Wisconsin and sports just go hand-in-hand, don’t they? Both the Packers and Badgers have two of the most ardent fanbases in the whole country. But how do you go about betting on these teams, plus other sports? Welp, it’s complicated.
Wisconsin doesn’t have the most-friendly policies toward sports betting at the moment. However, there is a way to bet on sports inside the state more easily. You’re going to want to keep reading our Wisconsin sports betting guide to get the full scoop. We’re covering everything you would ever need to know about gambling in Wisconsin stateside!
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Quick Wisconsin Facts
State | Wisonsin |
---|---|
⚖️ Sports Betting Laws | ✅ Available |
👫 Population | 6 Million |
👶 Minimum Gambling Age | 21 Years Old |
🏙️ Retail Sports Betting | ✅ Available |
🌐 Online Sports Betting | ❌Not Available |
📱 Mobile Sports Betting | ❌Not Available |
🐎 Online Horse Betting | ✅ Available |
🏆 DFS | ✅ Available |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Wisconsin?
Surprisingly, yes. Many people wrongly believe that Wisconsin has not sports betting whatsoever. That’s not true though. Betting is legal in Wisconsin — albeit extremely limited. So limited that even in-state residents think they have no options for betting.
Tribal casinos in Wisconsin have the exclusive right to take in sports bets. There are about six or so locations in the state that are set up for sports gambling. But here’s the thing: bettors have to be physically located in those casinos to make bets. There is no online component, only in-person bets, which let’s be honest, can be cumbersome — especially if you live far away from a casino.
It’s been said that the tribes actually can offer online betting as part of their agreement with the state. However, none have done so yet — probably because it’s costly to set something up. So perhaps that will change in the near future, but even then, we wouldn’t expect that to be a good betting experience. Tribal casinos aren’t really techy, which is what online betting infrastructure requires.
It’s for this reason that offshore betting sites are probably the best option for Wisconsin bettors. These sites work perfectly fine anywhere and everywhere in the state — no need to drive anywhere to make a wager. The rest of this guide, we’ll further explain what makes offshore sites such good options, plus our personal recommendations on which ones to use.
Top 7 Wisconsin Sports Betting Sites
Wisconsin bettors have no shortage of offshore betting site options. Zero! However, you probably don’t have the time to sort through them all. This is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to name the seven best betting sites for those in Wisconsin. Here’s the shortlist:
- BetUS - Lucrative free-play promotions for all.
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- XBet - Top-notch mobile playing experience.
- BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
- BetNow - Unique promotional bonuses for all types of players.
- Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
- MyBookie - Leading VIP rewards program for repeat betting.
#1 BetUS
BetUS Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Lucrative free-play deals
- Deep sportsbook
- High playthrough requirements
- 7-day expiration on free play
Wisconsin bettors looking for a top-tier online sportsbook should start with BetUS. This site isn't just another run-of-the-mill platform — it's a standout in so many ways. But BetUS stands out the very most in promotional bonuses. No one even comes close to throwing out the wads of free play that BetUS routinely does to its bettors.
When we say wads of free play, we're talking thousands of dollars here — not hundreds. Take the welcome bonus, for instance. While most competitors cap their welcome offers at around $1000, BetUS' sign-up offer tops out at a whopping $3125 in free play. That’s almost unheard of in the industry, and before you say "that's too good to be true" — it's not!
But the generosity doesn’t stop there. Not even close. One of the crown jewels of BetUS’s bonus offerings is their refer-a-friend deal. Max this one out, and you could pocket up to $6000 in free play. You're lucky to get maybe $200 at competitors for the same deal, but here we have BetUS nearing the $10 mark on this promo. This kind of deal makes BetUS a leader not just among offshore sportsbooks, but against major U.S. operators too (DraftKings isn't giving money like this).
In addition to these jaw-dropping bonuses, BetUS excels elsewhere too. Whether you're into sports betting or casino games, the site has a deep selection of options, an easy-to-use mobile app, and a smooth overall experience. Wisconsin bettors eager to make the most of their gambling experience —while earning free bets — would be wise to check out BetUS and take advantage of these unbeatable offers.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2 Bovada
Bovada Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Bettor-friendly user experience
- Sterling reputation in the industry
- Cheap sportsbook bonuses
So far, you might be reading this page and be thinking in the back of your mind, "can I actually trust these offshore sites?" or "isn't offshore sketchy?" Those concerns are understandable, but we assure you, that all seven sites we've selected pass the trustworthy test. In fact, a site like Bovada blows it out of the water.
