Wisconsin is considering a bill to allow online sports betting, but the proposal is sparking debate between tribal governments, major gambling companies, and voters. The legislation would permit residents to place bets through mobile devices or computers if the server hosting the wager is physically located on federally recognized tribal lands. Currently, sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos in the state.
If passed, tribes interested in offering online betting would need to renegotiate gaming compacts with the state, which would then require federal approval, according to Senator Howard L. Marklein, R-Spring Green. The bill recently cleared the state Assembly on a voice vote without debate, but its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
Tribal Support And Revenue Arguments
Several Wisconsin tribes, including the Forest County Potawatomi and the Ho-Chunk Nation, back the bill. During the State of the Tribes Address, Nicole Boyd, Chair of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, said Wisconsin residents spend “hundreds of millions of dollars” on illegal and unregulated sports betting each year. She criticized out-of-state platforms for providing “little to no legal protection” and argued they offer no financial benefit to the state.
Boyd stated, “By allowing a legal framework for mobile sports wagering through Wisconsin’s tribes, the state will see increased revenue through the state gaming compacts, and consumers will have the legal protection needed to ensure they receive fair play.”
Tribal legislators also emphasized the social benefits of legal betting revenue. Edward Mullen, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature, said, “The Nation does well with our current casino gaming operations, and we are thankful for what we have. However, with 8000 tribal members, we are still woefully short on providing what is needed.”Kyle WhiteEagle, another Ho-Chunk legislator, highlighted local challenges: “Giving tribes in Wisconsin the right to conduct mobile sports betting isn’t going to solve these problems completely, but it will help significantly, and will be funding well spent.”
Industry Opposition And Competitive Concerns
Major online sports gambling companies oppose the bill, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. The Sports Betting Alliance, a national trade association for online sportsbook operators, held a press conference and has repeatedly testified against the legislation.
Sports Betting Alliance President Joe Maloney said the bill would grant tribes “an unfair monopoly over online sports betting in Wisconsin.” He explained, “The consumer sees a number of benefits in any competitive marketplace, and (that’s) certainly not exclusive to online sports wagering.” The alliance argues that the required revenue share of at least 60 percent to the tribes is “not economically feasible” for operators in what is a low-margin, capital-intensive business.
Maloney added that while members could potentially partner with Wisconsin tribes, they prefer legislation developed “in the light of day” with recorded votes rather than a voice vote. He noted that competitive frameworks exist in other states, but the current proposal limits options and industry input.
Public Opinion
Despite tribal backing, public sentiment appears opposed. A Marquette Law School poll found that 64 percent of Wisconsin voters reject legalizing online sports betting, including 61 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Democrats.
Source:
“Tribes, gambling companies at odds over bill legalizing online sports betting in Wisconsin”, wpr.org, March 3, 2026
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