Best Wisconsin Sportsbooks

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Wisconsin Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

The Badger State has been cautious in its approach to sports betting, with limited options currently available to residents and visitors. This guide will explain the legal landscape, available options, and potential future developments in Wisconsin.

Legal Wisconsin Sports Betting

Wisconsin's stance on sports betting is conservative compared to many other states. While some forms of gambling are legal in the state, sports betting remains largely limited, with few options available through tribal casinos.

As of 2024, sports betting in Wisconsin is only legal at certain tribal casinos, with no statewide online or mobile betting options available.

What is Legal Sports Betting in Wisconsin?

Legal sports betting in Wisconsin is currently limited to in-person wagering at select tribal casinos. These casinos have negotiated compacts with the state government to offer sports betting services on their premises. However, the scope of these offerings is narrow compared to states with full-scale legalization.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

The path to sports betting in Wisconsin has been slow and limited:

  • May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
  • 2019-2020: Several bills to legalize sports betting are introduced in the Wisconsin legislature, but none gain significant traction.
  • July 2021: Governor Tony Evers signs an agreement with the Oneida Nation to allow sports betting at its casino properties.
  • November 2021: The Oneida Casino in Green Bay becomes the first venue in Wisconsin to offer legal sports betting.
  • 2022-2024: Additional tribal casinos begin negotiations to offer sports betting, but statewide legalization remains elusive.
Wisconsin's approach to sports betting has been cautious, with tribal casinos leading the way in offering limited betting options.

Active Wisconsin Sportsbooks

New Wisconsin Bonuses

Best Wisconsin Sportsbooks

Due to the limited nature of sports betting in Wisconsin, no major online sportsbooks are operating in the state. The only legal options are the sportsbooks located within tribal casinos, such as:

  1. Oneida Casino Sportsbook (Green Bay)
  2. St. Croix Casino Sportsbook (Danbury)

These sportsbooks offer a more limited range of betting options than full-scale online sportsbooks in other US states.

Online Sports Betting in Wisconsin

As of 2024, Wisconsin does not offer legal online or mobile sports betting options. All legal sports wagering must be done in person at authorized tribal casinos.

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Wisconsin residents seeking online sports betting options often travel to neighboring states like Illinois or Michigan, where online betting is legal and widely available.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Wisconsin?

Currently, there is no way to sign up for a legal online sportsbook while in Wisconsin. To bet on sports legally in the state, you must visit one of the authorized tribal casinos offering sports betting services.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Wisconsin?

At the tribal casinos offering sports betting, you can typically wager on a variety of popular sports, including:

NFL

The National Football League, particularly the Green Bay Packers, is extremely popular for football betting in Wisconsin.

NBA

Basketball fans can enjoy betting on NBA games, including the Milwaukee Bucks.

MLB

Baseball betting is available, with the Milwaukee Brewers attracting significant local interest.

NHL

Hockey betting options are typically offered, though Wisconsin has no NHL team.

College Sports

Betting on college sports, including Wisconsin's own teams, is generally allowed at tribal sportsbooks.

NASCAR

Auto racing fans can usually find betting options for NASCAR events.

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The exact sports and betting markets available may vary between different tribal casinos offering sports betting in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Sports Teams to Bet On

Wisconsin is home to several professional sports teams that attract significant betting interest:

  • Green Bay Packers (NFL)
  • Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)

Wisconsin College Sports Teams

Wisconsin has several prominent college sports programs that are popular among bettors:

  • Wisconsin Badgers
  • Marquette Golden Eagles

Types of Wagers Available

While the range of betting options may be more limited than in states with full-scale legalization, Wisconsin's tribal sportsbooks typically offer the following types of wagers:

Moneyline

A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match.

Parlays

Combining multiple bets into one wager for potentially higher payouts, but with increased risk.

Totals

Also known as over/under bets, these wagers are placed on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number.

Point Spreads

Betting on the margin of victory in a game, with the favorite "giving" points and the underdog "getting" points.

Futures

Long-term bets on outcomes that will be decided in the future, such as championship winners or season MVP awards.

