POLi is a different service in 2026 than it was 2 years ago. All 4 major NZ banks have signed open banking agreements with POLi Payments, replacing the old screen-scraping system that ANZ and Kiwibank once warned could void your fraud guarantee. For ASB, Westpac, ANZ, and BNZ customers, your credentials now stay inside your bank’s own secure environment.
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This guide covers the best POLi betting sites NZ punters can access in 2026, which banks are fully transitioned, and what the legal landscape looks like. None of the 5 operators below hold a New Zealand sports betting licence. We explain what that means for Kiwi bettors throughout.
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DIA Disclosure
IMPORTANT: Under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (as amended on 28 June 2025), TAB NZ and Betcha are the only legal sports betting operators in New Zealand. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Director of Gambling stated that customers should be aware of the risks of betting with providers other than TAB NZ or Betcha.
The bookmakers compared on this page are licensed offshore (Curacao, Anjouan) and do not hold a New Zealand sports betting licence. Betting with these operators places NZ residents outside the consumer protections of New Zealand gambling law.
For information on legal NZ sports betting, visit tab.co.nz or betcha.co.nz. For independent gambling support, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 (24/7, free).
Best POLi Betting Sites in New Zealand 2026
5 international bookmakers accept POLi deposits from Kiwi punters in NZD. None hold a New Zealand sports betting licence (see DIA disclosure above). For legal NZ sports betting, see TAB NZ and Betcha.
POLi remains one of the most practical deposit methods for New Zealand bettors who prefer paying directly from a bank account. There is no need to share card details with the operator, minimum deposits start as low as $1 to $5 NZD depending on the platform, and funds arrive almost instantly when using the open banking flow at ASB, Westpac, ANZ, or BNZ.
The 5 POLi betting sites below are ranked by overall deposit experience, payment flexibility, and platform quality. All are offshore-licensed.
RoyalistPlay
RoyalistPlay is operated by Bellona N.V., Curacao-licensed. POLi is listed in the NZ cashier per prior reviews, with a typical minimum deposit of $1 to $5 NZD. Withdrawals are available via bank transfer or debit card. The site holds no DIA authorisation.
Directionbet
Directionbet is a Bellona N.V. sister brand, Curacao-licensed. It runs a narrower payment menu than RoyalistPlay. Withdrawals are available via bank transfer. No DIA authorisation.
FestivalPlay
FestivalPlay is Curacao-licensed with a broad payment menu across most markets. NZD accounts are supported. No DIA authorisation.
LegendPlay
LegendPlay is licensed by the Anjouan Gaming Authority (Comoros), not Curacao. NZD deposits are supported. No DIA authorisation.
Betalright
Betalright is operated by Adonio N.V. (formerly Rabidi N.V.), Curacao-licensed. No DIA authorisation.
POLi Casino Sites in New Zealand 2026
All 5 operators on this page run hybrid platforms covering both sportsbook and casino. If you are looking for POLi pay casinos in NZ or casinos that accept POLi, the same deposit flow applies at the casino cashier. Select POLi, choose your bank, and authenticate via the open banking flow (ASB, Westpac, ANZ, BNZ) or the legacy screen-scraping system (Kiwibank, until mid-2026).
1 important distinction: the casino age restriction in New Zealand differs from sports betting. You must be 20 or older to access casino products; the sports betting minimum is 18. None of the 5 operators hold a New Zealand gaming licence. The DIA offshore enforcement context applies equally to their casino verticals, and NZ residents have no regulatory recourse in the event of a dispute.
Common casino categories available across these operators include slots, live dealer tables, and RNG table games. POLi deposits for casino use carry the same minimum ($1 to $5 NZD) and the same deposit-only limitation as the sportsbook cashier. Withdrawals require bank transfer or a debit card.
POLi in 2026, What Changed and Why It Matters
Before 2025, POLi worked by capturing your online banking login credentials through a screen designed to look like your bank’s website. It was a screen-scraping service, and every major New Zealand bank warned customers against using it.
