Wisconsin Tribes Want Online Sports Betting Bill Passed

In March 2026, the Wisconsin State Legislature passed a bill that formally legalized online sports betting. In accordance with the Indian Fair Gaming Act of 1988, the bill, AB 601, called for the state's Indian Tribes to have exclusive rights to control such activities under the control of an appointed regulatory agency.

It's worth noting that in-person sports betting was legalized in 2021, again under the control of the state's 11 Indian Tribes. When sports betting went live, Wisconsin residents were allowed to place sports bets at a number of kiosks and casinos that were and are located on Tribal lands. This most recent bill just sought to add online sports betting to the mix.

Bill Goes Gov. Tony Evers Desk

With the bill fully endorsed by the Wisconsin Senate, it has been sent to Gov. Tony Evers for his signature. While he is seemingly leaning towards signing the bill, he has been waiting to hear from all 11 of the state's Reibes.

To date, the following eight Tribes have gone to the Governor to express their support for the bill. They include (in alphabetical order):

• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians


• Forest County Potawatomi Community


• Ho-Chunk Nation


• Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians


• Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians


• Sokaogon Chippewa Community


• St. Croix Chippewa Indians


• Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians
  

Here are the names of the three Tribes that have decided to stay silent on the issue: the Menominee, Oneida, and Lac du Flambeau. While they have remained silent, it should not be considered a vote against such legislation.

Modeled After Florida’s Hub and Spoke Model

Should Gov Evers sign the bill, the Tribes will be using what is referred s "hub nd Spoke" model. It will be very similar to the model currently used by the State of Florida's Seminole Tribe for its Hard Rock Bet platform related to its Hard Rock Bet sports betting platform.

Based on this model, Tribes will be allowed to take online sports bets throughout the state. However, sports betting operators will be required to maintain their computer servers on Indian land.

It's worth noting that there is some opposition to this bill and process. It comes from the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents top online sports betting operators: bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. The primary objection is directed at the Indian Fair Gaming Act, which states the 60% of the associated income must go to the appropriate Tribal communities.

Assuming the bill gets signed into law, an official launch date will be prescribed. It will coincide with the vetting of participation of sports betting operators that will need to pass the requirements that will be set forth by the appropriate regulatory agency. It's possible that online sports betting in Wisconsin could launch as early as late summer of this year.