Wisconsin Online Casinos and Gambling Sites in 2024

Land-Based Casinos in Wisconsin

There are currently 25 tribal casinos in Wisconsin, operated by 11 tribes. These casinos offer various online gambling options, including sports betting. At least one additional casino is expected to open in 2024.

Horse & Dog Tracks

Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1987 that legalized pari-mutuel betting. Both horse and greyhound racing were legalized in the state, and for a time, both industries flourished.

Online Sports Betting

Sports betting was legalized in Wisconsin in 2021, but only at tribal casinos. Mobile betting can occur, on the Oneida tribe reservation and selected non-tribal businesses.

Online sports betting is illegal for now; however, this is expected to change in the future.

Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

Raffles and bingo are the only two forms of charitable gambling allowed under Wisconsin law.

The Wisconsin Division of Gaming regulates charitable gambling. Per the Department of Administration’s website, there are over 450 bingo organizations and over 9,000 raffle organizations in the state.

Both forms of gambling are heavily regulated, requiring bingo halls to buy supplies only through licensed suppliers. Also, anyone with a criminal record is prohibited from working at or operating a bingo game.

Social Gaming at Home

It is illegal to hold any form of gambling for money from a private residence. This includes poker games. 

Poker players attempted to get Wisconsin courts to allow games to be held in the state, but a 2015 ruling confirmed that even poker is illegal because it involves an element of skill.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

Real-money poker is only legal inside tribal casinos. Several tribal casinos spread cash games and tournaments. These primarily consist of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud.

The only other legal form of live poker in Wisconsin is free-play poker games, such as in bar leagues. Any game where someone can lose something of value is illegal. 

Eight-Liners

Eight-liners would be classified as a gambling device under Wisconsin law. As such, eight-liners could only be played in tribal casinos. 

While Wisconsin allows for games of skill, eight-liners would not qualify as they do have an element of chance. This negates them from the skill games argument.

Casino Cruises

Wisconsin has no casino cruises or riverboats that depart or pick up passengers from the state. Majestic Star Casino in Gary, IN, used to service the region but closed in 2021.

Online Slots

In Wisconsin, slot machines are only legal inside of tribal casinos. If you’re interested in playing online slots, you’ll need to visit out-of-state online casinos.

Online casinos typically feature a variety of games, but they can differ in terms of game types and software providers.

The top Wisconsin online casinos offer slots from well-known providers such as Booming Games, BetSoft, Rival, and RealTime Gaming.

It’s advisable to choose a casino with a wide selection of titles. Additionally, many online casinos offer jackpot slots with substantial prizes that have the potential to change your life.

Online Poker

Live poker is only legal in tribal casinos. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, you can do so by visiting reputable online casinos.

These online poker rooms offer cash games and tournaments at low and middle stakes. You can enjoy popular variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, with some rooms even offering mixed games such as HORSE or 8-Game.

Poker sites have generous guarantees for online tournaments and softer competition than you’d find at the average tribal casino. They are a great way to become proficient at the game.

Blackjack

The great thing about playing online blackjack is that you have 24/7 access to standard games and other popular variants. You can find options like Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, 21+3 Blackjack, and more.

Compared to tribal casinos, online blackjack offers lower minimum bets, from $1 to $10, while in tribal casinos, minimum bets can start at $10, $25 or even $50.

Currently, blackjack games are only legal inside tribal casinos. Online casinos are your best option if you want to learn the game or improve your strategy.

Live Dealer Games

If tribal casinos are inconvenient, Live Dealer games at Wisconsin online casinos are the next best thing.

Live Dealer games work with real dealers, controlling the action behind the screen in a studio similar to any other casino room. Players can interact with the dealer and other players through the live chat. 

Some of the Live Dealer options available include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, Sic Bo, and game shows like Music Wheel or Monopoly Live.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has yet to regulate any form of online gaming. The good news is that no laws prohibit online gambling, except for sports betting.

Only tribal casinos in Wisconsin can legally offer sports betting, and they are not in a hurry to try to get online sports betting regulated.

Daily fantasy sports, online casinos, ADW, and online poker rooms fall into a legal grey area. This allows players to access out-of-state gambling sites. Due to the state’s slow pace of gambling expansion, this may be your only online option for a while.

Gambling Covers Contests Where Someone Loses Something of Value

Wisconsin classifies a bet as a “bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement.” 

However, state laws exclude “Bona fide contests for the determination of skill, speed, strength, or endurance, or to the bona fide owners of animals or vehicles entered in such contest.”

This makes contests such as Chess or fishing tournaments legal under state law. Any game that involves a reasonable amount of chance, such as poker, does not qualify as a bona fide game of skill. (Section 945.01 of Wisconsin Statutes)

Illegal Gambling by Players Punishable By Fines and Jail Time

Since Wisconsin law calls making a bet as a bargain between parties, this makes it a crime for players to participate in illegal activities. This includes making bets, entering an unlawful facility, or conducting any form of lottery or gambling pool.

These offenses can result in a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines. However, authorities generally don’t chase down gamblers and instead focus on commercial gambling offenses. (Section 945.02 of Wisconsin Statutes)

Commercial Gambling Carries Serious Penalties

Wisconsin law has stiff penalties for commercial gambling offenses. These offenses target those who are operating illegal facilities or engage in sports booking activities. 

The law also punishes anyone who owns real estate and allows that facility to be used for illegal gambling, even if the owner does not financially benefit from the activities.

Commercial gambling is a Class 1 felony with penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and up to 3.5 years in prison. Allowing commercial gambling on a premise can land the property owner a Class A misdemeanor charge and penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and up to 9 months in jail. (Section 945.03 of Wisconsin Statutes)

Legal Forms of Gambling Under Wisconsin Law

Several activities are exempt from gambling or betting laws in Wisconsin. Among the activities listed are business transactions, such as purchasing stocks or investments. 

Also listed are promotions for savings programs, such as a bank offering a prize to people who open a savings account or holding a drawing for bank patrons. Employers can also award prizes to employees for contests and other activities, such as employment referrals.

For gambling-related activities, the following are exempted under state law:

• Charitable bingo or raffles
• Pari-mutuel betting (horse and greyhounds)
• Wisconsin State Lottery
• Gambling at tribal casinos
• Sports betting at tribal casinos

Bona fide games of skill, such as weightlifting competitions, are legal under state law. Casino games with elements of skill do not qualify for the exception. (Section 945.01 of Wisconsin Statutes)

In-Depth Research Before Playing

Research several casinos before you start playing. This will help you find the casino with the best gaming options and bonuses. It will also help you weed out inferior or suspicious casinos.

Play at Trusted Casinos for Winning

Reputable online casinos will require you to verify your identity through player verification. This is required before you can cash out. Do this ASAP so to avoid delays in payment processing.

It’s Not Necessary to Use a VPN to Play

You will probably see suggestions to use a VPN when playing at offshore casinos. DO NOT DO THIS! Most casinos prohibit the use of VPNs, and doing so could get your account banned by the casino.

Only Use Secure Payment Options

To help protect your identity and money, only use secure payment options when depositing or cashing out. This includes credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency.

Look for Feedback from Other Wisconsinites

Look at customer reviews or feedback for any casino you’re considering playing at. Check if other Sconies have had problems at the casino and look for patterns to avoid potential problems.