Online Sports Betting Bill Gains Momentum in Wisconsin

Bettors in the Badger State might not have to travel to retail sportsbooks for much longer.

Wisconsin Assembly bill LRB-4723/1, which proposes a tribal-run online sports betting market, is gaining momentum among lawmakers. It uses the “hub and spoke” model, with tribal gaming groups serving as the “hub” for mobile betting. A vote on the proposal is expected to happen before the summer.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed support for the bill, noting that sports betting is already happening in the state. The fierce conservative has managed to work with both parties, underscoring the importance he places on legal sports betting in Wisconsin. 

While excitement is growing, passing the Assembly would only be the first step. The proposal would need to be approved by the Senate, with the Assembly required to review and vote on any changes. After that, it would head to Governor Tony Evers's desk.

Passing the Senate will be a challenge, but Governor Evers is expected to sign the bill if it reaches him. 

The bipartisan bill was proposed in the fall, but a November vote was delayed until 2026.  

Pressure Mounting for States Without Sports Betting

Wisconsin does offer limited retail sports betting, but it remains one of the few states without a legal online sports betting market. They join some other smaller markets, but also Texas and California. While those states strongly oppose legalizing the industry, pressure is mounting to change that.

The presence of offshore and illegal operators is always present. These sites allow residents to bet on sports but don’t pay taxes or comply with any regulations. Offshore sportsbooks are particularly dangerous, as states have no power to pursue any legal recourse against them. That means they can take people’s money and abandon standard “fair play” rules.

Now, states are also facing the expansion of sports prediction markets. These platforms offer the same options to wager on sports, but aren’t considered a form of gambling. This allowed operators to launch in all 50 states, including those where sports betting remains illegal. 

States are being forced to allow sports betting by the prediction industry, leaving many to wonder if holding out on launching their own markets is still worth it.