Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Chairman Ned Daniels Jr. of the Forest County Potawatomi tribe have signed a compact amendment that will allow its casinos and affiliate locations to offer wagering on sports and non-sports events. This will also extend the current compact term to 2061.
“The compact amendment is the result of extensive and productive negotiations with the Forest County Potawatomi Community,” said Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “We are grateful for our continued partnership, and this successful negotiation will be a win-win for the state and the tribe.”
The amendment has been sent to the US Department of Interior. The next step is a 45-day review prior to its approval.
Once approved, the Forest County Potawatomi will be able to offer sports and event wagering at its two casinos and adjacent lands in the Menominee Valley and Forest County.
The tribe also plans to open a sportsbook venue at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee by the end of this year.
“We appreciate Governor Evers and his administration working with us in a government-to-government manner to provide our tribe the tools needed to compete in the marketplace and giving us the business certainty to continue our investments in Milwaukee and throughout the state,” said Chairman Daniels.
This is not something new for the state. The most recent amendment came after the governor signed similar compacts with the Oneida Nation and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, according to an official release from Governor Evers' office.
“I am glad for the good work of Chairman Daniels, the Forest County Potawatomi, and the folks at the Department of Administration to get this done so folks can enjoy sports and other event wagering in our state while benefitting the tribe’s economic growth,” said Evers. “I look forward to continuing our partnership together to find new opportunities that support and bolster the Tribe’s success and our state’s success for years to come.”
According to the American Gaming Association, Wisconsin sports betting has grown significantly in 2021. The state took in $4.29bn in revenue, an increase of 177% from the previous year.
