Tribal leaders in Wisconsin renewed their appeal to state lawmakers Tuesday to pass legislation that would authorize mobile sports betting operated by federally recognized tribes.
The request was made during the annual State of the Tribes address, where leaders urged the Legislature to advance a bill that would permit online sports wagering under tribal control.
“That is why I ask you to approve the legislation currently before you that will bring Wisconsin tribes one step closer to offering mobile sports betting in Wisconsin,” Nicole Boyd, chairwoman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, said. “Let’s get this work done so we can provide something that will truly benefit Wisconsin.”
The proposal would legalize online sports betting platforms operated exclusively through Wisconsin’s tribes. Commercial sportsbook operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings, would remain barred from offering services under the bill.
Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, said legislative leaders are considering bringing the measure to a vote.
“I’m certainly personally hopeful,” Born said Tuesday. “I think our leadership team is hopeful we’ll bring it to the floor for a vote.”
The bill must pass both chambers of the Legislature before heading to Gov. Tony Evers for consideration. Evers, a Democrat, has previously indicated he would likely sign sports betting legislation into law, despite resistance from some stakeholders.
Opposition has included national sportsbook operators that would not be permitted to participate under the tribal-only framework outlined in the current proposal.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos addressed the issue last month during an appearance on UPFRONT, discussing his position on online wagering.
“Look, let me start by saying this,” Vos said. “I don’t think online gambling is good for anybody. If it were up to me, and I could wave a magic wand, we wouldn’t have it, but it’s not the reality of where we are in the world.”
He also raised the issue of competitive parity between Wisconsin tribes and operators outside the state.
“Why would I want to disadvantage tribes in Wisconsin that pay Wisconsin income taxes when we’re already allowing people in other states and other countries to have the same online betting?” Vos added.
Lawmakers have not set a final timeline for floor action. The proposal remains under legislative review.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/12/117578-wisconsin-tribes-push-legislature-to-advance-mobile-sports-betting-bill
