfied with the casino’s complaint team’s resolution.

Kiwi Players Are Not Blocked From Playing On Overseas Sites – Only Advertising is Banned

If you’re a Kiwi player currently using 20Bet or considering it, this regulatory action signals that the platform operates outside New Zealand’s legal framework. While the DIA’s order focuses on stopping advertisements rather than blocking access to the site itself, it’s important to understand the implications. Playing on unlicensed offshore sites means you have no local consumer protections, no recourse through New Zealand authorities if disputes arise, and you’re using a platform that the government has identified as operating in the country’s black market online gambling zone.

For those seeking licensed alternatives, check out our guide to online casinos in New Zealand.

Fourth Offshore Operator Targeted Since 2023 & Stricter Rules to Come

20Bet joins a growing list of offshore operators that have been told to stop targeting New Zealand players. Since 2023, the DIA has issued formal notices to 22Bet (Curaçao-licensed), Jackpot City (Alderney-licensed), and, most recently, Leo Vegas (Malta-licensed). Previous enforcement actions have also seen the DIA fine social media influencers up to NZ$30,000 for promoting offshore casinos, while Curacao-based Spinbet was fined NZ$60,000 for multiple breaches.

New Zealand is preparing to introduce comprehensive online gambling legislation in February 2026. The new framework will allow licensed operators to offer online casino services legally for the first time, with only 15 licenses expected to be granted. Operators caught offering services without a license face fines up to NZ$5 million. The Problem Gambling Foundation has praised the DIA’s actions, noting that offshore operators often target vulnerable individuals and undermine harm-prevention measures.

To understand what these changes mean for Kiwi players, read our detailed breakdown on how regulated online casinos will affect New Zealand.

What Will Happen if You Want to Gamble Using Crypto as a Kiwi?

Here’s what we think about this latest gambling news: From a regulatory perspective, the DIA’s action is necessary to protect consumers and establish a controlled market ahead of the 2026 licensing framework. For offshore operators like 20Bet, these enforcement actions highlight the risks of marketing in jurisdictions with explicit prohibitions. However, for players, the situation is more complex. While we understand the appeal of offshore platforms, especially those offering cryptocurrency options, players should be aware that they have no legal protections when using unlicensed sites.

We don’t consider 20Bet the optimal choice for New Zealand players, particularly if you’re looking for crypto-friendly options. If cryptocurrency deposits are essential to you, consider Lucky Hunter Casino, which offers a 10% deposit bonus on every crypto deposit. That said, we don’t want to discourage players from supporting New Zealand online casinos once the new licensing system launches. However, if cryptocurrency is vital to your gaming experience, be aware that newly licensed operators won’t offer crypto payment options when regulation begins. Another crypto-friendly alternative is BetAndPlay Casino, which provides a 7% deposit match on every crypto deposit.

For more information about how these crypto bonuses work, take a look at the Casinoplusbonus Crypto Wagerless Deposit Bonus guide.