Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin hasn't legally allowed sports betting statewide. However, tribal agreements allow it to be offered at specific indigenous locations. The state has seen little momentum toward legalizing sports betting, and there are no signs that it will be introduced anytime soon. Wisconsinites will have to wait a while before they can place sports bets from anywhere in the state.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Overview

What Is the Current Sports Betting Landscape in Wisconsin?

Sports betting is available in Wisconsin, but it’s very limited. Gambling is strictly restricted to tribal grounds, and it can only be conducted by Native American tribes. You won’t find any non-tribal online or retail sportsbooks in the state, as sports betting is not technically legally permitted.

Before PASPA was enacted, state-tribal gaming compacts were signed in 1992, which allowed Wisconsin tribes to offer casino-style games. Originally, sports betting was not included in these compacts. However, in June 2021, Governor Tony Evers signed a compact amendment to allow the Oneida Nation to offer sports betting. In 2022, the same amendment was made for the Forest County Potawatomi and St. Croix Chippewa tribes.

For statewide retail and online sports betting to be legalized, the Wisconsin Constitution must be amended first. At present, Wisconsin legislators have not put forward any bills aimed at changing the Constitution or modifying any regulations related to sports betting. Tribes would also have to agree to allow private operators to enter the market, which would deal a significant blow to their current monopoly in the state.

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in Wisconsin?

Online sports betting definitely won’t become a reality in Wisconsin for at least the next two to three years. Amending the Constitution and passing a bill for legalization would take significant time. As of now, there have been no initial discussions on this matter.

Dominic Ortiz, the CEO of Potawatomi Casino Hotel, has stated that online sports betting is inevitable, even though delaying its arrival would benefit the tribe’s gaming operations the most. He speculated that legalizing online sports betting in the state could occur anytime between the next 5 and 15 years.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Updates

Here’s a timeline of significant events in the history of sports betting in Wisconsin:

• March 12, 2024 - The St. Croix Casino now offers retail sports betting.

• Feb. 6, 2024 - The proposal for the Kenosha Hard Rock Casino advances, pending approval from Governor Evers and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

• Jan. 23, 2023 - The Potawatomi Hotel and Casino reveals plans to convert the Northern Lights Theater and an adjacent restaurant into a sports betting venue.

• Nov. 25, 2022 - A revised agreement with the state and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community will allow an additional tribal casino in Wisconsin to introduce sports betting.

• Oct. 11, 2022 - Governor Tony Evers agrees to expand Wisconsin sports betting on tribal lands.

• Oct. 4, 2022 - The Sokaogon Chippewa Community consents to a compact with the state to allow event wagering at Mole Lake Casino & Lodge and other tribal locations.

• Feb. 14, 2022 - Betway becomes the official gaming partner of the Milwaukee Bucks through a multi-year agreement.

• Dec. 20, 2021 - A compact amendment is signed by Governor Tony Evers, and St. Croix Chippewa Indians authorizes event wagering at the tribe’s three casinos.

• Nov. 20, 2021 - The Oneida Nation starts accepting the state’s first legal sports bets at its Green Bay casino.

• Sept. 2, 2021 - IGT announces its expansion in Wisconsin with the PlaySports platform at Oneida Casino.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in Wisconsin?

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile Betting

FanDuel is the country's leading sportsbook, evidenced by its total betting revenue. If you’re looking for America’s most popular sportsbook, FanDuel is the top choice.  

Exploring FanDuel, the platform delivers a smooth and user-friendly experience on a desktop or phone. The secret to its success lies in its simplicity. Everything is designed intuitively and with ease of use in mind. Bettors can focus directly on exploring the markets and placing their bets, with no major effort required. This is translated to FanDuel’s superb mobile app, regarded as the best sports betting app in the industry. For mobile betting, this is the app that I’d recommend before any other.

