Entain has launched betcha as a new online horse racing and sports betting brand in New Zealand.
betcha will compete with TAB NZ, which is also operated by Entain, as well as offshore bookmakers that serve the New Zealand market.
Entain said the launch of the new brand is a “direct response to the increasing threat to New Zealand sports and racing caused by offshore betting operators”.
“In the three months to the end of June 2024, New Zealanders’ spending with offshore betting operators grew by 30 per cent, continuing a trend over the last three or more years,” said Cameron Rodger, managing director of Entain New Zealand.
“Offshore spending is now estimated to be over NZ$180m per annum, and this is led by the growth in offshore spending doubling in the 18-29-year-old age band in the last five years.”
“Their betting activity provides little to no benefit for the New Zealand racing and sports industries, and these offshore operators are under no obligation to provide the same level of harm minimisation support and account management tools that betcha will make available for Kiwis,” Rodger added.
The launch of betcha follows the introduction of a new offshore gambling tax in New Zealand in July and precedes the planned opening of the country’s online gaming market in 2026.