Wisconsin Legalizes Online Sports Betting Run by Tribes

New law gives 11 Native American tribes exclusive rights to offer digital wagers, limiting consumer choice but boosting tribal sovereignty

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:39am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary tribal casino building in a warm, urban setting, with diagonal sunlight casting deep shadows across the structure, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the intersection of tribal sovereignty and the modern sports betting industry.The new law legalizing online sports betting in Wisconsin aims to balance tribal economic development with consumer choice, though some argue it may limit the state's overall competitiveness.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed a bill legalizing online sports betting, but with the caveat that it can only be run by the state's 11 federally recognized Native American tribes. The new law allows for digital betting as long as the servers and devices are located on tribal lands and aligned with existing gaming compacts. However, major sports betting operators argue that the requirement for tribes to receive 60% of gaming revenues will make partnerships impossible.

Why it matters

This law is seen as a win for tribal sovereignty and economic development, as it gives the tribes exclusive rights to offer online sports betting in Wisconsin. But it also limits consumer choice by excluding major national sportsbook operators, which some argue will hurt the state's competitiveness. The law also aims to direct gambling revenue towards mental health and addiction programs.

The details

The new law adds an exception to Wisconsin's legal definition of 'bet' to allow for digital wagers made within the state's borders, as long as the servers and devices are located on tribal lands. This enables the 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin, who already have exclusive rights to operate 22 casinos, to now offer online sports betting. However, the Sports Betting Alliance - comprised of FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM - argues that federal law requiring 60% of gaming revenues to be shared with tribes will make any partnerships between the tribes and major operators impossible, as seen in other states with similar requirements.

  • Governor Tony Evers signed the sports betting bill into law on April 9, 2026.
  • In August 2025, the Ho-Chunk Nation sued the prediction market platform Kalshi, claiming it allows illegal betting.

The players

Tony Evers

The 74-year-old Democratic governor of Wisconsin who signed the sports betting bill into law.

Sports Betting Alliance

A group featuring FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM that argues the tribal revenue-sharing requirement will make partnerships impossible.

Ho-Chunk Nation

One of the 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in Wisconsin that sued the prediction market platform Kalshi in 2025, claiming it allows illegal betting.

Tyler August

A Wisconsin state representative who testified in favor of the sports betting bill, arguing it will keep the state competitive and protect consumers.

Edward Mullen

A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature who testified in favor of the sports betting bill, highlighting the need for increased revenue to meet the growing needs of his community.

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What they’re saying

“I have heard from each of the 11 affected tribes that this bill offers an opportunity for their governments and for their people to improve the quality of life, health and stability of their communities … but I am not without reservations about signing this bill.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

“This is about keeping Wisconsin competitive and protecting consumers. People are already betting online through offshore or illegal sites and hundreds of millions of dollars a year are leaving our state with zero regulation and no benefit to Wisconsin.”

— Tyler August, Wisconsin State Representative

“If passed as is, Wisconsin adults who want to bet online on sports will not be able to use sites like DraftKings and FanDuel — chosen by the vast majority of consumers in other states. Instead, they will only be able to use a small number of Wisconsin specific online sportsbooks offered by the tribes themselves.”

— Damon Steward, Attorney for the Sports Betting Alliance

What’s next

The 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin will now need to negotiate with each other, the state, and betting platforms to create a plan for offering online sports betting that benefits all tribes equally.

The takeaway

This law represents a balance between tribal sovereignty and consumer choice, with the tribes gaining exclusive rights to online sports betting but at the cost of limiting options for Wisconsin residents. It remains to be seen if the revenue-sharing requirements will allow for successful partnerships between the tribes and major sportsbook operators.