Wisconsin Lawmakers Advance Bipartisan Bill To Legalize Online Sports Betting
Wisconsin lawmakers are reportedly advancing a bipartisan proposal to legalize online sports betting, including the ability for tribal casinos to operate mobile betting platforms from servers on tribal lands.
The bill, introduced as LRB-4723/1, is designed to expand the market beyond the current system of in-person tribal betting.
At present, sports betting in Wisconsin is limited to physical locations at tribal casinos under existing gaming compacts.
The proposed legislation would allow tribes to offer their own apps or platforms for statewide online betting - similar to Florida’s “hub-and-spoke” model, operated by the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet.
In that system, all bets are processed on tribal servers, a structure that has withstood legal challenges up to the US Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case.
Although the bill has not yet been formally introduced, it is expected to be filed later this month with growing bipartisan support.
Proponents argue that it would bring Wisconsin in line with the 31 other states that have legalized mobile sports wagering since the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Missouri is on track to go live as the 31st state on December 1, positioning Wisconsin to become the 32nd.
Economic Impact And Tribal Support
Wisconsin already has a strong sports betting market, generating a $3.7bn handle last year solely from in-person activity.
Expanding to online betting could increase engagement - especially for fans eager to bet on teams like the Green Bay Packers from their phones.
Nationally, regulated online gambling generated $2.85bn in tax revenues in 2024 and $2.1bn from January through August of 2025, highlighting the financial potential for Wisconsin’s tribes and local communities.
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Tribal leaders have expressed strong support for the proposal.
The Forest County Potawatomi Community has described the bill as a vital opportunity to modernize operations and compete with offshore, unregulated betting sites.
Public sentiment appears to align with this position, as many residents favor the convenience of mobile betting in 2025, when so many daily activities are conducted digitally.
Regulation, Legal Challenges And Future Outlook
The bill also addresses growing concerns about prediction markets such as Kalshi, which some argue operate outside state laws while conducting nationwide business.
The Ho-Chunk Tribe filed a lawsuit against Kalshi in September, claiming that its activities enabled illegal wagering on tribal property and violated state and tribal agreements.
By adopting a regulated framework, Wisconsin could integrate such platforms into a lawful system, ensuring that revenue benefits the tribes and the state rather than offshore operators.
If passed, the bill would require updated gaming compacts to be approved by the US Department of the Interior.
Legislators have until the end of October to gather additional sponsors before proceeding.
Experts predict the measure could generate millions in new income, even though Wisconsin’s smaller population may lead to a modest overall handle compared to larger states.
This initiative is part of a broader national trend: since the repeal of PASPA, 38 states have legalized sports betting in some form, with sportsbooks and online casino games enjoying huge popualrity.
For Wisconsin - long celebrated as America’s Dairyland - the bill represents a balance of tradition and innovation, empowering tribal nations while offering significant financial and economic benefits for the entire state.
