Wisconsin Sports Betting Updates

Wisconsin Legal Sports Betting Overview

Wisconsin Sports Betting Summary

Sports betting is not legal statewide in Wisconsin, but retail and online sports wagering is permitted on some WI tribal land. Online horse racing betting is available and you can also play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games for the major leagues.

Historically there was no sports betting available in the Badger State, but 2021 saw tribal gaming operators start renegotiating gaming compacts with Wisconsin to try and legalize the activity. Wisconsin has 11 recognized gaming tribes, and the first to announce a renegotiated compact was the Oneida Nation.

On July 1, 2021, Governor Tony Evers and Oneida Tribe Chairman Tehassi Hill signed a compact amendment allowing the Oneida Nation to offer retail sports betting at the Oneida Main-Airport Casino in Green Bay. The Department of the Interior approved these amendments, and the Oneida Casino Sportsbook opened for business on November 30, 2021. The tribe launched their own sportsbook mobile app in 2022 but use is restricted to wagering on Oneida tribal land, and no legislation to legalize statewide sports betting has gained any momentum.

Following the Oneida tribe’s example, the St Croix Chippewa Indians and the Potawatomi Nation have renegotiated gaming compacts which have been signed off by Gov. Evers and approved by the Department of the Interior. The St Croix Chippewa Indians opened retail sportsbooks in Turtle Lake and Danbury in April 2022, while the Potawatomi Nation hopes to open its retail sportsbook in fall 2022.

Read our complete guide to the latest sports betting legislation in Wisconsin, discover how to bet legally, and learn about the best WI teams for wagering.

Wisconsin Online Sportsbook Summary

Although Wisconsin has joined the list of legal betting states, there is limited online sports betting across the state. Currently, you can only use the Oneida sportsbook app at the Oneida Main-Airport Casino Sportsbook, other Oneida casinos, and partnered locations. This online sports betting is permitted thanks to amendments to the gaming compact between the Oneida Nation and the State of Wisconsin. WI lawmakers have not legalized online sports betting other than that offered by tribes, so there is no statewide online sports betting.

There is potential scope for third-party sportsbook brands to operate on tribal land. Tribes may accept these partnerships to bring in the experience and outreach major wagering brands offer. For example, in neighboring Michigan, there are dozens of casinos operated by tribes in partnerships with sportsbook brands like WynnBET, DraftKings, and FOX Bet.

However, statewide online sports betting is unlikely to come to Wisconsin soon. Gambling exclusivity is given to the tribes in the Wisconsin constitution, and allowing wagering on non-tribal land would breach this agreement.

If you want to place online sports wagers with brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet, you can travel to neighboring Iowa, Illinois, or Michigan. Within Wisconsin, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games for the major leagues. Online horse racing betting is also available with brands like TwinSpires.

How to Place a Bet in Wisconsin

The only way to make a sports bet online in Wisconsin is by using the Oneida sportsbook app on Oneida Nation land.

Follow our simple step-by-step guide below to place your first online wager:

1. Research your wagers before visiting a sportsbook. The more informed your bets are, the more likely you are to win.

2. Download the Oneida sportsbook app on your Apple or Android device.

3. Join the Oneida Players Club loyalty program to access giveaways, food, drink, and hotel discounts. You can sign up for the Players Club at the Oneida Main-Airport Casino, W. Mason Casino, and IMAC locations in Green Bay.

4. Visit the sportsbook cashier at Oneida Main-Airport Casino with a valid photo ID to activate your sportsbook app account.

5. Deposit money into your account at the Oneida retail sportsbook or by using Oneida casino cage cashiers.

6. Allow geolocation services on your betting app, and visit an Oneida Nation location to use it legally. Choose a betting market, add it to your bet slip, and place the wager.

7. Visit a casino cage cashier or the Oneida Main-Airport Casino Sportsbook to withdraw any winnings.

Who is Eligible to Bet in WI?

You can bet in Wisconsin if you are at least 21 years old. You must bring a valid photo ID to verify your age when visiting a retail sportsbook.

However, anyone on the following list is prohibited from wagering:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports team.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NBA, NCAA).

• Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities via a self-exclusion program.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Wisconsin Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Wisconsin

• April 16, 2022: The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin open a sportsbook at the St. Croix Casino Danbury.

• April 15, 2022: The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin open a sportsbook at the St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake.

• February 23, 2022: Gov. Evers and the Potawatomi Tribe agree to a gaming compact amendment to permit retail sports betting.

• February 22, 2022: The Oneida Nation launches its mobile app, which you can use at licensed Oneida locations throughout the state.

• December 22, 2021: Gov. Evers and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin agree to a gaming compact amendment to permit retail sports betting.

• November 30, 2021: The Oneida Nation launches the first retail sportsbook at the Oneida Main-Airport Casino.

