Sports Betting in Wisconsin: Legal Status, Current Options, and Future Outlook
Legal Status of Sports Betting in Wisconsin
As of 2025, sports betting in Wisconsin is legal but limited in scope. The state has not passed any comprehensive legislation to legalize online sports betting statewide. Instead, Wisconsin has taken a unique approach by allowing tribal casinos to offer in-person and, in some cases, on-reservation mobile sports wagering through amendments to existing tribal gaming compacts.
The first major step came in 2021, when Governor Tony Evers signed a deal with the Oneida Nation to permit sports betting at their gaming facilities. This marked the beginning of legalized sports betting in the state, although only in a restricted format tied to tribal lands.
Where Can You Bet on Sports in Wisconsin?
Currently, only a few tribal casinos offer regulated sports betting. These include:
- Oneida Casino in Green Bay – The first in the state to launch legal sports betting, offering both retail sportsbook counters and kiosks.
- St. Croix Casinos (Turtle Lake, Danbury, and Hertel) – Operated by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians, these casinos also offer in-person betting.
- Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee – This casino launched its sportsbook in 2023 and is the largest casino in the state to offer such services.
Notably, online sports betting is only permitted while physically on tribal land where mobile apps connected to tribal sportsbooks are accessible. Bettors located outside of these territories cannot legally place online wagers.
Betting Options Available
Wisconsin’s tribal sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games
- College sports (excluding certain in-state college events)
- Futures, moneylines, point spreads, totals (over/under), and prop bets
While the selection is comparable to national standards, the restriction to tribal land reduces convenience for most residents.
Taxation and Economic Impact
Since tribal sports betting operations are governed by sovereign compacts, the revenue-sharing model with the state varies by agreement. The full economic impact is still being assessed, but early figures suggest that tribal sportsbooks have generated modest yet consistent income, primarily from in-person traffic.
Unlike states with fully legalized online betting, Wisconsin does not collect tax from commercial sportsbooks, as they are not allowed. This limits the potential state revenue when compared to neighboring states like Iowa or Illinois.
Public Opinion and Legislative Outlook
Public sentiment in Wisconsin appears to favor the expansion of sports betting. Polls and media coverage suggest that residents would support a broader, statewide mobile betting framework.
However, legislative progress has been slow. Lawmakers have not yet advanced any significant bills to create a commercial sports betting industry. The presence of strong tribal gaming interests and the state’s conservative approach to gambling complicate negotiations for expansion.
There is cautious optimism that Wisconsin may eventually move toward a more inclusive regulatory model, especially as pressure mounts from neighboring states and the potential for tax revenue grows.
Comparison to Neighboring States
Wisconsin is lagging behind several of its neighbors:
- Iowa and Illinois allow statewide mobile sports betting and generate substantial tax revenue.
- Minnesota is still debating legalization but may move forward soon.
- Michigan has one of the most robust online and retail sports betting markets in the Midwest.
This regional contrast could incentivize Wisconsin lawmakers to reconsider their position, especially to prevent the outflow of betting dollars to nearby states.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Wisconsin is legal but restricted to tribal casinos and on-reservation mobile access. While this has created a foothold for the industry, the lack of statewide online betting limits its growth potential. With growing public support and regional competition, the future may see a shift toward full legalization. Until then, Wisconsin bettors will have to travel to tribal casinos for legal wagering opportunities.
