Wisconsin Tribes Ask Lawmakers to Expand Sports Betting

Wisconsin’s tribal gaming community is done waiting for online sports betting.

During a recent State of the Tribes meeting with lawmakers in the Dairy State, tribal leaders called for legalizing mobile betting in the market. The call comes as the state Assembly remains in discussions on a tribal-centric bill to expand the industry. While support is growing, the legislative session ends next Friday, leading tribes to worry the bill will once again run out of time to be approved.

Retail sports betting is legal in Wisconsin, but only a few locations are available at local casinos across the state.

Tribes Look to Avoid Repeat of Last Year

Last year, it looked like Wisconsin lawmakers might finally approve a bill to legalize online sports betting. The effort had crucial bipartisan support, but a full Assembly vote was delayed until the session ended.

While this year’s bill has similar support, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Chairwoman Nicole Boyd doesn’t want to risk once again running out of time.

"Let's get this work done so we can provide something that will truly benefit Wisconsin," Boyd said during the meeting with lawmakers. “...by allowing a legal framework for mobile sports wagering through Wisconsin tribes, the state will see increased revenue through the state gaming compacts.”

Former Wisconsin AG Blasts Tribal-Centric Bill

While polls and studies have shown that Wisconsin residents are open to mobile sports betting, they are wary of a tribal-centric market. 

There is concern that a monopoly would lead to higher costs for bettors and lower tax revenue for the state. While tribal gaming groups insist everyone would benefit, one former Wisconsin lawmaker isn’t buying it.

The legislation under consideration would create an unfair monopoly on online sports betting in Wisconsin,” former Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen shared in an opinion published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. ”Rather than allowing well-known operators like FanDuel or DraftKings to compete in an open marketplace, the state would grant Native American tribes exclusive control as a way to try to circumvent the Constitution. This approach stifles competition, limits consumer choice, and allows the monopoly holder to operate without meaningful oversight,  a setup that is neither fair nor economically responsible.

Assembly Takes Action

It appears the message from the Tribes registered with Wisconsin lawmakers. The bill to legalize sports betting is set to be voted on today, with expectations that it will pass. 

If the Assembly approved the bill as expected, it would head to the Senate before reaching Governor Tony Evers' desk. While both have been open to mobile sports betting, growing concerns over a tribal market could lead to opposition or delays.