Wisconsin could soon join the growing list of states allowing online sports betting under a new proposal introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators. Representative Kalan Haywood(D-Milwaukee) and several co-sponsors unveiled bill LRB-4723/1, which would authorize online sports wagering through the state’s federally recognized tribes.
“This legislation is an important step to bring Wisconsin in alignment with the majority of the country in regards to sports wagering,” said Haywood. “For too long, illegal, offshore entities have profited from consumers through unregulated sports wagering, without generating revenue for local economies. By regulating this multi-billion-dollar industry, we can provide a safer mobile wagering experience for Wisconsin consumers and generate much needed revenue to invest into our communities.”
The proposal marks the state’s most significant attempt yet to modernize its gaming laws. Wisconsin is one of just two U.S. states—alongside New Mexico—where tribal casinos offer sports betting without formal statewide legislation.
Framework Mirrors Florida’s Tribal Gaming Model
Under current Wisconsin law, placing a sports wager is technically a Class B misdemeanor, though tribal casinos can operate retail sportsbooks under existing gaming compacts. The new bill seeks to amend those agreements to include online betting while keeping regulatory control within tribal jurisdictions.
If enacted, the measure would exclude certain sports wagers from the legal definition of a “bet,” enabling tribes to host sportsbook servers on tribal land while allowing users to place wagers anywhere in the state. This structure mirrors Florida’s Hard Rock Bet model, where the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive rights to operate online sports betting under a state-approved compact.
The Wisconsin proposal would require approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal gaming compacts nationwide. Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. Tyler August and Senators Howard Marklein and Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, all of whom have framed the measure as a revenue-generating and consumer-protection effort.
Economic Potential and Legal Context
Supporters of the bill argue that regulating online sports betting could bring in millions in new state and tribal revenues while providing safer betting options for residents. Wisconsin collected $66 million in shared gaming revenue in 2024, largely from existing casino operations and in-person sports wagering.
The bill’s introduction follows mounting calls for regulation amid the rise of unlicensed betting platforms and prediction markets. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Policy Forum released a report urging lawmakers to evaluate the state’s position in the rapidly expanding national sports betting landscape.
Meanwhile, tribal leaders have become increasingly active in defending their gaming rights. In August, Ho-Chunk Nation filed a lawsuit against the federally regulated prediction market operator Kalshi, claiming the company was conducting illegal sports betting on tribal lands.
If approved, Wisconsin’s tribal online betting plan could mark a pivotal shift in how the state manages gaming while keeping regulatory oversight aligned with its long-standing tribal partnerships.
Source:
“Rep Haywood: Co-authors legislation to regulate sports wagering”, wispolitics.com, October 17, 2025
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