Wisconsin Lawmakers Aim to Legalize Online Sports Betting

Proposed bill would allow tribal casinos to offer online sports wagering, but faces uncertain future with governor

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Wisconsin lawmakers have passed a measure that would allow the state's tribal gambling sites to start offering online sports betting to people anywhere in Wisconsin. However, the bill still needs to be signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, whose support is not guaranteed. If enacted, it would make Wisconsin the 32nd state to allow online sports wagering, which has become the dominant way people place bets across the U.S.

Why it matters

The expansion of legal sports betting has become a major revenue generator for states, with nearly $167 billion in bets handled by state-regulated sportsbooks last year. Wisconsin currently only allows sports betting at tribal casinos, and the proposed legislation aims to capture more of that growing market by allowing online betting. But the bill has faced opposition from some commercial operators who argue the revenue-sharing model with tribes makes it economically unfeasible for them to participate.

The details

Under the Wisconsin legislation, online sports betting would only be allowed if the infrastructure to manage the bets, such as computer servers, is located on tribal lands in the state. This 'hub-and-spoke' model is already used in Florida. Supporters argue it will help capture bets that residents are already placing with offshore sportsbooks or by crossing state lines. However, the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings, opposes the bill because federal law requires 60% of gambling revenues to go back to the tribes, making it uneconomical for commercial operators.

  • The Wisconsin legislature gave final approval to the sports betting bill on March 18, 2026.
  • If signed by Gov. Evers, the new online sports betting system would not take effect until after the state negotiates new deals with American Indian tribes to run the betting operations.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who will decide whether to sign the sports betting legislation into law.

Robin Vos

The Republican speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly, who opposes online gambling but acknowledges that people are already doing it and wants to ensure Wisconsinites have some control over it.

Sports Betting Alliance

A group representing major commercial sports betting operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM and Fanatics, which opposes the Wisconsin bill because the revenue-sharing model with tribes makes it economically unfeasible for them to participate.

American Indian tribes

The tribal gambling sites in Wisconsin that would be allowed to offer online sports betting under the proposed legislation.

Milwaukee Brewers

A supporter of the Wisconsin sports betting expansion measure.

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What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.