• September 12, 2021: Representative Tyler Vorpagel indicates that due to the requirement for a constitutional change to legalize statewide sports betting, it’s more likely change will come through alterations to gaming compacts like those agreed with the Oneida Nation rather than through the state legislature.

• July 1, 2021: Gov. Evers signs an amendment to the gaming compact with the Oneida Nation to allow the tribe to launch sports betting.

• September 6, 2019: Rep. Vorpagel indicates he intends to start conversations with legislators about legalizing sports betting in Wisconsin.

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This gives each state the power to legalize sports betting.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Background

The legalization of limited sports betting in Wisconsin came unexpectedly, as there had been no previous attempts to pass a sports betting bill through the House or Senate. There didn’t seem to be a strong desire to legalize sports wagering from lawmakers. Still, in July 2021, Gov. Evers amended the gaming compacts with the Oneida Tribe to allow its casino to offer retail and online sports betting. Two other tribes, the St Croix Chippewa Indians and the Potawatomi Nation have since renegotiated gaming pacts to provide sports betting.

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing was legalized in 1987, while Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are also available in WI.

Future of Wisconsin Sports Betting

Wisconsin has 11 recognized gaming tribes, and as of August 2022, the state has agreed to amendments to gaming compacts with three. One of these three, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, hasn’t yet launched a sportsbook at its casino, the Bad River Lodge and Casino. The sportsbook is expected to launch in fall 2022.

It’s expected that further amendments to offer sports betting will be agreed upon with the remaining tribes. This could see more retail sportsbooks launching in the future. These tribes could partner with well-known US sportsbook brands to open retail sportsbooks, but no betting operator has declared public interest in this option.

However, no changes to Wisconsin’s statewide sports betting regulations are expected in the short term, so it’s unlikely online sports betting will come to the whole of WI anytime soon.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Locations

There are 23 casinos in Wisconsin all operated by tribes. However, retail sports betting is only available in three casinos at the moment:

Oneida Casino Main-Airport

Address: 2020 Airport Drive, Green Bay, WI 54313
Website: https://oneidacasino.net/locations/main-airport/
Phone Number: (800) 238-4263

Oneida Casino is the official casino of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and opened the first sportsbook to accept bets in Wisconsin on November 30, 2021. You can bet on all the major leagues in the US, college or amateur sports games excluding teams from Wisconsin, the drafts for any of the major leagues, and international events like the Olympics.

The first wager in the state was placed by Alma Webster, known as an ‘Oneida Bingo Queen’ for launching a bingo operation in 1976. Webster backed the New Orleans Saints to beat the Dallas Cowboys.

The sportsbook has multiple widescreen TVs, couch seating, full bar service, and a VIP area that can be reserved for up to 10 people.

The Book at St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

Address: 777 US-8, Turtle Lake, WI 54889
Website: http://www.stcroix-casinos.com/
Phone Number: (800) 846-8946

The second retail casino to open in the state, The Book at Turtle Lake, opened on April 15, 2022. The most popular markets available here include major league sports, the Indy 500, and PGA golf tournaments.

You can wager on NCAA college sports, or niche markets like NASCAR and MMA. There are 12 widescreen TVs you can use to follow the latest action. The sportsbook also serves a variety of food and drinks. While visiting the casino, you can visit the Me-Ki-Noc restaurant or enjoy its entertainment events.

The Red Zone at St. Croix Casino Danbury

Address: 30222 WI-35 #77, Danbury, WI 54830
Website: https://www.stcroix-casinos.com/hotels/danbury
Phone Number: (800) 238-8946

The St. Croix Casino in Danbury opened The Red Zone on April 16, 2022. The Red Zone includes four betting kiosks and seven widescreen TVs displaying the latest sports. You can wager on major league sports, with special events for niche sports like UFC. The sportsbook has a full-service bar and you can order food until 11pm.

Wisconsin Lottery Locations

The Wisconsin Lottery was launched in 1988 and is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. You can buy lottery tickets from more than 3,500 locations, but there is no online lottery in WI. No sports betting legislation is active in WI, so sports betting kiosks won’t come to lottery locations soon.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Retail sportsbooks are only permitted at tribal casinos, so there are no betting locations at stadiums or sports venues in Wisconsin. Lawmakers legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horses and dogs in 1987, and the Department of Administration Gaming Division oversees horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in the Badger State.

There are no permanently open race tracks in WI, but races are held occasionally throughout the year at state fairs. There is only one off-track betting (OTB) facility in the state.

Wisconsin Responsible Gambling Resources

• Wisconsin National Council for Problem Gambling – Provides links to problem gambling support available across Wisconsin. A helpline is available, as well as 24/7 live chat. (800) 522-4700

• Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling – Offers education on problem gambling awareness and other helpful resources. It has a support program for problem gamblers and their families. (850) 888-4673

• Wisconsin Gamblers Anonymous – Holds meetings statewide where problem gamblers can provide support to each other and share experiences. The organization also offers treatment programs. (617) 567-3900

All sportsbooks in the state operate under tribal authorities, so there is no state-wide self-exclusion program. However, you can exclude yourself from the casinos that host sportsbooks individually. These casinos operate other responsible gambling measures like training staff to deal with problem gambling.

