Bipartisan bill seeks to legalize online sports betting in Wisconsin through tribal casinos

Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation that would legalize online sports betting through the state’s federally recognized tribal casinos, aiming to bring the state in line with much of the United States.

The proposal, known as LRB-4723/1, is led by Rep. Kalan Haywood and Sen. Howard Marklein, with support from Rep. Tyler August. It would establish a “Hub and Spoke” model, with tribal casinos serving as the “hub” for online betting operations.

“This legislation is an important step to bring Wisconsin in alignment with the majority of the country in regards to sports wagering,” Haywood said. “For too long, illegal, offshore entities have profited from consumers through unregulated sports wagering, without generating revenue for local economies.”

Under the bill, online sports wagering would be permitted only if the operator’s servers are located on tribal lands and the betting is conducted under existing state-tribal gaming compacts.

The proposed framework mirrors Florida’s model, where the Seminole Tribe operates the Hard Rock Bet platform as the state’s exclusive online wagering provider through a gaming compact.

Wisconsin currently allows in-person sports betting only at tribal casinos, following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that lifted the federal ban. The state is one of only two, alongside New Mexico, that permits wagering through tribal agreements without explicit legislation.

“The state is missing out on tax revenue that can be used for important things like health care and schools,” Marklein said, as reported by Channel3000. “And the other thing is, this certainly will help some of our tribes in Wisconsin."

Lawmakers say the proposal would help capture revenue lost to illegal or offshore betting markets while generating funds for local programs and tribal communities.

Haywood added: “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.”

The measure would require passage by the state legislature, renegotiation of compacts with tribal nations, and final approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior before taking effect.

Wisconsin’s Oneida Casino in Green Bay, which launched retail sports betting in 2021 using IGT’s technology, is currently the state’s only authorized operator.

If enacted, the bill is expected to generate millions in additional revenue for the state.