Wisconsin Sports Betting + WI Online Sports Betting

With sports betting becoming more and more mainstream it seems like every week a new state is passing legislation to legalize betting within state lines. This is going to be a rapidly evolving space which is why we are making sure you have all the information you need regardless of where you live. We have broken down the betting landscape for all 50 states so that you can find out if your state has any legalized betting, or where they are at in the process. Keep in mind this is a fluid situation that will be changing on the fly as more and more states decide to enter the sports betting landscape. Here are the top-five things you need to know about Wisconsin sports betting and WI online sports betting apps.

1) Is Wisconsin Sports Betting Legal?

State-regulated sports betting is not legal in Wisconsin, and legislatively speaking, is not even on their radar at this point. We do hope that Wisconsin can get off the sidelines and into the game concerning state-regulated sports wagering, but until then, online sportsbooks legally operating outside of the United States present a viable option that does not violate any state or US federal gambling laws.

When it comes to state-regulated sportsbooks, Wisconsin remains on the sidelines. There are a few substantial hurdles that would have to be overcome if domestic Wisconsin sports betting was to become legal within the state’s borders.

The first obstacle being the fact that Wisconsin’s constitution prohibits state based gambling (tribal gaming is exempt). To legalize sportsbooks at the state level, a bill would have to make it through two consecutive legislative sessions and then would then require a statewide referendum to become valid.

The second hurdle, that, if overcome, could launch sports wagering in WI, is convincing the state’s tribal gambling operations to expand their offerings to include sports betting options. As of this writing, the tribal casino owners are not interested.

2) What Bills are Currently Before the State Legislature?

Wisconsin lawmakers have not introduced any bills addressing legal sports betting to its legislature since PASPA’s removal, despite the fact that the only federal law preventing them from doing so has been repealed.

We see no evidence that sports gambling is a priority to lawmakers or the public in Wisconsin, and even if they do decide to take on the uphill trek to setting the stage, it will still take considerable time, regardless of which path they attempt to forge.

With the legislative session for 2019 over, we can’t expect any possibility of a bill relevant to sports betting being introduced until 2020’s legislative session. If and when the state has any bill action, we’ll update this page and monitor the legislation through our state sports betting bill tracker.

3) What are the Next Steps for WI Sports Betting?

Based on the mountains that would need to be climbed, sports fans in the Badger State probably shouldn’t hold their breath. The good news is that Wisconsin is one of the multiple states that have no laws against sports betting from legally licensed offshore sportsbooks.

4) What are the Most Popular Teams to Bet on in WI?

Since sports betting is illegal, sports fans in Wisconsin can’t bet on any sports at all. It’s particularly painful for Wisconsinites who are absolutely mad about their local teams, especially the Green Bay Packers.

On top of having the Packers, Wisconsinites are also passionate about Milwaukee’s BrewCrew and its revamped Bucks squad.

If the future has sports betting in the cards, and they strike negotiations with the NCAA, there is no doubt that the Badgers basketball, football, and baseball teams will see plenty of betting action thrown their way as well.

5) Is There Anything Else to Know About Wisconsin Sports Betting?

Just because there are no state-regulated sportsbooks offerings in Wisconin, doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck. Here you will find our recommendations for the most trusted online sportsbooks that legally accept Wisconsin bettors. They have been personally vetted by our team and have satisfied our stringent requirements for inclusion in this guide.

These brands all enjoy an impeccable reputation throughout the global gambling market. If you want more information concerning the brands listed below, visit our unbiased US sportsbook reviews page for an in-depth evaluation of our recommended sites.

Wisconsin Sports Betting Details

Since state-regulated sports betting is not legal in Wisconsin, the following details only apply to those online sportsbooks that legally operate outside of the United States and that accept bettors from Wisconsin. If the state moves forward with local sports betting legalization, we will update this information to include those details as well.

Legal Sports Betting: Offshore Only
Minimum Sports Betting Age: 18 years old via offshore
Land-Based: n/a
Online: Offshore Only
Mobile: Offshore Only
In-Play: Offshore Only
Estimated Revenue: n/a
Eligible Operators: n/a
Commission: n/a
Licensing Fee: n/a
Tax Rate: n/a
Tax-Funded: n/a

What You Can Bet On in Wisconsin:

You can participate in any betting action offered across all teams, sports, and leagues at offshore sportsbooks.