Regarding payouts, FanDuel is known to have quick processing times, allowing you to get your hands on their winnings through PayPal, Venmo, and PrePaid in 24 hours. If you run into any issues, the customer support team is ready to assist through email, social media, or live chat and is available 24/7. As you’d expect from the top sportsbook in the US, the team is friendly and informative. 

Take a look at our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our top sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: Versatile Platform 

DraftKings stands toe-to-toe with FanDuel, each vying to be recognized as the industry’s top platform. If you’re looking for a platform beyond just a sportsbook, DraftKings should be up there.

You’ll never run out of things to do on DraftKings since it is full of interesting features like live betting, DFS, a social section, and, in certain states, an online casino and poker room. Somehow, all of these features are arranged on the site in a functional and uncluttered way so you don’t feel overwhelmed when exploring. I’m a big fan of the design, both in terms of layout and aesthetics. It’s a slick and sophisticated platform.

All of this can be enjoyed from the DraftKings app, which delivers a stellar mobile betting experience. Deposits and withdrawals are a breeze with a varied selection of payment methods and a minimum deposit of just $5. Bettors are also plentifully rewarded for their engagement through the ‘DraftKings Dynasty’ loyalty scheme and frequent promotions such as daily odds boosts. 

Head over to our in-depth DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty Scheme

Caesars is a name that has become synonymous with betting in the US, thanks to the brand’s long-standing reputation. If you want a sportsbook that is backed by a trusted company, then consider Caesars Sportsbook. 

For almost 100 years, Caesars has been a giant in the entertainment and hospitality industry. The brand has brought this experience into its online sportsbook, which stands out as a luxurious and sleek platform. Bettors can explore a huge range of markets and benefit from competitive odds.

What I love about Caesars Sportsbook is how it utilizes the broader brand to offer unbeatable rewards. Points for Caesars Rewards can be claimed through hotel bookings, shopping, dining, and every bet you make. Eventually, you’ll be able to exchange these points for top perks like discounts on stays, room upgrades, exclusive events, or dining vouchers, to name a few. When joining the sportsbook, new users will also receive 1,000 complimentary points.

Explore our Caesars Sportsbook review for an in-depth overview. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

4. BetMGM

Best for: Promotions

BetMGM is the online sportsbook of MGM Resort, a globally renowned name in the hospitality and betting industry. If you’re searching for a reputable platform rich with promotions, take a look at BetMGM.

On BetMGM, you’ll find an extensive range of sports and betting markets, including popular and niche options. Whether you want to bet on football or darts, there’s something for everyone. Users can also explore plenty of promotions, such as profit/odds boosts, prizes, competitions, and bonuses for referring friends. The promotions page is constantly updated, so it’s worth having a look each day. The interface is intuitively designed so that you can easily explore all of these markets and bonuses.

Like Caesars Rewards, BetMGM has a loyalty scheme where accumulating points can unlock a variety of rewards tied to the MGM brand. Top rewards include event tickets, hotel stays, and meal vouchers. I also would like to highlight the premium live betting section, where you can stream games, access in-depth stats, and opt for early cash-out.

Read our full BetMGM review for more details. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: Exclusive Content

Just hitting the betting market at the end of 2023, ESPN Bet has quickly become a major player in sports betting industry, available in 17 states across the US. If you’re on the hunt for the newest leading sportsbook, ESPN is the sportsbook to visit.

Initially operating as Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet has a lot of familiar features that still feel like what made Barstool a favorite among bettors. But, it steps up the game by integrating ESPN content like detailed sports coverage and analysis. If you’re like me and you enjoy digging deeper into sports journalism, ESPN Bet is made with us in mind. Live betting is another area boosted by ESPN’s expansive sports access with real-time data and insights.

For the launch of ESPN Bet, ESPN partnered with PENN Entertainment, a titan in the betting industry. This collaboration provides fantastic perks for users, such as access to the Penn Play Reward program. This collaboration between ESPN, PENN Entertainment, and Barstool to launch ESPN Bet is shaping up to be an exciting sportsbook, and we can expect great things in the future.

