Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Online Sports Betting

Measure would allow tribes to offer online sports betting, but governor's support is unclear.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:03am

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Wisconsin lawmakers have given final approval to a measure that could allow the state's tribal gambling sites to offer online sports betting to people anywhere in Wisconsin. The bill is contingent on the signature of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, and it wouldn't take effect until after the state negotiates new deals with American Indian tribes who would run the sports betting.

Why it matters

Legal sports betting has spread rapidly across the U.S. since 2018, with 39 states and Washington, D.C. now allowing it. If signed into law, the Wisconsin measure would make the state the 32nd to allow online sports wagering, which is how most bets are placed. However, the bill has divided Republicans and it's unclear if Evers will sign it.

The details

Under the Wisconsin legislation, online sports betting would be allowed only 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 would allow the state to capture revenue from bets that are already being placed with offshore sportsbooks or in other states. But 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.

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

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin whose signature is required for the sports betting measure to become law.

Robin Vos

The Republican speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly, who opposes online gambling but says he would rather have some control over it.

Sports Betting Alliance

A group representing major sports betting operators like FanDuel and DraftKings, which opposes the Wisconsin bill because it requires 60% of gambling revenues to go to the tribes.

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What they’re saying

“I would rather make sure that Wisconsinites have some sort of control over that.”

— Robin Vos, Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker

“It is simply not economically feasible for a commercial operator to hand over 60% or more of its revenue to an in-state gaming entity, just for the right to operate in the state.”

— Damon Stewart, Representative, Sports Betting Alliance

What’s next

If Gov. Evers signs the legislation, Wisconsin residents may still have to wait months before they can place bets through smartphones and computers, as it often takes time to launch new sports betting programs.

The takeaway

The Wisconsin sports betting measure highlights the ongoing debate over how to regulate and tax the rapidly growing sports betting industry, with states seeking to balance the interests of tribal casinos, commercial operators, and consumers.