You see, Bovada is one of the most-used betting sites in the country — and has been since the early 2010s when it first came to be. Bovada even predates some of the newer commercial operators like DraftKings, for example.
Bovada’s longevity in the industry is a testament to its sheer reliability. That kind of staying power isn’t just luck or a fad — it’s a sign that Bovada knows how to deliver a solid betting experience. Whether you're betting on sports or playing in their online casino, you can count on Bovada to provide a smooth experience that's practically error-free.
One of the things that makes Bovada so appealing is its simplicity. The site isn’t razzle-dazzle nor does it try to be if we're being honest. Instead, it focuses on creating a straightforward and user-friendly experience. Whether you're a long-time online bettor or a complete novice, Bovada's user-friendly experience benefits everyone.
The last thing we'll mention about Bovada is the speed of payouts. Bovada is quite fast at getting users paid out when they ask for it. The exact turnaround time depends on the transfer method (e.g. check or crypto), but it's generally respectable. You can gamble here freely and not have to worry about your money staying locked up too long.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3 XBet
XBet Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Elite mobile app
- Top-tier live betting system
- Could use more casino games
Mobile betting is quickly becoming the industry norm, and XBet is very much out ahead on this. With more bettors than ever placing wagers from their phones, XBet has crafted one of the best mobile experiences available. Looks, ease of use, features — the app has it all, as we're about to detail.
Let's begin with the aesthetic design. While many betting sites are plagued by outdated and unattractive interfaces, XBet is a breath of fresh air. They’ve made a point to continually update their user interface (we've seen it ourselves), resulting in a sleek and modern design. If you're going to be betting for long periods of time, it's nice not bad to stare at this good-looking app.
Beyond looks, XBet’s platform is built for performance. The site offers a wide range of sports and casino bets, but this never overwhelms the load times. Casino games fire up smoothly on mobile devices, and the same goes for live sports betting. Whether you’re placing a bet in the heat of the moment or just browsing your options, XBet’s platform delivers a lag-free experience.
One more important note: there actually is no "app" in the traditional sense. App as in the one's you have to download from Apple or Google and hog up space on your device. Nope! XBet can be accessed just from a mobile-based web browser, whether that's a phone or tablet. It'll scale to the screen size and work like a charm!
XBet’s forward-thinking approach to mobile betting makes it a standout in the online betting space. As the industry continues to evolve, we’re confident that XBet will remain at the forefront, leading the way in innovation and user experience — two things Wisconsin bettors should covet.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4 BetOnline
BetOnline Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Deep sportsbook menu
- Bettor-friendly odds
- Bonuses pays peanuts
BetOnline excels at probably the most important thing to any sportsbook the breadth and depth of its betting menu. While many sites offer a solid selection of sports and leagues, BetOnline takes it to a whole other level as we're about to get into.
BetOnline’s sportsbook has the perfect mix of popular and niche betting options. Of course, major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB are well-represented — that's a given at just about any sportsbook (and if it's not, best to avoid it). However, BetOnline also offers wagering options for less mainstream sports such as cricket, curling, and even snooker. We know Wisconsin is a big Winter sports state so we're sure there are options there.
But it’s not just the range of sports that makes BetOnline shine, it’s also the variety of bet types available. Whether you’re into moneylines, spreads, props, futures, or live betting, BetOnline has it all under one roof. The platform’s emphasis on prop bets, in particular, is noteworthy. We're telling you right now, this will be the place to go to for those famous Super Bowl props.
Another area where BetOnline excels is in the competitiveness of its odds. Looks, these days, betting lines are almost equal across the board. However, there are times when odds differ — either to the bookie's benefit or the player's. At BetOnline, you're more likely to find bettor-friendly lines from time to time. This is great for maximizing the value of each bet place on-site.
