Wisconsin Legalizes Online Sports Betting Through Tribal Gaming

Wisconsin became the latest state to legalize online sports betting. Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a bill into law on Thursday, April 6, 2023. The bill legalized online wagering through the state’s tribal gaming structure. Evers believed the bill will strengthen the state’s tribes and broader communities. Additionally, online sports betting will help fund critical services.

Tribes would be allowed to partner with major online sportsbook operators. But that comes with some major concerns from operators. During testimony on the bill, a lobbyist for companies like DraftKings and FanDuel argued that revenue sharing outlined in the bill meant they would be handing over 60% of revenue to tribes, which could hamper the ability of sportsbooks to operate in the state and seek licensing.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty has alleged that legislators can’t legally change gambling law. The state constitution makes most gambling illegal in the Badger State except on tribal lands. The bill now makes an exception by changing the legal definition of betting so that residents can wager online or via mobile app as long as servers processing the wagers are located on tribal lands.