The Wisconsin Assembly has cleared a bill enabling the state’s Native American tribes to offer online sports betting, marking a significant step in expanding digital wagering while keeping tribal exclusivity intact. The legislation, AB 601, passed Thursday on a unanimous voice vote without floor debate, moving the proposal to the Senate for consideration.
Tribal-Run Mobile Wagering
Under the bill, Wisconsin’s 11 tribes would be authorised to operate mobile and electronic sports betting statewide, provided all bets are processed on tribal land. The measure allows tribes to partner with sportsbook operators and requires amendments to existing gaming compacts as well as approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Wagers under this framework would not be subject to state taxation.
Rep. Tyler August, the bill’s prime sponsor, acknowledged uncertainty about its prospects in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu noted that his caucus “haven’t spent a lot of time”on sports betting, though he admitted the policy “makes sense.” Since Thursday marked the Assembly’s final session day of the year, any Senate approval must occur without amendments. General business meeting days are scheduled through March, offering possible windows for action.
Regulatory Context and Governor’s Position
Wisconsin’s gambling regulations grant exclusive operational authority to federally recognised tribes. The state constitution requires that all legal gambling must be conducted on tribal land, which explains why commercial operators cannot offer online sports betting without a constitutional amendment. Governor Tony Evers has previously voiced support for tribal-exclusive digital wagering, and if AB 601 passes the Senate, it would advance to his desk.
The legislation expands the legal definition of a “bet” to include wagers placed on electronic devices, as long as processing occurs on tribal territory. Tribes already hold exclusivity for in-person sports betting under a 2021 compact amendment, and the online extension would build on that foundation.
Support and Opposition
Wisconsin tribes have partnered with sportsbook operators and secured backing from professional sports teams. However, the proposed model faces criticism from major operators represented by the Sports Betting Alliance, including Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. They argue that the revenue-sharing structure—sending 60 percent of earnings to tribes—is economically unviable and have called for reconsideration of the exclusivity arrangement.
Opponents also cite concerns over problem gambling and microbetting, while some Republican legislators advocate for commercial operator access. Expanding beyond tribal-only operations would require a statewide referendum to amend the constitution.
Comparison to Other States
Wisconsin’s tribal-focused approach differs sharply from Michigan and Illinois, where commercial and tribal operators both offer statewide online sports betting. In those states, multiple licensed sportsbooks generate significant tax revenue, producing robust industry growth without constitutional restrictions. Wisconsin’s model, by contrast, remains constrained by tribal exclusivity and the requirement that wagers be processed on tribal land, prioritising tribal sovereignty over a competitive market framework.
With AB 601 now in the Senate, stakeholders await the upper chamber’s decision, which will determine whether Wisconsin joins other states in embracing online sports betting while preserving its unique tribal governance structure.
Source:
“Assembly votes to legalize online sports betting in Wisconsin”, jsonline.com, February 19, 2026
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