Still No ETA for Online Sports Betting Deal in Wisconsin

America’s Dairyland paved the way for online sports betting back in the Spring, but residents still don’t have a timetable for the market’s launch.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed AB 601 in April, which gave the state permission to negotiate with tribes to launch an online market. However, he has yet to provide any updates on the status of those talks. As a result, residents still don’t know when it will be available.

While talks progress, Wisconsin’s new law is already under fire. It is facing significant legal challenges, which claim the state broke its own laws by forgoing a public vote to expand gambling. 

Beyond the legal fights, several prominent former lawmakers have also criticized the state. They argue that the tribe-centric model will keep commercial operators out and hurt the market’s value. This is the same argument opponents used in the Wisconsin legislature, which led to years of deadlock.

There is no indication that these issues have put the future of Wisconsin's online sports betting market in danger, but the lack of clarity is starting to cause concern.

Will Wisconsin Follow Florida’s Path?

When AB 601 was created, it was designed to replicate Florida’s hub-and-spoke model for online sports betting. The state expanded its gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe, whose Hard Rock Bet platform is the only legal option in the massive market. This allowed it to circumvent legislative deadlock and the high requirements to change the state Constitution.

Soon after Florida approved the deal, a series of lawsuits argued it was illegal. Early defeats for the state delayed the market for years, though it ultimately won at both the state and federal levels. 

By following the Sunshine State’s lead, Wisconsin will likely face similar opposition. The legal precedent set in Florida could help, but a single unfavorable ruling could cause significant delays.

Unlike Florida, Wisconsin is racing to launch to compete with the top sports prediction markets. Any delays will send more bettors towards the federally protected industry and make it harder for the state to win them back once a regulated sports betting market is finally live.