Finally, BetOnline’s ability to post betting lines quickly is a huge advantage for those who like to jump on early odds (often the best time to place wagers cause the line isn't "mature" yet). This speed, combined with the platform’s extensive offerings and competitive odds, makes BetOnline one of the best sportsbooks available to Wisconsin bettors.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5 BetNow
BetNow Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Swath of promotions
- Only sportsbook rebate program around
- Betting odds aren't always the most value-rich
BetNow stands out on our list, not just for its catchy name, but for the breadth of options it offers bettors. True to its name, BetNow ensures that you can “bet now” on a wide array of sports, casino games, poker, and more. It's all there for the taking!
Its promotions that get BetNow on this list though. Unlike many competitors that offerjust one reload or sign-up bonus, BetNow goes for variety in there offerings. There are four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and three rebate programs currently on the table. Options allow bettors to choose the bonuses that best fit their preferences and betting style.
But let's laser-focus on one of those deals that really caught our attention — the BetNow sportsbook rebate program. This deal is truly one-of-a-kind in the industry, offering a 2 percent refund on net sports betting losses. While the percentage might seem small, the fact that BetNow offers any sort of refund on sports betting losses is a rarity. Seriously, no other bookmaker offers such a thing to our knowledge.
You pair these killer, unique deals with an all-in-one betting platform, and BetNow is a no-brainer for those living in the state. This site has improved leaps from years past, and the trajectory seems to be only higher.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6 Everygame
Everygame Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- Great soccer betting support
- Error-free in-play feature
- Dated-looking design
- Promotions don't pay all that much
Everygame, formerly known as Intertops, has been around the industry for a while. With its roots in Europe, Everygame brings a unique flavor to the betting experience that some US-based bookmakers might not.
The thing we love most about Everygame is the live betting system. In an industry where in-play betting has become a must-have, Everygame has managed to rise above the competition. Many platforms struggle with lag and delayed odds, Everygame delivers a smooth and responsive experience.
All the major sports and leagues will have real-time odds, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, or European football leagues (this is Everygame's specialty). Every single matchup in these sports is readily available for in-play betting. While we'd love live bets for other obscure sports, the reality is, they're just not widely available anywhere — not just at Everygame.
For soccer fans, Everygame is a particularly strong choice. Given its European origins, it’s no surprise that the platform excels in offering a deep selection of soccer betting options across the Premier League, La Liga, international events, and everything in between. We know football dominates in Wisconsin, but if you have a liking to "global football", then it's tough to outdo Everygame.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7 MyBookie
MyBookie Wisconsin Pros & Cons
- VIP rewards program
- Massive amount of betting options
- Rewards program is invite only
MyBookie isn't the most appropriate name. Don't get us wrong, MyBookie is a great bookie, but it's so much more than that too. Between the racebook, casino, and poker room, MyBookie is a one-stop shop for all kinds of betting — not just sports.
The great thing about MyBookie is there's a VIP rewards program that connects it all together. Unlike traditional bonuses that are often one-time deals, the MyBookie rewards system offers ongoing benefits that keep rewarding bettors as long as they stick around. Every bet placed on the platform earns you points, which can then be exchanged for free play. How much free play is earned all depends on the bettor and their level of activity, of course.
We should mention, there's some variance in the points system. You see, points are earned at different rates depending on the type of bet. For example, higher-risk wagers like sports parlays earn more points than lower-risk options like slot spins. Yes, the rewards program does incentivize going further out on the risk curve, but hey, risk is the name of the game anyway.
However, it’s important to note that the MyBookie VIP program is invitation-only.While this might seem like a drawback (and it is to a certain extent), it actually enhances the value of the rewards. Only the most dedicated and consistent bettors are invited, which means that those who do qualify can expect top-tier perks that aren’t available to just anyone.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Ceasars?
The most popular bookmakers are the ones in the headline. These are commercial operators that have licenses to operate in most states — but not Wisconsin. As we said before, only tribal casinos can offer sports betting in Wisconsin per current laws. Laws would have to change before these other operators are let in. There’s a slim chance that tribal casinos partner with these operators too. Still, we wouldn’t bank on either of those two scenarios.