Head over to our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Withdrawal Process

Launching at the start of 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook was a highly anticipated addition to the betting landscape and has quickly become a popular option. If you’re a Fanatics customer or simply looking for a fresh sportsbook, it’s worth exploring.

Fanatics has been a huge part of the sports merchandising industry for years, and it is known to die-hard sports fans looking for branded clothes and merch. Capitalizing on this success, they’ve now ventured into online betting. It’s a great option if you’re already a Fanatics customer, as sportsbook users can take advantage of their special FanCash bonus currency, which can be exchanged for merchandise or sports betting benefits.

The Fanatics withdrawal process stood out for its ease of use and convenience. I particularly enjoyed checking the feature that showed the status of my withdrawal, which works like a pizza delivery tracker but for payouts. You’ll also find other innovative features like detailed stats, live streaming, and early cash-out for live betting.

Fanatics only operates through its app, which is disappointing for those who prefer using a laptop or computer. However, given the popularity of mobile betting nowadays, this is a small number of people.

Take a look at our detailed Fanatics review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5 for 10 Days, Get $1,000 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

Nearby Betting States

Wisconsin is bordered by Michigan in the north, Illinois in the south, and Iowa and Minnesota in the west. Minnesota is the only neighboring state that hasn’t legalized sports betting. For those from Wisconsin looking to place bets, traveling to any of the other states offers a solution for retail and online sports betting. 

Retail sports betting was introduced in Illinois in March 2020, and online sports betting in Illinois launched in June 2020. There are only 8 online sportsbooks, but all of the major operators are present. Illinois has been consistently generating a monthly handle of over $1 billion, positioning it as one of the top states in US sports betting.

Michigan launched retail betting in March 2020, while online sports betting in Michigan arrived in January 2021. The state has 13 online sportsbooks, including leading operators and tribal-specific options. It is a very solid state for sports betting, producing around $500 million in total handle each month.

Iowa legalized sports betting in August 2019. The state currently has 17 online sportsbooks. All of the top sportsbooks are available, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM. Iowa produces around $200 million in total handle each month.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in Wisconsin?

If sports betting becomes legal in Wisconsin, you’ll be able to delve into various markets and promotions for the leading US sports:

NFL Betting

The NFL is a top option for bettors, which is no surprise considering that it is the most followed sports league in the US. Given the success and widespread support of the Green Bay Packers, it would be a particularly popular market in Wisconsin. Sportsbooks have a significant increase in traffic during the NFL season from September to February, finishing with the Super Bowl, the most bet-on event nationwide. During this time, you’ll find a lot of betting markets, including unique prop bets and specific promotions. We’ve detailed the kind of bonuses available on our NFL promotions page.

NBA Betting

The NBA draws global attention, creating a number of betting opportunities on sportsbooks. If sports betting is legalized in Wisconsin, residents can bet on the Milwaukee Bucks. They’ll have a variety of betting options, whether making a prop bet on a specific player or a future bet on which team is going to get their hands on some championship rings. The NBA’s popularity in the US and internationally draws significant attention at sportsbooks. Many promotions and bonuses are offered to make the most of this season. Take a look at our NBA promotions page for all the latest news and promos.

MLB Betting

The MLB is the pinnacle of American baseball and is loved by Wisconsin fans, thanks to the Milwaukee Brewers. Although they haven’t been the most successful team, they have a passionate fanbase in the Badger State. From April to October, the MLB season has a lengthy calendar of games, and sportsbooks frequently roll out promotions for baseball fans. For detailed information, make sure to look at our MLB bonuses page.

NHL Betting

Wisconsin doesn’t have its own NHL team, so hockey fans are divided about rooting for a team. The NHL season runs from September to April, and there’s a lot of betting activity surrounding the Stanley Cup, in particular. You can learn more about the promotions offered on the NHL betting promotions page.

