Wisconsin Tribal Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Make Online Sports Betting Reality

Wisconsin tribes have voiced their support for the online legalization of sports betting in the State. 

During the annual State of the Tribes address held on Tuesday, February 10, tribal leaders spoke about the possibility of introducing Internet wagering locally. 

Tribes Urge Lawmakers to Pass Bill Allowing Them to Administer Mobile Sports Betting 

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians chairwoman, Nicole Boyd, urged legislators to move quickly: 

“That is why I ask you to approve the legislation currently before you that will bring Wisconsin tribes one step closer to offering mobile sports betting in Wisconsin. Let’s get this work done so we can provide something that will truly benefit Wisconsin.” 

The tribes are hoping to see a law passed that would enable them to offer mobile sports betting, which could prove a new and important revenue stream for them. Rep. Mark Born confirmed that he would be looking into the matter and expressed confidence that tribes may have the chance to offer such pa roduct in the state before long. 

Important political actors have already expressed tentative support for the matter, including Gov. Tony Evers, who would not block a bill that enables mobile sports gambling, and that particularly allows tribes to set up gambling.

Commercial Operators Not Allowed 

The current debate is about a bill that would make it possible for local tribes to administer online and mobile sports gambling, but that would leave out companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel out of the race. 

Opposition seems to be diminishing across the board, too, as recently Assembly Speaker Robin Vos argued that while he principally stood against sports gambling and its legalization, the realities were such that by not passing a law, Wisconsin tribes were at a disadvantage. 

Back in November, Rep. Tyler August argued that if Wisconsin continued to drag its feet on sports gambling, the state would create a vacuum that would be filled by companies that are not necessarily regulated, such as prediction market apps.

He has a point, as prediction markets made a killing at the recently concluded Super Bowl, with Kalshi alone raking in $1.2 billion in associated trades.