ANZ and Kiwibank went further. Both stated that using POLi invalidated their online banking fraud guarantee, potentially leaving customers liable for any losses if their account was compromised. That history is real and worth knowing, even though the situation has changed significantly.
In 2025, POLi signed open banking agreements with all 4 major NZ banks. ASB and Westpac completed the transition first (early to mid 2025), with ANZ and BNZ following in August. Under the Customer and Product Data Act 2025, ASB, ANZ, BNZ, and Westpac were designated as “data holders” from 1 December 2025.
POLi now operates through bank-endorsed open banking APIs at these 4 institutions. Your credentials are never shared with POLi. Authentication happens inside your bank’s own secure environment, and the bank’s online banking fraud guarantee remains fully intact for payments initiated through the new open banking flow.
Kiwibank is the exception. Its open banking API is expected to launch mid-2026. Until then, POLi payments from Kiwibank accounts still use the legacy screen-scraping flow, and the historical fraud guarantee invalidation risk still applies. If you bank with Kiwibank, consider waiting for the transition or using an alternative deposit method.
For punters managing a betting bankroll, the same discipline that applies to any spending category holds here. Treat deposits as a fixed entertainment budget, not a rolling balance. Much like the structured preparation athletes follow before competition (see football fitness testing), setting clear limits before you start produces better outcomes than adjusting on the fly.
Bank-by-Bank POLi Safety Status
Not every NZ bank is at the same stage of the open banking transition. The table below breaks down where each major bank sits as of May 2026, including whether your online banking fraud guarantee remains intact when using POLi.
If you bank with ASB or Westpac, POLi deposits run through the fully completed open banking flow. ANZ and BNZ announced their agreements in August 2025 and began transitioning from December 2025.
Kiwibank remains on the legacy screen-scraping system until its open banking API launches, expected mid-2026. Smaller banks including The Co-operative Bank, TSB, and SBS Bank are operational on the POLi platform, but their open banking status varies and should be confirmed directly with your bank before use.
| Bank | POLi Status (May 2026) | Fraud Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
|
ASB |
Open banking active (early 2025) |
Intact, bank-endorsed flow |
|
Westpac |
Open banking active (July 2025) |
Intact, bank-endorsed flow |
|
ANZ |
Transition in progress (August 2025) |
Verify with ANZ at time of deposit |
|
BNZ |
Transition in progress (August 2025) |
Verify with BNZ at time of deposit |
|
Kiwibank |
Legacy screen-scraping until mid-2026 |
Historically invalidated. Verify current position |
|
Co-operative Bank, TSB, SBS Bank |
Operational on POLi. Open banking status varies |
Verify per bank before use |
How POLi Deposits Work at an NZ Betting Site
POLi only works with New Zealand bank accounts denominated in NZD. The deposit process differs slightly depending on whether your bank has completed the open banking transition.
Step 1. Sign up with a bookmaker
Sign up with 1 of the 5 bookmakers listed above. Use a New Zealand address and date of birth. The minimum age is 18 for sports betting and 20 for casino markets.
Step 2. Open the cashier and select POLi
Enter the amount you want to deposit in NZD. Minimum deposits typically range from $1 to $5 NZD depending on the operator.
Step 3. Select your NZ bank from the POLi list
ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, Co-operative Bank, TSB, and SBS Bank are all available. At ASB and Westpac, you will be redirected to your bank’s open banking authentication page – log in inside your bank’s own secure environment, authorise the payment, and return to the cashier. At Kiwibank (until mid-2026), the legacy flow uses an in-page form with a different risk profile (see Bank-by-Bank POLi Safety Status above).
Step 4. Confirm payment
Funds typically arrive within seconds at the 4 major banks via open banking. Smaller banks on the legacy flow may take 1 to 15 minutes.