UFC Betting

UFC betting is on the rise in the US, as MMA as a sport has exploded in popularity over the last couple of decades. The UFC has events worldwide with 11 weight divisions, and tons of ways to place bets. Check out our UFC betting guide to discover all the details on how to get started on betting on MMA.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in Wisconsin?

If legal online sports betting does land in Wisconsin, it will likely do so with a full range of betting markets. Here are the most common types of bets at US sportsbooks:

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is essentially picking who you think will be the winner in a game. It’s just about the simplest way to bet. The payout on each side of the bet is determined by the odds set by the sportsbook. Positive odds indicate the underdog, while negative odds show the favorite. Here’s an example:

• SEA Mariners (+102)

• MIL Brewers (-112)

The Mariners are the underdogs here, and a successful bet of $100 would make a profit of $102 for a total payout of $202. For the Brewers, you’d have to bet $112 to make a $100 profit if they win, for a total payout of $212.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting involves predicting the margin of victory in a game. The sportsbook determines a spread of points to balance out the skill disparity between teams. The favorite has to win by more than the spread, while the underdog has to win or avoid losing by the spread. It can look like this:

• SEA Mariners -1.5 (-110)

• MIL Brewers +1.5 (-110)

If you place a bet on the Mariners, they’d have to either win the game or avoid losing by 2 points. While, if you wager on the Brewers, they’d have to secure a win by 2 points or more. Generally, the odds for point spread betting are near -110 for each side.

Totals

With a totals bet, you’re betting on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook. For this reason, this type of wager is also referred to as an Over/Under bet. The winning team does not factor into the outcome of the bet. Take this illustration:

SEA Mariners vs. MIL Brewers:

• Over 8 (-115)

• Under 8 (-105)

Prop Bets

Prop bets focus on things that happen in a game, particularly on the performance of players or teams in specific statistical areas. It’s a kind of betting that doesn’t concentrate on the winning or losing team but on specific situations. For example, popular prop bets in football include the total field goals made, the total rushing yards, and the quarterback passing yards. 

Futures

Future bets involve placing wagers on outcomes that won’t be decided until far down the road, typically the winners of a major championship like the NBA Championships or the Super Bowl. It’s a way to crank up the excitement for what’s ahead before the season even starts, but you can place your bets at any point throughout the year. The odds for these bets are usually pretty good, given the various factors that could influence the result before it’s finally determined.

Parlays

A parlay bet combines multiple individual wagers into a single bet. To cash out on a parlay, every separate bet must be successful. A higher level of risk is involved, but so is the chance of big rewards since the odds of each leg are multiplied together. Teaser bets let you adjust the point spread or total bets in a parlay in your favor, but they do have a lower payout.

Live Betting

Live betting gives you the chance to place wagers on a game as it progresses. As the action happens, the odds change in response to developments in the game, like the score, player performance, and other relevant events. Therefore, you can react and adapt your betting strategy based on the unfolding events. All US sportsbooks tend to have a live betting section, and many offer detailed stats and live streaming of games right on their platforms.

Expected Betting Restrictions in Wisconsin?

It’s uncertain how legal sports betting will take shape in Wisconsin. However, there are typical restrictions seen in other states:

• Betting on politics.

• Betting on entertainment events or award ceremonies.

• Betting on high school sports.

• Betting on eSports.

Currently, it is not allowed to bet on in-state college sports at tribal locations. This might change in the future if sports betting is fully legalized.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Wisconsin?

DFS operators are in a legal gray area in Wisconsin, with no specific legislation on the matter. As a result, DFS platforms are available in the state, such as these:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Mobile App

Since debuting in 2012, DraftKings has established itself as the go-to platform for DFS in the US. The platform is jam-packed with a range of contests across different sports and hefty prize pools that’ll appeal to anyone. You can easily sort all of these options by total prizes, contest type, sport, and more to find the best-suited one for you. What's more, I particularly like the personal touch of how you can set up your own contests with friends. But, the DraftKings DFS app is the jewel in its crown, earning high praise, as shown by its rating of 4.9/5 on the App Store. This is the best platform for DFS on the go.

