Wisconsin Sports Betting

Like Idaho, Wisconsin has specific constitutional language outlawing sports betting, which makes any progress very difficult.

Politicians have expressed openness to the concept of sports betting in Wisconsin, but acknowledge there are many hurdles that probably means it is years away from reality. As the passage below indicates, Wisconsin sports betting proponents shouldn’t hold their breath, as much as fans of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Badgers would love the opportunity to wager on their home-state favorites.

From this Wisconsin State Journal article in 2019:

“It would first need to be approved by the Assembly and Senate in two consecutive sessions and would then need to be approved in a statewide referendum in order to change the state’s constitution.

But if that were approved it would likely mean that the state’s 11 tribal nations that operate 26 casinos around the state would likely push to renegotiate their compacts with the state to allow them to offer sports gambling, something now prohibited under the existing compacts.”

Is sports betting legal in Wisconsin?

No and many steps would need to happen before it can be considered. Amending the state constitution will be the first phase, assuming there is political will to tackle that step.

Where can I bet at Wisconsin sportsbooks?

Sorry, nowhere for now. The list of native casinos below contains those land-based shops which may be in the mix at some future point.

What about mobile sports betting apps in Wisconsin?

Ditto above.

The legal betting age for horse racing, lotteries and charity events is 18. Native casinos allow patrons who are 21 or older.

Who is allowed to offer Wisconsin sports betting?

No casinos or tracks or online operators are permitted to offer sports betting in Wisconsin.

Who regulates or licenses Wisconsin sports betting?

There is an Office of Charitable Gaming as well as an Office of Indian Gaming and Regulatory Compliance. Presumably a new commission or agency would need to be created if state-wide sports betting in Wisconsin is ever considered.

What sports will be favorites of Wisconsin sports bettors?

Wisconsin is home to three professional sports franchises, several of which are popular nationally and would attract large handle of sports betting. And the state is also home to one of the most successful college programs as well.

The Green Bay Packers are a national force in NFL fandom and NFL wagering. And the city of Milwaukee offers up MLB action with the Brewers and NBA betting opportunities with the powerful Milwaukee Bucks.

The college scene is dominated the Wisconsin Badgers, regular contenders in both college football and college basketball in the powerful Big Ten Conference. The state also boasts three competitive Div. 1 college basketball programs in the Marquette Golden Eagles in the Big East, the Green Bay Phoenix and Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers both of the Horizon League.