The Wisconsin Senate passed a controversial bill Tuesday to legalize online sports betting by allowing Wisconsinites to place wagers as long as they are processed through servers located on federally recognized tribal lands.
If Gov. Tony Evers signs the bill into law, users would be able to place bets anywhere in the state via their mobile device. Evers previously indicated support for the legislation but said Wednesday he wants to further look into the bill's language and discuss it with tribal leaders.
Because casinos servers facilitating the bets must be on tribal lands, prominent sportsbooks such as Draftkings and FanDuel would still be unable to operate within the state.
Lobbyists on behalf of these companies reached out to “key Senate Republican staff” on March 10, arguing online sports betting should be legalized through a constitutional amendment — not a law.
Despite this effort, the bill passed in a 21-12 vote, with nine Republican senators voting against. With a slim 18-15 majority in the chamber, Republicans could only afford to lose two votes to pass legislation without Democrats.
Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, told WisPolitics Monday that Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, could possibly lose his leadership position if this legislation, and a second bill to shield the University of Wisconsin System name, image and likeliness deals from public records and fund athletic facilities, made it to the floor Tuesday.
A recent Marquette University Law School poll found 64% of Wisconsin voters oppose legalizing online sports betting, including 61% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats and 74% of independents. This poll was brought to attention on the floor by Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater.
Nass further discussed what he views as the “predatory practices” of gambling and its tendency to negatively affect the youth, calling the bill a “dirty deal.”
Sen. André Jacque, R-New Franken, followed in opposition to the bill, saying it would make betting “easier, faster and more pervasive.” He warned of the material consequences gambling addictions bring, such as maxed out credit cards and bank loans to fund more bets.
“[The bill] puts a sportsbook in every pocket,” Jacque said.
The bill also sparked debate among Democrats. Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said that while gambling has a place in the state, lawmakers “should figure out some type of taxation that should protect gamblers struggling from addiction.” The bill has no such provisions.
Other Democratic senators voiced their support, emphasizing the bill’s importance for tribal nations. The nations will have their existing gaming compacts expanded, keeping revenues within the state instead of larger outside companies.
Sen. Kristen Dassler-Alfheim, D-Appleton, said gambling already exists “behind closed doors” throughout the state, and urged senators to vote in favor of the bill to provide more oversight of the activity.
“[Gambling] is going to happen in Wisconsin. Taking control of this is a smarter play for all of us,” she said.