What You Can’t Bet On in Wisconsin:

The offshore sportsbooks have no restrictions for teams, sports, or leagues that apply to Wisconsin residents.

Where Can I Bet On Sports In Wisconsin?

From inside the state’s borders, residents can legally access any online sportsbooks that are operating offshore with the required licensing or that are owned and operated by a parent company that holds these credentials.

Biggest Sports Betting Cities in Wisconsin

Sports Betting In Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA). The Brewers have been somewhat of a non-factor in the MLB recently and are considered to be in the midst of a rebuild. They play in the National League Central division.

The Bucks are a sleeper team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. They have the potential to qualify for the postseason given the current strength of the Eastern Conference, though it is doubtful they would advance to the NBA Finals. You can bet on either team through any of the licensed offshore sportsbooks recommended above.

Sports Betting In Green Bay, WI

The Green Bay Packers compete in the NFC North and are one of the most historic franchises in NFL history. They have some of the most diehard fans in the league and are commonly known as “Cheeseheads,” and the team is a solid bet in most cases. In Green Bay, the Packers are annual favorites to make the postseason and could potentially reach the Super Bowl this season. Look for Packers betting lines on any of our suggested sportsbooks.

Sports Betting In Madison, WI

The Wisconsin Badgers is one of the better teams in the NCAA. They play in the Big Ten West division and are arguably the best team. The Badgers are touted for possible College Football Playoff selection this season and could make a run at a national championship.

You can bet on them throughout the regular season and into the postseason via NCAA betting lines provided by any of the offshore sportsbooks listed in this guide.

Wisconsin Legislative Resources

Wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin State Legislature

WI Gambling Resources

Following is a list of a few resources available to anyone in Wisconsin who is struggling with or worried about compulsive gambling. We understand that gambling addiction is a very serious, debilitating situation requires expert intervention.

We urge all sports fans to gamble responsibly, but if you see the situation getting away from you, or you see the symptoms of gambling addiction surface, please reach out to one of these options.

The History of Online Sports Betting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has always been a bit behind its neighbors when it comes to gambling. While most states had established horse and greyhound pari-mutuel wagering industries by the mid-1930s, Wisconsin didn’t join the party until 1987. And that’s just one example of how it’s been slow on the draw.

Check out the following key points in Wisconsin’s gambling history and you might spot a trend:

1973 – The state makes charitable gambling legal which extends to bingo and raffle type games.
1987 – The first legal pari-mutuel horse and greyhound racing track open to Wisconsinites. While still legal to this day, there are no more venues in the state to bet at. The last one shutting down operations in 2009.
1987 – A state lottery is officially sanctioned.
1988 – The lottery sells its first tickets.
1991 & 1992 – Tribal/state compacts agree to terms with Wisconsin tribes to open casinos on tribal lands.
1992 – Changes to the state lottery make it such that only pull-tab and scratch-off games are available.
2007 – The state tries once again to pass legislation to build and operate a state-run casino but it is rejected by then-Governor Kim Doyle.
2009 – Wisconsin lottery becomes included in the national PowerBall and Mega Millions.

Which Online Sports Betting Sites are Legal in Wisconsin?

Currently, there are precisely zero places to make legal bets on sports, regardless of whether you want to bet in person or on the internet.

Since Wisconsin has an extensive network of casinos already, it’s unclear whether the state will choose to allow online betting. Some states have restricted sports gambling to in-person wagering at physical sportsbooks while others have included online betting options as well.

One common practice is for existing casinos to partner with companies that are already well-established in the online sports betting world. We’ve seen this happen to a large extent in New Jersey with worldwide online betting brands like BetStars and 888sport.

What Sports Can You Bet on in Wisconsin?

If legal betting does become available, there will be plenty of options, which we’ve listed below:

NFL Football
NCAA Football
NBA Basketball
NCAA Basketball
NHL Hockey
NCAA Hockey
MLB Baseball
NCAA Baseball
Australian Rules
Boxing
Cricket
Formula 1
Golf
MMA
Nascar
Rugby
Soccer (MLS, Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, International Competitions and more)
Tennis
Non-sports Entertainment

Is Betting on Fantasy Sports Legal in Wisconsin?