In the event nothing changes (most likely), offshore betting sites will be around to fill the gap. These work perfectly fine inside the state, unlike the commercial apps that have geoblocking to stop betting activity in Wisconsin. You don’t even have to use a VPN for offshore sites. They welcome Wisconsin bettors freely because offshore sites operate elsewhere. Thus, they don’t have to follow U.S. or Wisconsin laws to a tee (nor do they have to).
Latest Wisconsin Legal Betting Updates
Dec 17, 2024 08:57 AM
Optimism for sports betting legalization in Wisconsin is growing, driven by increasing discussions among lawmakers and tribal partnerships that could pave the way for progress in 2025.
A Brief Timeline Of The Legality of Wisconsin Sports Betting
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in Wisconsin
Best overall | |
---|---|
Best bonuses | |
Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
Top VIP program | MyBookie |
Best reputation | Bovada |
Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
Best casino | Everygame |
Best mobile app | XBet |
Best for new players | Bovada |
Best for high rollers | |
Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Latest Wisconsin Betting News
Dec 11, 2024 10:04 AM
Therapists Are Worried About Impact of Wisconsin Sports Betting on Problem Gambling Reports
Nov 21, 2024 06:03 AM
Sevenwinds Casino Strikes Partnership Aimed at Improving Wisconsin Sports Betting Regulation
Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Wisconsin
Even if commercial operators were allowed in Wisconsin, they would face heavy regulation, especially in the bets they’re allowed to offer. In other states where betting is legal, operators can’t offer wagers on non-sporting outcomes. That means things like the presidential election (in the United States or elsewhere), award shows, esports, WWE — all of them are off limits.
Thankfully, offshore sites once again don’t have those limitations. That’s why offshore sites actually go all out in offering those types of betting lines. It’s a market differentiator for them, and a good one at that. Bettors should want more betting markets, not less.
Betting Apps In Wisconsin
These days, the mobile app matters probably more than the site itself. That’s only going to continue to be true as more and more bettors use their phones (or tablets) to make wagers whenever and wherever. For this reason, we’ve whipped up an entire guide to betting apps.
A big reason why legal betting in Wisconsin is currently broken is because tribal casinos don’t offer apps. But again, offshore apps are there to save the day. Give that guide a read to get up to speed on betting on the go in the state.
Start Betting In Wisconsin Today — Our Guides
You’re not just betting for the sake of it, right? We’re guessing you actually want to turn a profit at this thing? We hope so, that’s why we’ve referenced some of our handy betting guides to being a successful bettor. Give these a read to fast-track yourself to win!
- Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out.
Payment Methods Available For Wisconsin Sportsbooks
Offshore betting sites support the same payment methods as licensed sportsbooks, and then some. With both options, bettors can use cards or their bank to transfer money. However, only offshore sites can accept crypto (regulators don’t allow it for regulated sites). That’s another big advantage offshore books possess.
Here is a quick guide to using crypto and other payment options on offshore platforms:
- VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
- Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
- Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
- Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.
Wisconsin Casinos And Resorts
There are 20-plus different tribe-owned casinos in Wisconsin — all scattered throughout the great state. Here's a definitive list of locations and where they are:
- Bad River Lodge and Casino in Odanah, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls in Black River Falls, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison in Madison, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa in Nekoosa, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Tomah in Tomah, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells in Baraboo, WI
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg in Wittenberg, WI
- Grindstone Creek Casino in Hayward, WI
- IMAC Casino/Bingo/OTB in Green Bay, WI
- Lake of the Torches Resort Casino in Lac Du Flambeau, WI
- Legendary Waters Resort and Casino in Red Cliff, WI
- Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena, WI
- Mole Lake Casino in Crandon, WI
- North Star Mohican Casino Resort in Bowler, WI
- Oneida W. Mason Casino in Green Bay, WI
- Oneida Main-Airport Casino in Green Bay, WI
- Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel in Wabeno, WI
- Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, WI
- Sevenwinds Casino, Lodge and Conference Center in Hayward, WI
- St. Croix Casino Hotel in Webster, WI
- St. Croix Casino Danbury in Danbury, WI
- St Croix Casino Turtle Lake in Turtle Lake, WI
History Of Wisconsin Legalization Efforts
We provided a quick summary timeline of events earlier. However, here are more details bout Wisconsin's various attempts at getting sports betting going in state:
2018-2019: A Bit of Attention is All We got
Even though the state of Wisconsin had the opportunity to open up sports betting and start collecting that tax revenue, they did not really consider it in 2018. Perhaps with the Native American casinos and state lottery, there is some resistance to more competition.