Teams to Bet on in Wisconsin

• Pro Sports

Green Bay Packers: The Green Bay Packers are the third oldest franchise in the NFL and have won four Super Bowls and 11 NFL Championships - which came prior to the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. The Packers are the only non-profit, community-owned club in American major league sports. Packers fans have been fortunate to watch some of the greatest quarterbacks ever, with Bart Starr, Bret Favre, and Aaron Rodgers winning championships in the Super Bowl era. Green Bay has by far the smallest local population for any major league sports team. The team plays home games at the 81,000-capacity Lambeau Stadium, the oldest continually-operating NFL stadium.

Milwaukee Bucks: The Milwaukee Bucks compete in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Central Division. They have won two NBA championships 50 years apart, in 1971 and 2021. Iconic superstars led both championship-winning outfits; the 1971 team was spearheaded by Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The 2021 team was led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the best players in the current NBA. Both players have won regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.

Milwaukee Brewers: The MLB’s Brewers have played in Milwaukee since 1970 and in the National League Central since 1998. The Brewers have had limited success with their sole World Series appearance in 1982. They are one of only six MLB franchises that have never won a World Series. Milwaukee is the smallest market size of any MLB city, but the Brewers ranked 10th out of 30 franchises for average attendance from 2017 to 2022.

• College Sports

Green Bay Phoenix: The Phoenix has 15 varsity teams representing the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in the Horizon League. The Phoenix are best known for their women’s basketball team that has made 18 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2011.

Marquette Golden Eagles: Marquette University’s Golden Eagles compete in the Big East Conference. The Golden Eagles are known for having one of the most-successful basketball programs in the country, playing in the NCAA Tournament 34 times, and winning the National Championship in 1977. Alums include three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star Dwyane Wade.

Milwaukee Panthers: The Panthers represent the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Horizon League. The Panthers boast the only Division I college baseball team in the state and have appeared in the postseason four times.

Wisconsin Badgers: The University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers have 23 varsity teams competing in the Big Ten Conference. The Badgers are one of the most-successful college programs in the US, winning 31 National Championships. The Badgers football teams play home games at Camp Randall Stadium, which is the 41st largest stadium in the world with a capacity of 80,321. The football team plays in the Football Bowl Subdivision and last won the Conference title in 2012.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s sports teams in Wisconsin. However, natives of the Badger State love basketball, and WI has produced NCAA Division I teams such as the Marquette Golden Eagles, who appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2021. The Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team has been incredibly successful, winning the NCAA Tournament six times since 2006.

How Does Wisconsin Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

The sportsbooks in Wisconsin provide coverage of major leagues like the NFL and NBA, as well as niche sports such as MMA. For example, The Red Zone at St. Croix Casino Danbury organizes wagers and events for UFC fight nights.

Oneida Sportsbook uses IGT to provide its odds and markets – these same odds are available worldwide, so you’ll find an excellent variety, even in international sports such as soccer. As a part of the gaming compacts, sportsbooks can offer college betting, but not on in-state teams.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

The betting odds for the Chippewa Tribe casinos are provided by the tribe but are still pretty competitive with other industry sportsbooks. However, the Oneida Nation uses IGT for all its odds. IGT provides odds for sportsbooks across the world and offers competitive betting lines on major league sports. In particular, its European soccer markets are very generous.

• Gambling Revenue

The gaming compacts between the tribal casinos and the State of Wisconsin include details of payments that tribes must contribute to the state. However, these figures are confidential.

Colorado and Wisconsin have a similar population of just under 6m people, and both states support major league sports teams, so they make for a good comparison. Colorado taxes sportsbook revenue at 10%. As of June 2022, Colorado has handled $7,618,973,689 in sports bets, with sportsbook taking revenue of $464,871,025. The state has collected $20,9000,544 in taxes. Wisconsin could be missing out on a similar figure by not allowing commercial sportsbooks to launch.

• Betting Taxes

All sports betting winnings are taxed in the US, including those in Wisconsin. You need to declare all winnings to the IRS and fill out a W-2G form if you win more than $600. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. Along with including sports betting in your IRS taxes, you need to include them in your state income tax. Wisconsin has a flat tax rate of 5%.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Wisconsin?

There is no overarching sports betting regulator in Wisconsin. Instead, tribal authorities regulate sportsbooks in line with the gaming compacts.

The terms of each gaming compact are agreed upon by both the tribe and Wisconsin lawmakers and are then signed by the Governor. Tribes implement testing measures to ensure odds are fair and that sportsbooks are safe.