A piece of legislation that aims to authorize online sports wagering in Wisconsin through the state’s federally recognized tribes is being considered by state lawmakers.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Kalan Haywood, introduced LRB-4723/1, a measure that would authorize online sports betting in the Badger State. Currently, Wisconsin only authorizes retail wagering through gaming compacts with tribal casinos.
“This legislation is an important step to bring Wisconsin in alignment with the majority of the country in regards to sports wagering,” said Haywood. “For too long, illegal, offshore entities have profited from consumers through unregulated sports wagering, without generating revenue for local economies.”
In 2021, Oneida Casino in Green Bay became the first retail casino to offer sports betting. Oneida Casino leverages IGT’s services to power its retail sports wagering.
Wisconsin’s potential framework for online sports betting
Under current Wisconsin law, placing a bet is a Class B misdemeanor with sports wagering not explicitly included in the state’s laws but in gaming compacts with tribes. Wisconsin and New Mexico are the only U.S. markets with wagering but no explicit legislation.
LRB-4723/1 proposes excluding an event or sports wager from the definition of “bet”. The measure aims to only allow online sports betting using a mobile or electronic device if an operator’s server is physically located on a federally recognized American Indian tribe’s Indian lands. The wagering must be conducted under compacts between tribes and the state. The proposed gaming model mirrors Florida’s online sports betting market.
In the Sunshine State, Hard Rock Bet is the state’s exclusive online sports betting provider through a gaming compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The gaming compact allows the tribe to offer wagering statewide via its servers on tribal lands.
The group of lawmakers in Wisconsin is seeking to authorize online sports betting through tribal nations to thwart unlicensed operations and generate additional revenue.
“By regulating this multi-billion-dollar industry, we can provide a safer mobile wagering experience for Wisconsin consumers and generate much-needed revenue to invest into our communities,” continued Haywood.
LRB-4723/1 is also backed by Rep. Tyler August and Sen. Howard Marklein. It also needs the support of the Department of the Interior, which approves gaming compacts.
Haywood’s measure is projected to bring millions in additional revenue to Wisconsin.
