The Wisconsin online sports betting market is one step closer to becoming a reality after the state legislature approved a new bill. However, Evers has wavered, insisting that he wants all 11 of the state’s tribal nations on board, though achieving unanimity may prove difficult.
Tribal Support for the Wisconsin Sports Betting Bill
Wisconsin launched in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in November 2021, but passing online sports betting has been a long and challenging process that has gone unrewarded for several years. However, in this legislative session, the pieces finally came together, and both chambers passed AB 601, which would bring digital sports betting to Wisconsin.
The legislation was not unanimously approved, and several legislators voiced strong objections. However, granting control to the state’s tribal nations helped assuage many of the political concerns that had previously stalled the bill. Wisconsin’s 11 tribes wield significant socio-economic power, and opposing tribal interests can carry serious political consequences.
Key Concerns From Tribal Nations
Eight of the 11 tribes fully support this version of online sports betting, which requires servers to be located on tribal land similar to the hub and spoke model implemented in Florida, where the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive control over mobile sports betting through its Hard Rock Bet platform.
Edward Mullen, an elected representative of the Ho-Chunk Nation, testified before a Senate hearing last month in favor of AB 601.
“It would allow the nation, and other tribes, to tap into a new revenue source that can be used to support tribal governmental functions, sustain self-sufficiency, and assist with meeting the needs of tribal members,” Mullen stated.
Additionally, eight tribal leaders signed a letter to Governor Evers urging him to sign the bill, including:
- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Forest County Potawatomi Community
- Ho-Chunk Nation
- La 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
“Our nations share a collective mission of strengthening tribal sovereignty, maintaining the tribal nations’ role as the primary operators and regulators of gaming in Wisconsin, and establishing a mobile sports betting framework that benefits all Wisconsin tribes,” the letter reads.
Mission Accomplished?
Signing the measure may seem like a political layup for Tony Evers. However, three of the 11 tribes have not explicitly voiced their approval, expressing concerns that larger tribes could reap most of the economic benefits due to their superior technology and greater financial resources.
Evers has emphasized that he wants to ensure no tribe feels disenfranchised by the bill. He reiterated this stance in an interview two weeks ago.
Although securing approval from all 11 tribes is a priority for Evers, choosing not to sign the bill could quickly turn the eight supporting tribes into political opponents. However, Evers has announced he will not seek reelection in November, which may allow him to act based on principle rather than political considerations.
If Evers signs the bill, with or without unanimous tribal support, the state would need to renegotiate its compacts with the tribes and obtain federal approval before implementation. Such a move would also position Wisconsin to enter the rapidly growing U.S. online sports betting market, expanding opportunities for both tribal operators and bettors. For now, the final decision remains uncertain.