The only real mention of sports betting came when Representative Vorpagel said he wanted to bring it up in the legislature. No bills were introduced.
2020-2021: Continued Stagnation
No bills have been introduced in the state legislature in these years. Very little attention has been given to this theme. This is surprising as states were strapped for cash during the height of the pandemic.
2021-24: Wisconsin Legalizes Retail Sports Betting
Wisconsin legalized retail sports betting throughout the state back in 2021. As part of the process, only tribal operators are allowed to open a sportsbook. The first Wisconsin on-site sportsbook launched in November 2021. Since then, another two casinos have added sportsbooks, with more set to join them in the near future.
Online sportsbooks in the United States, on the other hand, are still waiting to enter the market. After green lighting retail sports betting for tribes, the Badger State has shown little interest in making further changes to its gaming laws. With that said, the vast majority of people within the industry—including tribal operators in Wisconsin—believe online sports betting will be legalized sometime down the line.
Betting on Wisconsin Sports Teams
The most popular team in the state is, without question, the Green Bay Packers. Its nickname, Cheeseheads, is how many locals proudly call themselves whether they're talking about football or not.
The Milwaukee Bucks are the resident NBA team in Wisconsin. Of all the local-area teams, the Bucks won a championship most recently, having done so in 2021.
The Milwaukee Brewers represent Wisconsin in Major League Baseball. It has won five National League Central Division titles since it began playing.
The Wisconsin Badgers is the most famous collegiate program, based in the city of Madison. Both the football and basketball teams attract fans and bettors in droves.
Other Types Of Betting In Wisconsin
Like sports betting, only tribal casinos can offer casino gambling in Wisconsin. You’ll find these casinos located throughout the state, including Milwaukee where most of the population lives in and around.
There’s also a state-licensed lottery in Wisconsin. As of this writing, the Powerball jackpot was up to $35 million. Powerball is the main attraction, but there are other lottery games too like megabucks or a Wisconsin special, Badger 5. Scratch-off tickets are also a thing.
Daily fantasy games are also freely available. The good thing is there’s actually online support for DFS. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel technically do work in the Badger State — but strictly for their DFS platforms, not sportsbook.
While we’re at it, we should mention horse racing. The sport is all but extinct in Wisconsin as there are no active racing tracks, and haven’t had one since 2009. That means horse-race betting technically isn’t illegal, it’s just not offered anywhere in Wisconsin outside of offshore betting platforms.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
Just like we did on this page, we've built out detailed guides to other states too. Click below to see how a single state fares with sports betting:
Responsible Gaming In Wisconsin
As you get ready to dive deep into the betting sites we’ve offered, we want to encourage you to wager wisely and keep your experience fun and positive. Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment, but it’s important to stay mindful of how much time AND money you’re spending. If one or both start going overboard, you could be entering a slippery slope.
Here are some warning signs that things might be going off the rails. If you find yourself constantly thinking about gambling, chasing losses, or feeling restless when you try to cut back, these are obvious red flags. Neglecting responsibilities, borrowing money to gamble, or hiding your gambling habits from loved ones are other even more dangerous signs. There are others, but these symptoms are the most common.
So to reiterate, gambling should add excitement to your life, not take away from it. If you ever find yourself struggling to maintain a healthy balance, remember that help is available. We’ve left some resources for you just in case:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
Wisconsin-based sources of help:
Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (https://wi-problemgamblers.org)
A 24/7 confidential helpline (1-800-GAMBLE-5) providing support, information, and treatment referrals for individuals struggling with problem gambling in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Problem Gambling Resources (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov)
Offers access to counseling, treatment services, and resources for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction in Wisconsin.
Aurora Health Care – Gambling Addiction Program (https://www.aurorahealthcare.org)
Provides specialized treatment programs for gambling addiction, including both inpatient and outpatient services for individuals in Wisconsin.