Wisconsin Bill Could Legalize Online Sports Betting Statewide

Under the proposal, Wisconsin’s tribal nations—including the Oneida and Menominee tribes—would have the authority to manage statewide online sports gambling. Currently, residents can only place bets in person at casinos.

“This is about allowing Wisconsin’s tribes to offer something that people across the country already enjoy,” said Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D–Appleton), a co-sponsor of the bill. “Most people already have access to this form of entertainment—it’s just about updating the law.”

What the Wisconsin Sports Gambling Bill Would Do

The bill would not automatically open the door for commercial betting companies such as FanDuel or DraftKings. However, tribal operators could choose to partner with these brands to manage their online platforms, Dassler-Alfheim explained.

“Wisconsin already embraces gambling,” she said. “We have Powerball, scratch-off tickets, and packed casinos statewide. This bill simply modernizes access so that people can place bets online, just like in most other states.”

According to early estimates, Wisconsin’s annual gaming tax revenue could rise by 10–20%, bringing in an additional $6–12 million each year on top of the state’s current $60 million in gaming revenue.

“It’s great for schools, roads, and the local economy,” Dassler-Alfheim added. “Let’s keep those dollars here in Wisconsin.”

Potential Drawbacks and Concerns

While two-thirds of U.S. states now allow legal online sports betting, Wisconsin residents still must travel to neighboring Michigan, Illinois, or Iowa to bet online or visit a casino in person.

However, experts warn that greater access could increase gambling addiction rates.

“When gambling becomes easier to access, more people try it—and some of them will develop problems,” said Rose Blozinski, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling.

Others point out that many Wisconsinites already use VPNs or illegal websites to place bets.

“People who really want to gamble already find ways to do it,” said Dr. Michael Mirer, Assistant Professor of Communications at UW–Milwaukee. “Legalizing it might just expose more people to risk, so we’ll need safeguards.”

Impact on Athletes and Integrity of Sports

Legal online betting also raises questions about the integrity of professional sports. In recent months, NBA player Terry Rozier was arrested for alleged involvement in sports gambling. Since 2018, over a dozen pro athletes across major leagues have been linked to betting scandals, leading to several suspensions.

“It opens the door to potential corruption,” Mirer said. “Most athletes don’t want to compromise their sport, but gambling can spiral fast.”

Still, Dassler-Alfheim argues that legal online betting in Wisconsin could make it easier to monitor and regulate suspicious activity rather than pushing it underground.

Tribal Review and Next Steps

The Oneida Nation, which currently operates a retail sportsbook in Green Bay, released a statement saying it is still reviewing the legislation. “While it may seem like a good bill to support, we are obligated to carefully analyze all the potential impacts,” said Bobbi Webster, public relations director for the Oneida Nation. “That analysis will take some time.”

If approved, Wisconsin would join the growing number of states offering regulated online sports gambling, potentially transforming how residents place their bets and how much revenue stays within the state.