Wisconsin Adds Another Sports Betting Location

Wisconsin could be set to add another sports betting location for residents after approval was granted by the Governor’s office.

An Indian tribe in the northwest, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, has now become the fourth recognized Indian tribe to offer sports betting in the state. Gov. Tony Evers made the announcement on his website and the deal will now be subject to a 45-day review process by the U.S. Department of Interior.

They join the other three approved locations in Oneida Nation, Forest County Potawatomi and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. Outside of offshore sportsbooks, these are the only land-based Wisconsin sportsbooks that are currently available in the state.

“I am grateful to Chairman Taylor and the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Council for their work to come to an agreement on this important compact amendment,” said Evers. “Event wagering will generate additional revenue for the state and the Tribe, while giving a boost to tourism and employment in Northern Wisconsin.”

“This is a great day for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe,” added Chairman Louis Taylor. “The amendment will allow us to continue offering a first-rate gaming experience at our casino and increase employment opportunities for both Tribal members and the Sawyer County area.

“I am very pleased we were able to work so quickly and cooperatively with Gov. Evers’ team to reach this historic agreement.” 

According to the press release, there are 11 federally-recognized Native Nations in Wisconsin, all of which have gaming operations. There have now been four approved locations in less than a year, with the first being Oneida Nation in Green Bay back in November 2021.

DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld, said: “It’s important for the state and the Tribe that they are able to remain competitive in a fast-changing gaming market.

“Recognizing our shared interests helped make these negotiations so successful. We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with the Lac Courte Oreille Tribe.”