Introduction
The sports betting industry in the United States has expanded rapidly since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. While several states have legalized and launched sportsbooks, the situation in Wisconsin remains unique. This article provides an in-depth overview of the legal framework, available betting options, and considerations for those interested in sportsbooks in Wisconsin.
Legal Status of Sports Betting in Wisconsin
Sports betting in Wisconsin is not fully legalized at the statewide level through legislative action. Instead, it operates under agreements between the state and federally recognized Native American tribes. These agreements, known as compacts, allow specific tribal casinos to offer sports wagering on their premises. The first legal sports betting operation in Wisconsin began in November 2021 through the Oneida Nation.
Retail Sportsbooks in Wisconsin
Currently, sports betting in Wisconsin is available only at select tribal casino locations. Some of the most notable retail sportsbooks include:
- Oneida Casino (Green Bay) – The first in the state to offer legal sports betting, featuring a sportsbook lounge with betting kiosks.
- Potawatomi Hotel & Casino (Milwaukee) – Offers sports betting services alongside its gaming floor amenities.
- St. Croix Casinos (Turtle Lake and Danbury) – Operated by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, these venues provide in-person wagering.
Each of these locations operates under its own compact with the state and provides betting on a variety of sports, including professional and collegiate events, with certain restrictions.
Online and Mobile Sports Betting
At present, online and mobile sports betting is not available statewide in Wisconsin. Tribal casinos may offer mobile betting, but it is limited to on-site use through geofencing technology. This means that even if a casino has a mobile platform, wagers must be placed while physically located on tribal land. Statewide mobile wagering, which allows bets from anywhere within state borders, has not yet been approved by the legislature.
Betting Options and Markets
Wisconsin sportsbooks typically offer betting markets such as:
- Moneyline – Straight bets on which team or player will win.
- Point Spreads – Bets on the margin of victory.
- Totals (Over/Under) – Wagers on the combined points scored.
- Prop Bets – Specific outcomes within a game, such as player performance.
- Futures – Bets on long-term results like championships.
College sports betting is allowed, but depending on the compact terms, wagers on in-state college teams may have specific restrictions.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Sportsbooks in Wisconsin are required to follow responsible gambling guidelines set forth in their agreements and state regulations. These include:
- Offering self-exclusion programs.
- Providing access to problem gambling helplines.
- Implementing age verification to ensure bettors are at least 21 years old.
Future Outlook
The future of sports betting in Wisconsin may include broader legalization, potentially opening the market to commercial operators and statewide mobile betting. Legislative changes would be required to expand beyond tribal casino operations. This expansion could follow the model of other Midwestern states that have adopted competitive licensing frameworks.
Conclusion
Sportsbooks in Wisconsin currently operate exclusively through tribal casinos under state-tribal compacts. While retail sports betting is available at several locations, mobile and online wagering remains limited to on-site betting. Those interested in sports betting within the state must visit participating tribal casinos to place legal wagers. The market has room for growth, and potential legislative action could expand betting opportunities in the future.