Grab DraftKings DFS welcome promo.

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners and Free Play Games

FanDuel is DraftKing’s main competitor in the DFS realm and is also available in the majority of states. I’d recommend FanDuel’s DFS platform to those just starting out, as it evens out the competitive field with beginner-specific contests and entry limits, stopping experienced players from dominating competitions. You’ll also find a lot of free contests where you can win actual cash prizes. The platform's interface is also user-friendly and simple to use, making it great for newcomers.

Help yourself with FanDuel's promo.

3. OwnersBox DFS

Best For: Weekly Fantasy Sports

OwnersBox focuses on offering unique formats rather than going up against the daily contests offered by the industry titans, FanDuel and DraftKings. The platform mainly concentrates on WFS, where contests occur over a week or a cycle of games. For example, Lighting Lineups presents you with a roster of athletes, and you have to choose the top three performers of the week to grab points. SuperFlex is more similar to traditional fantasy sports, where you build your team for that round of games within a budget. You’ll find these games across all four major leagues, but there are fewer overall sports at OwnersBox compared with the big two.

Claim your OwnersBox deposit match.

Is Fliff Legal in Wisconsin?

Yes, Fliff is legal in Wisconsin. Social sportsbooks like Fliff have become a great alternative for sports fans in states where online sports betting has yet to be legalized. 

Fliff is a sweepstakes site where you can play free prediction games using virtual currencies called Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash on Fliff. It’s not necessary to spend any real money to play and there are various ways of receiving both currencies. In the case of Fliff Coins, you can purchase more if you run out of your free supply or simply want a top up. Fliff Cash can never be purchased, only received for free. When you win Fliff Cash through the games at Fliff, it can be redeemed for cash prizes.

There’s a welcome bonus available for new players at Fliff, worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash. For more information, take a look at our Fliff review where we explore how these platforms work.

Download Fliff and claim your promo offer.

Sports Teams in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a sports-crazy state, thanks in large part to the fervent following of its legendary NHL team. The state has three major league teams, so you’ll find a lot of sports fans.

• Green Bay Packers - The Packers are the third-oldest team in the NFL, and have the most wins of any franchise. They won 11 pre-Super Bowl NFL championships between 1929 and 1967 and four Super Bowl titles from 1966, 1967, 1996, and 2010.

• Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers have not been as successful as the Packers, but they hold a special place in the hearts of Wisconsin fans. They’ve only appeared in the World Series once, in 1982, where they lost against the St. Louis Cardinals .

• Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks compete in the NBA. They were founded in 1968 as an expansion team. They have received a lot of recent support, as they won the NBA championships in 2021 led by their superstar talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo. They also won a championship in 1971.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we strive to be your go-to source for betting information. We are bettors ourselves, and that is the mindset we have when exploring each sportsbook. Our reviewers spend time and effort delving into each platform, cross-verifying facts, and providing genuine opinions based on their direct experience.

We’ve been involved in the betting industry for decades, and our expertise has grown right alongside it. This knowledge is the backbone of how we do our reviews. We know what makes an excellent online sportsbook. 

Our expertise, coupled with our commitment to providing personal and honest feedback, is why our readers trust us. Ultimately, we want to equip you with all the knowledge you need to navigate the world of sports betting confidently.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Wisconsin

While sports betting hasn’t been fully legalized in Wisconsin, individuals with gambling problems do have access to support services. If it is legalized in the future, the state can expect to fund further initiatives to provide help.

Here are some Wisconsin responsible gambling resources available now:

• The Wisconsin Problem Gambling Helpline offers immediate assistance through phone number (1-800-GAMBLE-5), text message (850-888-HOPE), and live chat. 

• The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling offers a range of resources such as informative articles, events, and a helpline at (920) 437-8888.

• The National Problem Gambling Helpline can be used across the US; they can be called at 1-800-GAMBLER, texted at 800GAM, or contacted via live chat.