Wisconsin Online Sports Betting Bill Awaits Governor

Last November, amid Assembly Bill 601 awaiting approval from the House of Representatives and a nod from the Senate before it could eventually reach Gov. Tony Evers, Rep. Tyler August issued a serious warning.

“If we leave a gray area in state law, national prediction platforms will fill it without our compact framework, Wisconsin oversight, or Wisconsin consumer safeguards,” he said then. In other words, he claimed that if the Badger State continues to drag its feet on sports gambling, it will make room for prediction market apps. 

Now, the future of online sports betting in Wisconsin finally rests with Gov. Evers, after lawmakers approved the bill that could significantly expand gambling in the state.

21-12 Vote

AB 601 was delivered to Evers on Thursday, April 2, more than two weeks after the state Senate passed it with a 21-12 vote. If the governor decided to sign it into law, the measure would allow statewide mobile sports betting, but only through partnerships with Wisconsin’s federally recognized tribal nations.

At present, sports betting in Wisconsin is limited to in-person wagering on tribal land. The new bill would allow each of the state’s 11 tribes to offer online betting, provided they negotiate new or updated gaming agreements with the state. Those agreements would also require federal approval.

Under the proposal, betting servers would remain on tribal land, while users aged 21 and older could place bets from anywhere within state borders using mobile apps or websites. 

A similar system has already been approved in other states, including Florida, following agreements with tribal operators.

“Still Working with People”

Despite the momentum behind the bill, Evers appeared to signal hesitation, raising concerns regarding fairness among the tribes involved.

“We’re still working with people,” Evers, a Democrat, told Madison’s WKOW-TV. “For me, it’s always been making sure that we have some kind of equity among tribal nations in Wisconsin. At last blush, it looked like that type of equity that we’re looking for wasn’t necessarily there.”

Tribal groups have not offered 100% support for the bill, with representatives from eight tribes urging the governor to approve the measure, and three others deciding not to back it publicly.

The proposal has also drawn support from major sports franchises, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers. At the same time, the Sports Betting Alliance has voiced opposition.

Lawmakers themselves are divided, with Republicans controlling both chambers, and the Senate vote seeing a majority of Democrats join Republican leaders in backing the bill. Still, criticism remains strong from some corners.

“Most of us have the common sense to see the dangers of expanding legalized gambling, including the social and financial harm,” said State Senator Chris Kapenga.

Evers now has six days, excluding Sundays, to decide whether to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.