Step 5. Complete KYC verification
Complete the operator’s KYC verification before requesting your first withdrawal. POLi is deposit-only – there is no POLi withdrawal function. You will need an alternative method such as bank transfer or debit card to cash out winnings.
Withdrawal Options, POLi Is Deposit-Only
POLi does not support withdrawals. There is no payout counterpart to the service, so any winnings must be returned through a different payment method. This is universal across all operators that accept POLi, not a limitation specific to any single bookmaker.
For NZ bettors, the most common withdrawal route is a bank transfer denominated in NZD. Debit card returns are slower but available at most platforms. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller offer the fastest turnaround if you already hold an account.
Whichever method you choose, complete your KYC verification before requesting your first withdrawal. All 5 offshore operators on this page require identity verification per their licence conditions, and unverified accounts will face processing delays.
| Withdrawal Method | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Bank transfer (NZ wire) |
1 to 5 business days |
Most common for NZ users. NZD denominated. |
|
Debit card (Visa / Mastercard) |
3 to 7 business days |
Slower than bank transfer. Returns to original card. |
|
E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) |
Up to 24 hours |
Fastest option. Requires a separate account. |
POLi vs Other Payment Methods for Kiwi Bettors
Every deposit method available to New Zealand bettors at offshore operators comes with trade-offs. POLi’s main advantage is that it pulls directly from your bank account without requiring you to share card details or set up a third-party wallet.
The open banking transition at the 4 major banks has resolved the historic safety concerns that made POLi a risky choice before 2025. The main drawback remains the same: POLi is deposit-only, so you will always need a second method for withdrawals.
The table below compares POLi against the most commonly used alternatives at NZ-facing offshore bookmakers.
| Method | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
|
POLi (open banking) |
Direct bank deposit, no card needed, low minimum, bank-safe |
Deposit only, need separate withdrawal method |
|
POLi (legacy, Kiwibank) |
Direct bank deposit if no alternative available |
Fraud guarantee historically invalidated |
|
Visa / Mastercard Debit |
Highest acceptance, simple setup |
Slower withdrawals (3 to 7 days), card details shared |
|
Bank transfer (NZ wire) |
Larger deposits, no card needed |
Slower deposit (1 to 3 business days) |
|
Skrill |
Fast withdrawals (24 hours), e-wallet privacy |
Requires separate account, transaction fees |
|
Neteller |
Fast withdrawals (24 hours), e-wallet privacy |
Same fee profile as Skrill |
Is It Legal to Use POLi at These Bookmakers in New Zealand
POLi itself is a legitimate, bank-endorsed payment service in New Zealand. Using POLi to pay for goods, services, or any lawful purpose is fully legal and carries no regulatory risk for the customer.
The legal question sits with the operators, not the payment method. Under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (amended 28 June 2025), TAB NZ and Betcha are the only operators licensed to offer sports betting to New Zealand residents.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Director of Gambling has publicly named TAB NZ and Betcha as the only compliant brands and warned customers about the risks of using offshore providers. The 5 bookmakers on this page are licensed in Curacao and Anjouan, not New Zealand.
What does that mean in practice? Betting with these offshore operators places you outside the consumer protections of New Zealand gambling law. That includes dispute resolution, fund recovery, and complaints handling.
If you want regulated NZ sports betting with full consumer protections, visit TAB NZ (tab.co.nz) or Betcha (betcha.co.nz). For our full NZ sports betting guide, see the parent betting hub.
On tax: recreational gambling winnings are not subject to New Zealand income tax per Inland Revenue NZ.
Responsible Gambling, NZ Resources
POLi’s low minimum deposit ($1 to $5 NZD at most operators) makes it easy to top up frequently, which can mask cumulative spend over time. Before you deposit, set a fixed budget and use the deposit limits, session limits, and time-out tools that all 5 operators on this page offer. Self-exclusion is also available at each platform.
Your bank can add another layer of protection. ASB, ANZ, Westpac, BNZ, and Kiwibank all offer self-imposed gambling blocks on debit cards that restrict transactions to gambling merchants. These work alongside POLi to help control spending at the source.
