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Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he expects Wisconsin lawmakers to vote in 2026 on a bipartisan bill that would legalize sports betting, though uncertainty remains in the state Senate.
Vos, a Rochester Republican, said in a recent interview that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers would likely sign the bill into law if it receives approval from Wisconsin’s Native American tribes. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, declined to comment on the proposal.
Speaker argues illegal betting fuels push for regulation
Vos said sports betting already occurs across the state through offshore websites and unregulated prediction markets.
“It’s already happening,” Vos said, noting he has spoken with Wisconsin residents who use offshore sportsbooks. He said many would prefer betting through regulated platforms operating within the state.
“If we’re going to have it in Wisconsin, it can be regulated in a way that’s more transparent,” Vos said. “But I do think there are legitimate concerns, and that’s why we’re trying to look at and address everybody’s situation. I do believe in the end we’ll have a vote on the floor, but we just have to work through some of the concerns that people have.”
Concerns over online gambling shape Wisconsin proposal
Vos acknowledged concerns about problem gambling, particularly with online sports betting. He said lawmakers are also reviewing possible limits on micro-betting.
“I have concerns with problem gambling as well,” Vos said. “But I don’t think having it only on the internet or only in a bar or restaurant after hours makes any sense, so we have to talk through that.”
Tribal compacts would govern legal sports betting in Wisconsin
Wisconsin tribes play a central role in any expansion of sports betting. State law prohibits most forms of gambling outside tribal lands, granting tribes exclusive rights to operate casinos in exchange for revenue-sharing agreements under gaming compacts signed in the 1990s.
Recent amendments approved by Evers allow some tribes to offer in-person sports betting at casinos, but online and mobile wagering remain illegal.
Under the proposal, online sports betting would be allowed if the servers processing wagers are located on tribal land and operations comply with existing gaming compacts.
FanDuel, DraftKings question viability of Wisconsin model
The bill has faced opposition from several stakeholders and was removed from the Assembly calendar in November 2025 after new objections were raised.
National sportsbook operators FanDuel and DraftKings have argued the proposal is financially unworkable because tribes would receive 60% of the revenue. Vos said the concern is valid but reflects the political and legal framework governing gambling in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty has warned the bill could raise constitutional issues. Anti-gambling advocates have also opposed the proposal, citing concerns about increased problem gambling.
