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Summary:
- Senate passes bill allowing wagers on tribal servers, with Democrats’ support helping secure votes.
- The bill is now heading to Democratic Governor Tony Evers.
- Bills for UW-Madison NIL deals, food assistance updates, and internet crimes against children were also approved.
The Wisconsin Senate passed a bill legalizing online sports betting Tuesday, with Democrats helping Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu secure the votes.
The measure applies only to wagers placed on servers located on federally recognized tribal lands and will next reach Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ desk for further consideration.
“We Need Safeguards for Consumers”
The vote highlighted sharp divisions among Republicans, with 50% of GOP senators concerned about gambling additction opposing the bill, and Democrats arguing the measure would benefit Wisconsin’s Native American tribes.
National operators like DraftKings and FanDuel stood against the plan, which would require them to pay 60% of revenue to the tribes if they operate in the Wisconsin.
Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, D-Appleton.
This is already happening behind the scenes, and we need safeguards for consumers while keeping revenue local
Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater went against the bill, calling it “another example of what’s wrong with politics” and pointing to a Marquette University poll showing 64% of Wisconsinites oppose legalizing online betting.
Other Legislation That Passed
Assembly Bill 1034 allocating over $14 million to UW-Madison cleared the Senate 17-16, allowing the university to support student athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Senators also approved a major revamp of a GOP food assistance bill, adding funding and staff to comply with federal law while maintaining restrictions on unhealthy purchases. The bill passed 25-8 and will now reach the governor’s office.
Republicans passed a constitutional amendment proposal to prevent future governors from using the state’s unique “400-year veto” to increase taxes or fees. It passed 18-15 and will appear on the November ballot for voters.
Lawmakers also unanimously approved an extra $400,000 for DOJ efforts to combat internet crimes targeting minors and added staff positions to strengthen investigations and awareness campaigns.
The day’s session was the final one of the legislative period, with senators considering over 80 bills. The online sports betting legislation Assembly Bill 601 stood out for its bipartisan maneuvering and potential impact on tribal revenue and the state’s gaming landscape.
