Wisconsin Senate Passes Tribal Online Sports Betting Bill, Sends It to Governor
Photo by John Murray on Unsplash
Wisconsin moved one step closer to legalizing online sports betting after the Senate passed Assembly Bill 601 and sent the legislation to Gov. Tony Evers. However, whether he will sign it remains uncertain.
The bill would grant the state’s Native American tribes control over sports betting, using a model similar to Florida’s. Wisconsin currently allows only in-person sports betting at tribal casinos.
A Long Road to the Governor’s Desk
AB 601 was introduced in October 2025 but encountered multiple delays as lawmakers debated its structure.
It initially moved fast through the Assembly, which unexpectedly pulled it from the floor before a vote in November. Majority Leader and bill sponsor Tyler August said the move was due to the need for additional discussions and because the Senate would not take it until January 2026.
The Assembly ultimately passed the bill last month, a week after the annual State of the Tribes address, where tribal leaders urged lawmakers to pass the measure.
In the Senate, where Republicans hold an 18-15 majority, the bill passed 21-12 with support crossing party lines.
The Hub-and-Spoke Model of Sports Betting
If enacted, the bill would follow Florida’s so-called “hub-and-spoke” model. Under the model, bettors can place mobile wagers anywhere in the state, and servers located on tribal lands will process all bets.
The bet location is considered to be where the server is, even if the bettor is elsewhere in the state. The system has kept major commercial operators like DraftKings and FanDuel out of the nation’s third-most-populous state. It has withstood multiple legal challenges in Florida.
Wisconsin Sports Betting Revenue Split: 60% to the Tribes
One of the most contentious provisions of AB 601 is its revenue framework.
Unlike Florida, the bill allows commercial sportsbook operators, such as FanDuel or DraftKings, to partner with Wisconsin tribes. However, the tribes would collect 60% of the revenue.
Supporters argue the split reflects tribes’ gaming exclusivity and the regulatory responsibilities they assume under their compacts.
Sen. Dianne Hesselbein, the Senate minority leader, said the bill could also allow tribes and the state to renegotiate compact provisions related to responsible gaming safeguards.
Not everyone agreed.
Sen. Steve Nass, who voted against the proposal, called it a “dirty deal.” He warned of a possible lack of competition that could limit revenue. He also cited concerns about addiction and other social harms.
The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365, has lobbied against the bill.
In written testimony, the group’s counsel, Damon Stewart, said that the 60% revenue split makes it economically unfeasible for commercial operators to operate in the state.
Meanwhile, alliance president Joe Maloney has argued that limiting licenses would reduce competition in the market.
Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim said during floor debate that companies like FanDuel and DraftKings simply do not want to operate under those conditions.
Dominic Ortiz, CEO and General Manager of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, has pushed back on the criticism. He said the operators are effectively claiming tribes are incapable of running sports betting.
Wisconsin Governor’s Opinion on Sports Betting Remains Unknown
The bill now sits with Gov. Evers. Under Wisconsin law, he has six days (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto the bill. If he takes no action, the bill automatically becomes law without his signature.
Evers has previously expressed openness to a sports betting bill. Still, he has raised concerns that not all tribes might be on board. Recent comments suggest he may not be satisfied with the level of outreach to all tribes.
Hesselbein has said that she had received no direct indication of the governor’s plans but remained optimistic.
Rep. Robin Vos argued that legalization would regulate activity that already exists. Vos added that the bill allows the state to exercise some control over online sports betting.
What Comes Next in Wisconsin Sports Betting
If signed, AB 601 would not immediately launch mobile sportsbooks in Wisconsin.
The bill allows Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes to renegotiate their gaming compacts with the state to include provisions for online sports betting. Those amended compacts would then require approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Bureau of Indian Affairs under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Even if Evers signs the bill, analysts estimate the earliest launch would likely be late 2026 due to compact negotiations and federal review.
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
