Wisconsin Senate Votes on Online Sports Betting and NIL Deals

Lawmakers consider bills to allow tribes to offer online gambling and provide $15 million in annual funding for the University of Wisconsin's name, image and likeness program.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:20pm

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The Wisconsin Senate is scheduled to vote on a pair of high-profile bills on Tuesday, including one that would allow the state's tribal casinos to offer online sports betting and another that would provide $15 million per year to the University of Wisconsin to offset the costs of paying college athletes through name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

Why it matters

The online sports betting bill has drawn significant interest from major gambling companies, while the NIL funding plan is seen as crucial for the UW to remain competitive in high-profile sports like football and basketball. The votes come as the Senate wraps up its legislative session for the year, with lawmakers potentially returning later in 2026 to address other issues.

The details

The online sports betting legislation would allow Wisconsin's tribal casinos to offer gambling across the state. However, the bill faces opposition from a small group of Republican senators. To get the bill passed, Senate GOP leaders are expected to seek support from Democrats. The NIL funding plan would provide the University of Wisconsin with $15 million annually to help pay college athletes through name, image and likeness deals. UW leaders have warned that without the state support, the school may struggle to compete in major sports.

  • The Wisconsin Senate is scheduled to vote on the online sports betting and NIL bills on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Senate is expected to wrap up its legislative session for the year after Tuesday's votes.

The players

Chris Kapenga

A Republican state senator from Delafield who has said he and a few other GOP senators do not support the online sports betting bill.

Dianne Hesselbein

The Democratic leader in the Wisconsin Senate, who has described the NIL funding plan as an "investment" that some lawmakers support and others oppose.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who has said he will call lawmakers back to Madison for a special session next month to address new Congressional district maps.

University of Wisconsin

The state's flagship public university, which is seeking the $15 million in annual NIL funding to help it remain competitive in high-profile sports like football and basketball.

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What they’re saying

“There are certain people in favor, and some people aren't, so just trying to figure out what people want to do.”

— Dianne Hesselbein, Democratic Senate Leader (maciverinstitute.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.