Wisconsin lawmakers have revived Assembly Bill 601, which would permit statewide online sports betting through tribal operators and servers at tribal casinos. The proposal, co-authored by David Steffen and Tyler August, remains subject to legislative approval, with the Senate identified as a key hurdle.
The bill could create a statewide online sports betting framework controlled by tribal operators if enacted.
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Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a law authorising online sports betting, making Wisconsin the 33rd US state to legalise the activity. The law requires new agreements with the state’s 11 tribes, and betting cannot operate until the required infrastructure is located on tribal land; Evers said he would reject arrangements that favour one tribe over another.
Wisconsin’s Senate approved a bill to legalise online sports betting, with wagers valid only when processed on servers located on federally recognised tribal land. The measure passed 21-12 and now goes to Governor Tony Evers, who has indicated support subject to agreement from all the state’s tribes. DraftKings and FanDuel criticised the proposal, saying operators could have to share up to 60% of revenue with tribes.
Wisconsin lawmakers sent Assembly Bill 601 to Governor Tony Evers on 2 April after the Senate approved it 21-12, according to the report. The proposal would allow statewide mobile sports betting through agreements with the state’s 11 federally recognised tribes, subject to federal approval. Evers has six days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto the bill, or allow it to become law without his signature.
Wisconsin lawmakers withdrew a bill to expand online sports betting statewide from a planned Assembly vote on 19 November, with consideration expected to resume in January. The proposal would give tribes 60% of revenue under a hub-and-spoke model; the Sports Betting Alliance opposes that provision, while the Indian Gaming Association has backed the tribes’ effort.
Maine lawmakers are due to reconsider LD 1164 during a special legislative session scheduled to adjourn on 18 June. The bill would allow each of the state’s four federally recognised tribes to partner with one iGaming operator, tax online casino revenue at 16% and place oversight with the Gambling Control Unit; commercial casino interests oppose the proposal’s exclusivity provisions.