Wisconsin is set to join 32 other states and Washington D.C. in permitting online sports betting statewide, following the signing of Assembly Bill 601 by Governor Tony Evers on Thursday.
This new legislation enables the state's tribal nations to provide online sports betting services. Residents aged 21 and over, from Kenosha to Superior, will have access to a wagering app linked to a gaming server operated by one of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin.
Governor Evers took a week to contemplate the bill before making his decision, having previously voiced concerns regarding the unity and fairness among tribal nations. In a detailed statement, he emphasized that the bill could allow a wider array of Tribal Nations in Wisconsin to benefit from enhanced gaming revenues, stating, “Statewide mobile events or sports wagering could present an opportunity to help level the playing field to ensure every Tribal Nation in Wisconsin can benefit from the increased revenues. This is important.”
While the timeline for launching online wagering in Wisconsin is still uncertain, it will require tribes to renegotiate their gaming compacts with the state, which must also receive approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Online sports betting in Wisconsin has been in the works for over four years, but until now, bettors could only place bets at physical sportsbooks within tribal casinos.
The next challenge will be determining which apps will be available for sports betting in Wisconsin, a question complicated by federal regulations governing tribal gaming. According to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a tribe can conduct gaming on its land if an agreement is reached with state officials, but they must be the primary beneficiary, receiving at least 60% of the revenue generated.
This stipulation could deter major online betting platforms like DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel from collaborating with Wisconsin tribes, as sports betting typically does not yield the same revenue as traditional casino gaming.
These companies are also part of the Sports Betting Alliance, which previously expressed opposition to AB 601, arguing that the tribal gaming process would limit consumer choices.
In a statement to Gambling Insider, Forest County Potawatomi Community Chairman Brooks Boyd praised Evers’ signing of the bill as a significant advancement for both the state and its tribes. “This bipartisan legislation respects tribal sovereignty and keeps the economic benefits of mobile sports betting in Wisconsin,” he stated, expressing gratitude to Governor Evers and the legislature for their support in establishing a responsible regulatory framework for mobile sports betting.
The Wisconsin Senate passed AB 601 with bipartisan support on March 17, voting 21-12 in favor. Although legislative leaders from both parties backed the bill, Evers initially appeared cautious about its implications.
Last month, eight of the state’s eleven tribal nations sent a letter to the governor expressing their support for the bill.