Wisconsin lawmakers are moving forward with a bipartisan proposal that could transform the state’s gambling landscape by authorizing online sports betting. The measure, introduced last week, seeks to extend wagering opportunities beyond the confines of tribal casinos and into the digital realm — a step that would align Wisconsin with most of the country.

Currently, sports betting in Wisconsin is limited to in-person wagers at tribal casinos under existing gaming compacts. The new proposal, introduced as LRB-4723/1, would change that by allowing residents to place bets online through servers located on tribal lands. This approach closely mirrors Florida’s “hub-and-spoke” system used by the Seminole Tribe and its Hard Rock Bet platform.

Representative Kalan Haywood (D-16), one of the bill’s lead sponsors, said, “This legislation is an important step to bring Wisconsin in alignment with the majority of the country in regards to sports wagering.” He emphasized that the measure aims to curb illegal offshore betting operations that exploit Wisconsin consumers without providing any economic benefit to the state. “By regulating this multi-billion-dollar industry, we can provide a safer mobile wagering experience for Wisconsin consumers and generate much-needed revenue to invest into our communities,” Haywood added, according to WISN.

The bill is also backed by Representative Tyler August (R-31), Senator Howard Marklein (R-17), and Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-18), signaling a rare show of bipartisan support.

Tribal Casinos at the Center of the Plan

Under the proposal, only federally recognized Wisconsin tribes would be authorized to operate online sports betting platforms. These tribes could launch mobile apps or websites, provided all wagers are processed through servers physically located on tribal land. The measure does not currently open the market to large commercial sportsbooks such as DraftKings or FanDuel, which continue to block Wisconsin users and redirect them to lists of legal states.

“This is the first step in bringing Wisconsin in alignment with the large majority of other states who already offer mobile sports wagering,” the Forest County Potawatomi Community Chairman said.

The system would effectively mirror Florida’s online sports betting model, where Hard Rock Bet — the Seminole Tribe’s proprietary brand — became the state’s sole legal betting app. Florida’s case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024, which declined to hear further challenges, effectively upholding the legality of the model. Wisconsin lawmakers hope to replicate that legal framework to ensure the proposal withstands potential scrutiny.

A handful of Wisconsin tribes already operate physical sportsbooks under amended gaming compacts. Oneida Casino in Green Bay became the first to launch retail sports betting in 2021 using IGT technology, while Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee and others followed suit.

Possible Industry Partnerships

It remains uncertain whether Wisconsin tribes would be permitted to collaborate with commercial betting companies for their online operations. In Florida, the Seminole Tribe has maintained exclusive control of its online platform. However, in Wisconsin, partnerships could emerge depending on future amendments or compact negotiations.

DraftKings already has a presence in the state through its partnership with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The agreement, established in 2024, allows the company to manage a retail sportsbook at the tribe’s Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. The facility currently houses six DraftKings kiosks and a staffed betting counter near its sports bar, signaling potential readiness for future digital expansion if permitted.

Balancing Opportunity and Responsibility

Supporters argue that legalizing online wagering will bring much-needed modernization to Wisconsin’s gaming laws and boost state revenues. As resident Smit Patel noted, “We’re in the 21st century in 2025, where everything is on our phones and our computers, we should be able to do it.”

Yet, some caution that easier access to online betting could heighten gambling addiction risks. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that 28% of online gamblers said it’s easier to spend more money digitally, while 15% considered online wagering more addictive than traditional betting.

“Everything is good in moderation if you know what you’re doing, if you know where to hold yourself back, you’ll be alright,” Patel added.

If approved, the measure could generate millions in additional revenue for Wisconsin’s tribal nations and local communities while giving residents legal access to online betting for the first time. Lawmakers have until late October to gather additional sponsors before the bill advances to the next stage of consideration.