Wisconsin Lawmakers Push to Legalize Online Sports Betting via Tribal Compacts

Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a new bill (LRB-4723/1) that would authorize online sports betting statewide through agreements with the state’s federally recognized tribes. The proposal marks the most significant expansion of gambling legislation in Wisconsin since the legalization of daily fantasy contests.

What the Bill Proposes

The legislation would permit Wisconsin tribes, who currently operate brick-and-mortar casinos under compacts with the state, to extend those agreements into the mobile betting space. Similar to frameworks in Arizona and Michigan, the bill ensures that online betting would be run under tribal oversight, with revenues shared according to existing compact terms.

Currently, sports betting in Wisconsin is limited to a handful of on-site tribal casinos, with no statewide mobile wagering available. LRB-4723/1 would change that, allowing bets to be placed anywhere in the state via licensed tribal sportsbook apps.

Political & Economic Context

Proponents argue that Wisconsin is falling behind its Midwest neighbors. Both Illinois and Iowa already offer statewide mobile sports betting, and Minnesota has considered similar legislation. Supporters of the bill claim that legalizing mobile wagering could generate tens of millions in new annual tax revenue and provide new economic opportunities for tribal operators.

Opposition, however, may come from lawmakers concerned about gambling expansion and potential harm to state lottery revenue. The compact-based approach, while seen as respectful of tribal sovereignty, could also reignite debate over whether commercial operators should be given a path into Wisconsin.

Industry Implications

For operators, the Wisconsin bill represents a sizable new market in the Midwest. Industry analysts suggest that, if passed, the law could open the door for partnerships between national sportsbook brands (such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM) and Wisconsin’s tribal casinos. This would mirror the structure seen in Michigan, where commercial operators partnered with tribal entities to launch statewide apps.

The move also underscores a growing regional trend: using tribal gaming compacts as the legal mechanism to expand mobile wagering. By anchoring sports betting to existing agreements, lawmakers hope to accelerate rollout while minimizing constitutional challenges.

What’s Next

The bill is currently in draft form and must be introduced formally in the Wisconsin Legislature. If advanced, it could face committee review in late 2025, with the potential for a floor vote in early 2026. Should the measure pass, regulators would still need to establish licensing frameworks, meaning the earliest realistic launch for mobile sports betting in Wisconsin would be late 2026 or early 2027.