Wisconsin Lawmakers Advance Tribal-Led Online Sports Betting Plan

Momentum is building in Wisconsin around a proposal that could reshape the state’s sports betting landscape. The State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 601, which would allow residents to place bets online or through mobile devices, provided those wagers are processed through servers located on tribal land. While the bill will advance to the Senate, its future remains uncertain.

The Bill Takes Inspiration from Florida

Currently, it is illegal to bet on sports at locations outside tribal casinos. Placing a wager anywhere outside a gaming property, even online, could lead to fines. AB 601 attempts to circumvent this issue by drawing a technical distinction: if a bet is routed through infrastructure physically located on sovereign tribal territory and covered under a gaming compact, it would be allowed.

This solution draws inspiration from other states. Under Florida’s framework, mobile bets are treated as if they occur on tribal land because that is where the servers are located. Any person in the state can thus freely engage with these offerings online, regardless of their location within the state. Courts have so far accepted this solution.

Supporters of the Wisconsin bill argue that the current legal framework fails to reflect modern market realities. Residents regularly wager online through offshore platforms that operate without proper regulatory control and do not contribute taxes. Legalizing mobile wagering could help protect consumers while opening a new revenue stream for tribal governments and the state.

Commercial Operators Remain Skeptical

Native American leaders strongly support this proposal, describing it as a way to support essential services and reduce long-term reliance on traditional casino traffic. Governor Tony Evers has also signaled he would not stand in the way of a proposal that expands tribal gaming rights, a stance that could prove decisive if the Senate passes the bill.

However, not everyone is convinced. The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents commercial sportsbook operators, has expressed concerns that a tribal-only structure would disadvantage national sportsbook brands. FanDuel and DraftKings have expressed worries that a requirement to partner with tribal operators to enter the market could limit their ability to compete.

Despite mounting support, Assembly Bill 601 must still overcome significant challenges. Senate approval is far from guaranteed, and any changes to tribal gaming compacts would need to pass federal review by the US Department of the Interior before mobile wagering could launch. Even so, supporters see the bill as a necessary step to keep Wisconsin sports betting aligned with market realities.