MELBET New Zealand Review 2026: Is MELBET legit or a scam?

MELBET was founded in 2012 in the UK, but was disolved there in 2014.  The MELBET brand then took hold in Eastern Europe, Russia and Africa, as based in the offshore jurisdiction of Curacao. As you can tell by comparing the look of the website, MELBET uses the exact same platform as scam betting brand, 1XBET.  Although MELBET is just one of many shady brands connected to 1XBET, it has been granted a sort of preferred status by their parent company in that it has been promoted within international English language broadcasts of various European soccer leagues, including the Italian Serie A among others.  MELBET does not serve Italy, but their brand is digitally overlaid onto the pitchside boards.  So people across New Zealand get exposed to this shady operator, but it is never seen within the actual stadium. How bad is MELBET? We'll get into it below, but know that your legal betting options in NZ are now TAB and Betcha only after 2025 law changes.

MELBET doesn't even offer NRL, Super Rugby, AFL, NBA or NFL betting

If you're enticed by MELBET's soccer match advertisements and decide to sign up, deposit your funds, and place bets on leagues like Serie A, LaLiga, or the Premier League, you might find the experience satisfying. However, if you're looking to wager on leagues significant to New Zealand or North America, you'll be out of luck. During our review in March 2024, MELBET didn't even have "American Football" listed as a sport category in their A-Z navigation. They also didn't offer NBA under basketball, NHL under Ice Hockey, or cover prominent rugby leagues like Super Rugby, NRL, or AFL. If you're disappointed by this lack of coverage, but have already deposited, good luck trying to withdraw your funds — they're likely to be lost.

MELBET betting platform from your computer

MELBET's desktop site, akin to 1XBET, suffers from sluggish performance, burdening your computer unnecessarily. The abundance of markets or betting options adds to the complexity. The site often loads in fragments, leading to unintended clicks as elements shift around on the screen. This makes navigation challenging and frustrating, particularly with excessive "mouse-over" features that spawn lists or menus. Overall, it's a subpar experience whether you're using a laptop or desktop computer.

MELBET bonus offer for New Zealand

MELBET claims to offer a $164 NZD new customer deal. However, considering the negative experiences reported about MELBET and its affiliated brands, it's doubtful that such an "offer" would provide much, if any, value. If you're seeking a new customer promotion, it's advisable to explore alternatives that offer more reliable and trustworthy services. Read about New Zealand betting offers.

Does MELBET offer NZD accounts?

Yes, MELBET shares similarities with 1XBET in this aspect as well. If you examine their lists of supported account currencies, you'll find that they are exactly the same. This resemblance is not a positive sign; rather, it indicates that MELBET is essentially a variation of the dubious site that is 1XBET. Offering a wide range of currencies is a strategy aimed at attracting customers who wish to avoid foreign exchange fees. However, withdrawing substantial amounts from MELBET is likely to be challenging, if not impossible.

What are the MELBET payment methods for New Zealand?

If you've already seen the payment methods screen at 1XBET, you will recognise a very similar looking page at MELBET, its related brand.  MELBET supports fewer methods that are good for Kiwi players, pretty much just Skrill and Payz would be of use, or perhaps any of the various cryptocurrencies for payments toward an NZD account.  PayPal, credit and debit cards are not supported at MELBET from New Zeland.

Does MELBET support cryptocurrency payments from New Zealand?

While your betting account at MELBET would still be denominated in fiat currency like NZD, the platform does accept deposits and facilitate withdrawals using various cryptocurrencies, which are then exchanged against the value of your balance. However, it's important to note that this process is always geared towards the long-term profitability of the platform. If you happen to secure significant winnings, whether through sports betting or casino games, MELBET is notorious for finding ways to confiscate your balance. They have strict policies against large net winners and often delay or deny withdrawals for those who consistently win. MELBET tends to accommodate customers who lose more than they win, as they expect these individuals to return and continue losing. Overall, MELBET does not tolerate winners and prioritizes its own profitability over fair and transparent dealings with its customers.

MELBET New Zealand esports betting

MELBET places significant emphasis on esports betting, leveraging the same data sources as 1XBET in this domain. While you won't find any odds data for popular leagues like the NFL, NBA, or NHL on their site, esports enthusiasts might mistakenly believe that MELBET offers extensive coverage in this area. However, this perception can lead to disappointment, as MELBET's overall operation is far from satisfactory, given their propensity for funds confiscation.  If you actually win more than you lost, it's certainly best to avoid MELBET for esports betting and explore more reputable alternatives instead.

MELBET additional game types for New Zealand: casino

Besides sports betting, MELBET also offers bingo, slots, RNG and live dealer casino games. However, know that MELBET will never be counted among those providers that are top online casino sites for New Zealand, as they operate only from Curacao, and given their reputation outlined here. View actually reputable NZ online casinos here as we approach the launch of a new legal local market in 2026.

MELBET bottom line for New Zealanders: avoid this scam operator

Given the numerous unmistakable similarities between MELBET and the notorious scam betting site 1XBET, it's crucial to understand that in essence, MELBET is equivalent to 1XBET. Neither of these operators can be considered trustworthy for betting, casino gaming, or any other form of online gaming. Don't be swayed by the brand placements you encounter during Italian Serie A broadcasts; these placements are merely attempts by MELBET to target the "grey market" or the "black market". It's best to steer clear of them entirely. They are unlikely to pay out any significant winnings, and if they do, it's likely because you've already lost far more through your natural losses.