If you prefer regulated protections, TAB NZ operates the Bet Stop self-exclusion programme for licensed New Zealand sports betting.
The operators compared on this page hold offshore licences and are not authorised by New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs. Since 28 June 2025, only TAB NZ and Betcha can legally accept sports or racing bets from persons located in New Zealand under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (as amended). For the legal New Zealand option, visit tab.co.nz or betcha.co.nz.
- Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7, free) – gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Te Whatu Ora gambling harm resources – gambling.govt.nz
- Salvation Army Oasis – oasis.salvationarmy.org.nz
- Responsible gambling guide – topendsports.com/en-nz/responsible-gambling/
Betting should be entertainment. If it stops being fun, help is always available.
Sports betting is for adults aged 18 and over only. Casino products are for adults aged 20 and over only.
POLi Betting in New Zealand FAQ
Is POLi safe to use in New Zealand in 2026?
For customers at ASB, Westpac, ANZ, and BNZ, yes. POLi now operates through bank-endorsed open banking APIs at these 4 banks. Your login credentials are never shared with POLi, and your bank’s online banking fraud guarantee remains intact. Kiwibank customers should exercise caution. Kiwibank’s open banking API is expected mid-2026, and until then POLi still uses the legacy screen-scraping flow with the historical fraud guarantee invalidation risk.
Which NZ banks support POLi for online deposits?
POLi supports deposits from ASB, Westpac, ANZ, BNZ, Kiwibank, The Co-operative Bank, TSB, and SBS Bank. ASB and Westpac have fully completed the open banking transition. ANZ and BNZ began transitioning in late 2025. Kiwibank and smaller banks remain on the older system. Check our Bank-by-Bank POLi Safety Status table above for current details on each provider.
What is the minimum POLi deposit at an NZ betting site?
Minimum POLi deposits at the offshore bookmakers on this page typically range from $1 to $5 NZD. The exact amount depends on the operator. POLi itself does not impose a minimum, but each bookmaker sets its own threshold at the cashier. This makes POLi 1 of the lowest-entry deposit methods available to Kiwi bettors.
Can I withdraw winnings via POLi?
No. POLi is a deposit-only payment service with no withdrawal function. To cash out winnings, you will need an alternative method. The most common options for NZ users at offshore operators are bank transfer (1 to 5 business days), debit card (3 to 7 business days), or e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller (up to 24 hours).
Is POLi legal for gambling deposits in New Zealand?
POLi is a legitimate, bank-endorsed payment service in New Zealand. Using POLi for any lawful transaction is fully legal. The legal question relates to the operators, not the payment method. Under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (amended 28 June 2025), TAB NZ and Betcha are the only licensed sports betting operators for NZ residents.
Are these POLi betting sites licensed in New Zealand?
No. All 5 bookmakers on this page are licensed offshore (Curacao or Anjouan) and do not hold a New Zealand sports betting licence. Under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (amended 28 June 2025), TAB NZ and Betcha are the only legal sports betting operators in New Zealand. Betting with offshore operators places NZ residents outside the consumer protections of New Zealand gambling law.
What is the difference between open-banking POLi and the older POLi system?
The older POLi system used screen-scraping technology that captured your online banking credentials through an interface designed to resemble your bank’s login page. NZ banks warned against this, and some invalidated fraud guarantees for customers who used it. Open-banking POLi redirects you to your bank’s own secure authentication environment. Your credentials are never shared with POLi, and your fraud guarantee remains intact.
What should Kiwibank customers know about POLi in 2026?
Kiwibank has not yet completed its open banking transition with POLi. The API launch is expected mid-2026. Until then, POLi payments from Kiwibank accounts use the legacy screen-scraping system. Historically, Kiwibank stated this invalidated the online banking fraud guarantee. Kiwibank customers should verify the current policy with their bank or consider using an alternative deposit method until the transition is complete.
