Wisconsin Representative introduces new bill to regulate online sports betting
The legislation would allow for any ‘event or sports wager’ to be made by residents as long as the operator’s server is physically located on federally recognized Tribal lands within the state.
Wisconsin Representative Kalan Haywood has introduced bill LRB-4723/1, which would officially legalize online sports betting for residents and exclude all sports wagers from falling under the statutory definition of a bet per the state’s legal guidelines.
Those eligible to place online sports wagers in Wisconsin would be authorized to do so as long as the operator’s server is physically located on federally recognized Tribal grounds across the state.
“This legislation is an important step to bring Wisconsin in alignment with the majority of the country in regards to sports wagering. For too long, illegal, offshore entities have profited from consumers through unregulated sports wagering, without generating revenue for local economies,” Haywood said.
“By regulating this multi-billion-dollar industry, we can provide a safer mobile wagering experience for Wisconsin consumers, and generate much needed revenue to invest into our communities.”
The model would closely resemble what is currently in place for sports bettors in Florida, where Hard Rock Bet serves as the exclusive online sports betting provider through a gaming compact formed between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Haywood also shared the new model for Wisconsin would aim to generate revenue for the state, Tribes and municipalities, as well as provide a safe and transparent betting market for residents.
Wisconsin law currently tries any bets placed throughout the state as a Class B misdemeanor, as sports betting policies only allow for retail wagering through gaming compacts previously formed with Tribal casinos.
Oneida Casino in Green Bay, Wisconsin became the first retail Tribal casino to begin offering sports betting to residents after amending its gaming compact in July 2021.
The Oneida Nation utilizes International Game Technology’s services to operate its retail sports wagering in Wisconsin, while the Tribe also partnered with Kambi for retail sports wagering at its New York casinos on August 18.
LRB-4723/1 is also supported by Wisconsin lawmakers such as Representative Tyler August and Senator Howard Marklein, but will require the backing of the Department of Interior which approves all gaming compacts.
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