Right now it’s not legal to bet on daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Wisconsin. The good news is that DFS betting is quite a bit further along in terms of legislation.

A bill has already been filed in an attempt to license and sanction DFS but it has yet to be signed into official law.

State lawmakers have expressed an open attitude towards legal DFS betting, provided it’s regulated by the state. Check back for updates as things develop in 2019.

Is There No Deposit Sports Betting in Wisconsin?

If and when online sportsbooks accept players from Wisconsin there will be lots of special bonuses and promotions. Offers may include free bets and no deposit bonuses but we’ll have to wait and see how things develop.

What Is the Future of Online Sports Betting in Wisconsin?

As more states see legal sports betting explode in popularity, the financial opportunity that this new industry represents is becoming more apparent.

However, at the moment all we know for sure is that legalized sports betting will be a topic of discussion at assembly meetings and among lawmakers at the beginning of 2019.

Even with big incentives, Wisconsin has its work cut out for it. Big obstacles include passing legislation, amending the constitution and holding a state-wide referendum.

On the other hand, there’s also the outside chance that the entire issue of legislation and constitutional amendment could be side-stepped by the tribal casinos renegotiating their agreements to include sports betting.

This has happened in other states and could be an option since tribal lands are not subject to US gambling law in the same way.

Wisconsin Legal Sports Betting Is a Longshot

The way we see it, there are really three possible outcomes at this point.

It’s entirely possible that nothing at all will change as a result of the 2018 Supreme Court decision.
State lawmakers pass legislation and successfully amend the state constitution to legalize sports betting.
Tribal casinos circumvent state laws to allow sports betting at their casinos and potentially online. This has happened in other states including New Mexico so there is a precedent for this option.

Regardless of how this story plays out, you’ll be able to stay up to date by checking back on this page.

If you’re wondering about the sports betting laws in other parts of the US, check out our complete state guides.

What are the Most Common Types of Bets I Can Make in Wisconsin?

Straight bet

This is the most common bet type and it is just a straight up single bet on a game. A point spread is determined by the oddsmakers with one team being favored by a certain amount of points. Let’s take a look at an example line below to give a clear indication of what a straight bet would be:

Boston Celtics -6.5 (-110), moneyline -320

at Cleveland Cavaliers +6.5 (-110), moneyline +260

O/U 206

The Celtics are favored by 6.5 points in this example. This means that if you bet the Cavaliers, you are getting 6.5 points, so if the Cavaliers win the game, or lose by fewer than seven points, you will win the bet because of your 6.5-point cushion. On the other side, when you are laying 6.5 points as the favorite, you would need the Celtics to win by seven or more to win the bet.

Final Score: Celtics 102 Cavaliers 98. Cavaliers would cover even though the Celtics won the game because the +6.5 point spread is enough to cover a four-point defeat.

Moneyline Bet

The moneyline is a bet where there is no spread; you are just picking the winner of the game. In the example above, the Cavaliers ML is +260, which means that for every $100 wagered, you win $260 if the Cavaliers win the game outright. They receive the plus side of the moneyline since they are the underdog and picking them rewards you with nice odds since they are projected to likely lose the game. On the flip side, if you bet the Celtics ML at -320, you have to bet $320 to win $100. They are the favorites so if you decide to bet the moneyline instead of the point spread, you are forced to bet additional money to win $100.

In the example above, the Celtics ML would be the winner as they won the game outright. The spread is irrelevant for a moneyline wager.

Over/Under

This is a straight bet wagering on how many total combined points will be scored in a game by both teams. For example, an NBA game may have an over/under of 210 points, which means that the oddsmakers are projecting a combined points total of 210 between the two teams. If you think the teams are going to score more than 210 points total, you bet the over, and conversely, if you think it’s going to be a defensive struggle, you can bet the under hoping that the total points scored equals 209 points or less.

Parlay

A parlay is a bet where you combine multiple bets into one bet and you get increased odds because you only win your parlay wager if all of your bets win. If you do a three-team parlay, you select three different teams from three different games and if you win all three of the bets you hit your parlay for longshot odds (6-1 so $100 to win $600). Going 0/3, 1/3, or 2/3 is all the same and you lose the parlay bet. It’s all or nothing which makes them tough to hit and is more of a home run type bet than a regular straight bet since there’s a chance for a big payoff.

Wisconsin Sports Betting FAQs