The State of Sports Betting in Wisconsin
As of early 2026, sports betting in Wisconsin is legal in a limited, retail-only capacity. This means that while you can legally place wagers on sports, you must do so in person at a tribal casino. The landscape is evolving, however, with significant legislative efforts underway to expand into online and mobile betting.
A Brief History of Wisconsin Sports Betting Legislation
Wisconsin's journey with sports betting has been cautious. The state has a strong tribal gaming presence, and any expansion of gambling is constitutionally tied to the state's 11 Native American tribes. The major breakthrough came in 2021 when Governor Tony Evers signed a compact amendment with the Oneida Nation, allowing them to offer sports wagering at their casinos. The first retail sportsbook opened at the Oneida Casino in Green Bay in November 2021.
In early 2026, the Wisconsin Assembly passed a bipartisan bill that would authorize statewide mobile sports betting, to be operated by the tribes. The bill is currently with the state Senate, and its passage would represent a monumental shift for sports betting in the state, opening the door for online sportsbooks to partner with tribes and offer their services to anyone within Wisconsin's borders.
Available Sportsbooks in Wisconsin
Currently, the only place to legally bet on sports in Wisconsin is at tribal-owned facilities. The Oneida Nation is the pioneer in this space.
- Oneida Casino (Main-Airport): Located in Green Bay, this is the flagship location for sports betting in Wisconsin. It features a sportsbook lounge with betting kiosks and teller windows.
While the Oneida Nation is the only tribe currently offering sports betting, other tribes are expected to follow suit, especially if the mobile betting bill passes. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and the Forest County Potawatomi Community have also amended their compacts to allow for sports betting, and are expected to launch their own sportsbooks in the near future.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
For those looking for an online alternative, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests are available in Wisconsin. Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel offer their DFS products, which are considered games of skill and are not subject to the same restrictions as sports betting.
Types of Bets Available
At the Oneida Casino sportsbook, you can expect to find a standard array of betting options, similar to what you would find in other legal markets:
- Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win the game outright.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by a certain number of points, while the underdog can win outright or lose by less than the spread.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.
- Parlays: A combination of multiple bets into a single wager. All bets in the parlay must win for the parlay to pay out.
- Teasers: A type of parlay where you can adjust the point spread or total in your favor in exchange for a lower payout.
- Futures: A bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Prop Bets: Bets on specific events within a game that do not necessarily affect the final outcome, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
Tax Implications for Winnings
In Wisconsin, as in the rest of the United States, gambling winnings are considered taxable income. This applies to winnings from sports betting, casino games, and lotteries. You are required to report all gambling winnings on your federal and state income tax returns.
If you win more than $600, the sportsbook may issue you a Form W-2G. Even if you do not receive a W-2G, you are still legally obligated to report your winnings. It is highly recommended to keep detailed records of your wins and losses, as you may be able to deduct your losses up to the amount of your winnings.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
As it stands, the only legal way to bet on sports in Wisconsin is at a retail sportsbook located within a tribal casino. There is no statewide mobile or online betting available. The Oneida Nation does offer a mobile app, but it can only be used on the premises of their casinos.
The pending legislation in the Wisconsin Senate could change this dramatically. If passed, it would create a 'hub-and-spoke' model, where the servers for online sports betting would be located on tribal lands, but bettors could place wagers from anywhere in the state. This would bring Wisconsin in line with the majority of other states with legal sports betting and would likely lead to the entry of major online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars into the market through partnerships with the tribes.
Tips for Bettors in Wisconsin
- Know the Law: Understand that for now, you must be physically present at a tribal casino to place a legal sports bet.
- Start with the Basics: If you are new to sports betting, stick to simple bets like moneyline and point spreads before moving on to more complex wagers like parlays and teasers.
- Do Your Research: Don't just bet on your favorite team. Research matchups, injuries, and trends to make informed decisions.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for how much you are willing to risk and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Shop for the Best Lines: If and when more sportsbooks open in Wisconsin, compare the odds at different locations to ensure you are getting the best possible value for your bets.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help.
- Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a 24-hour helpline (1-800-GAMBLE-5) and resources for treatment and support.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides a national helpline (1-800-522-4700) and a wealth of information on responsible gaming.
Most legal and regulated gambling operators, including the tribal casinos in Wisconsin, also offer self-exclusion programs that allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling facilities.