Prop Bets

Wagers on specific events within a game that may not directly affect the final outcome, such as player performance statistics.

Live Bets

In-play wagering allows bettors to place bets while a game progresses, with odds updating in real-time.

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The availability of certain bet types may be more limited at Wisconsin's tribal sportsbooks compared to states with full-scale online sports betting.

Prohibited Bets

While the exact restrictions may vary between tribal sportsbooks, common prohibitions include:

  • No betting on high school sports
  • Potential restrictions on certain college sports prop bets
  • No betting on events with predetermined outcomes (e.g., scripted TV shows)

Choosing the Right Wisconsin Betting Site

Given the limited options for sports betting in Wisconsin, bettors don't have the same level of choice as in states with multiple online sportsbooks. However, when deciding which tribal casino sportsbook to use, consider the following factors:

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Wisconsin Sports Betting Site is Right for Me?

  1. Location: Choose a tribal casino that's conveniently located for you.
  2. Betting Markets: Check which sports and bet types are offered.
  3. Odds: Compare the odds offered by different tribal sportsbooks, if possible.
  4. Amenities: Consider other casino amenities that might enhance your betting experience.
  5. Customer Service: Look for responsive and helpful staff at the sportsbook.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Wisconsin Sportsbook Accounts?

Given the current state of sports betting in Wisconsin, having multiple online sportsbook accounts is impossible. However, if you're able to visit different tribal casinos, you might consider betting at multiple locations to:

  1. Compare odds and betting options
  2. Take advantage of different promotions or rewards programs
  3. Experience different betting environments

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?

At tribal casino sportsbooks in Wisconsin, typical payment methods include:

  • Cash
  • Casino chips
  • Potentially debit cards or ATM withdrawals (check with individual casinos for specific options)

Sports Betting in Wisconsin: The Big Picture

The limited nature of sports betting in Wisconsin means its economic impact is currently minimal compared to states with full-scale legalization. However, the tribal casinos offering sports betting have seen increased foot traffic and revenue.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Tax Rate

As sports betting is currently limited to tribal casinos operating under compacts with the state, there is no specific state tax rate on sports betting revenue. Instead, these casinos make payments to the state based on their overall gaming revenue as outlined in their respective compacts.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Wisconsin

Despite the limited betting options, Wisconsin takes responsible gaming seriously. Measures in place include:

  • Self-exclusion programs at tribal casinos
  • Problem gambling helplines
  • Educational resources on responsible gaming
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If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLE-5 for confidential support and resources in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Sports Betting FAQ

Online Sports Betting

Is online sports betting legal in Wisconsin?

No, currently there are no legal online or mobile sports betting options in Wisconsin.

Where to Bet

Where can I bet on sports legally in Wisconsin?

Legal sports betting is only available at select tribal casinos that have negotiated compacts with the state.

Legal Age

What is the legal age for sports betting in Wisconsin?

The legal age for sports betting at tribal casinos in Wisconsin is typically 21, but check with individual casinos for their specific policies.

NCAA Betting

Can I bet on Wisconsin college teams?

Yes, betting on Wisconsin college teams is generally allowed at tribal sportsbooks offering sports betting.

Future Plans

Are there plans to expand sports betting in Wisconsin?

While there have been discussions about expanding sports betting, no concrete plans have been approved as of 2024.

Summary of Wisconsin Sports Betting Options

Wisconsin's sports betting landscape is currently limited compared to many other states:

  • Legal sports betting is only available at select tribal casinos
  • No online or mobile betting options are available within the state
  • Limited range of betting markets and wager types compared to full-scale sportsbooks
  • Betting on major professional and college sports is generally allowed
  • Responsible gaming measures are in place at tribal casinos offering sports betting

While Wisconsin's approach to sports betting has been cautious, there is potential for expansion in the future. As neighboring states continue to see success with more comprehensive sports betting markets, pressure may grow for Wisconsin to consider broader legalization. 

However, any changes would require careful negotiation with tribal nations and potentially constitutional amendments.