Image: Bruno Cannatelli
New Zealand punters’ appetite for Australia’s major racing events continues to rise, with The Everest now comfortably overtaking the Cox Plate as the country’s second most-wagered-on race — although it still trails well behind the iconic Melbourne Cup.
Entain, which now operates under a legislated monopoly in New Zealand, reported a record $13.6 million in Melbourne Cup turnover for 2025, boosted by more than 20,000 additional active customers compared to the previous year.
The surge in Cup betting also provided a significant uplift for the local Ellerslie meeting run on the same day, which exceeded $5 million in turnover — a remarkable 37% increase on 2024 figures.
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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