Wisconsin is home to a whopping 22 land-based tribal casinos, which spread throughout the state during the 1990s after the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This gives players plenty of physical casino gaming options made available in the Badger State from slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and a host of other table games. But in a state so ripe with a land-based casino, it’s hard to believe that Wisconsin has been traditionally stand-offish toward gambling. Advocates for daily fantasy sports and online gambling are hoping to change all of that through their tireless and current efforts.
Wisconsin Legal Gambling History
While we see Wisconsin offering some pretty solid land-based casino playing options today, the state hasn’t always been this way. Historically, Wisconsin has been very anti-gambling and since its conception.
Gambling legislation in Wisconsin goes back to the turn of the century when the state criminalized race track betting only for it to lay dormant for almost another full century. By the time Wisconsin overturned laws against race track betting in 1987, the excitement around the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 was too much. Eventually, the much-favored casino industry over-shadowed track racing altogether. Sadly, in Wisconsin, not a single race track stands today.
Wisconsin established a state lottery in 1987, with the first ticket being sold in 1988.
Move-makers have been trying to get other forms of legal gambling going in the state throughout the years including commercial casinos and online gambling. So far there hasn’t been much progress made toward the effort. State Representative Tyler Vorpagel is putting together his second proposal to push daily fantasy sports through. It’s the belief that if he’s successful, this would lay the ground for more online gambling to be allowed into Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Gambling Legal Status
All online forms of gambling are illegal in the state. This extends to daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and online casino gambling.
Wisconsin is home to 22 tribal-based casinos where slots, poker, roulette, craps, table games and more are legal. Players at Wisconsin casinos must be at least 18 or 21 years or older at establishments where liquor is sold.
Wisconsin is home to live poker action. The tribal casinos offer poker rooms that are allowed to house up to 50 tables.
The state lottery is legal in Wisconsin, as are charitable gaming, pari-mutuel race betting, and simulcast race betting. Players must be at least 18 years of age to play.
Wisconsin Land-Based Casinos
Players at Wisconsin tribal casinos have access to the whole range. The state is home to 22 tribal casinos, most of which offer table games. Also, at Wisconsin tribal casinos are slots, poker, video poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and three-card poker, four card poker, ultimate Texas hold ‘em, Mississippi Stud, and let it ride. You’ll find some casinos offering live poker with up to 50 tables.
The Wisconsin’s land-based tribal casinos are:
- Bad River Lodge and Casino
- Grindstone Creek Casino
- Ho-Chunk Gaming (Black River Falls, Madison, Nekoosa, Tomah, Wisconson Dells, and Wittenberg)
- Ireme Moore Activity Center
- Legendary Waters Resort and Casino
- Lac Courte Oreilles Casino
- Lake of the Torches
- Mason Street Casino
- Menominee Casino Resort
- Mohican North Star Casino
- Mole Lake Casino and Lodge
- Oneida Bingo Casino
- Potawatomi Hotel and Casino
- Potawatomi Northern LightsSt. Croix Casino (Danbury and Turtle Lake)
- St. Croix Casino Hertel Express
Wisconsin Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports
Sports betting and daily fantasy sports are still illegal in Wisconsin. However, state law says that you can place wagers without breaking the law. This gives Wisconsin residents the option of playing at off-shore sites.
Efforts are being made in Wisconsin early to see through the legalization of daily fantasy sports. A vocal proponent of fantasy sports has been State Representative, Tyler Vorpagel, who is currently putting together his second attempt at legalizing daily fantasy sports. It is thought that if he is successful that it would be what Wisconsin needs to lay the ground for other forms of online gambling to enter in.
Wisconsin Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What forms of gambling are legal in the state of Wisconsin?
The following forms are legal to wager on in Wisconsin:
- Slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and more at land-based tribal casinos.
- Track betting and off-track betting.
- State lottery.
- Charitable games such as bingo and raffles.
Like most states, Wisconsin is one of those that may be late to the party but they are heading in the right direction. If you live in Wisconsin you will have to use your patience.
