Wisconsin’s 11 tribal nations can now reap the benefits of increased gaming revenues by offering online sports betting, thanks to Gov. Tony. Evers signing Assembly Bill 601 in April.
“The Menominee Nation appreciates the governor’s thoughtful approach to this legislation and his clear recognition that the future of mobile sports betting must work for all tribal nations,” according to a statement from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. “Menominee Nation looks forward to working with the tribes and the governor to ensure the framework moving forward reflects those principles outlined and advances equity among all tribal nations.”
Under the previous law, it was a misdemeanor to make a bet in Wisconsin.
This new law excludes from the definition of “bet” an event or sports wager made by someone physically located in this state using a mobile or other electronic device if the server or other device used to conduct such event or sports wager is physically located on tribal lands.
Evers signed the bill but expressed concerns when doing so.
“When each of the tribal nations in Wisconsin thrive, our surrounding communities and our state as a whole thrive, too,” Evers said. “This bill also represents an opportunity for revenue paid into the state to support mental health programs and to combat the opioid crisis, two issues that I know plague both tribal nations and communities across our state.”
Evers said the legislation is the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one.
“Each of the 11 tribes must now work diligently — and together — to shape the future of sports betting in Wisconsin,” he said. “What I will not accept is a plan that fractures this opportunity into unequal pieces, allowing some tribes to reap great benefits while leaving only crumbs for others. An approach that exacerbates longstanding inequalities among tribal nations is not good for Wisconsinites or Wisconsin.”
The tribal nations have begun these discussions.
