Wisconsin Sports Betting Looks Promising by Packers Opener
Wisconsin sports betting looks promising for the Green Bay Packers season opener against the New Orleans Saints on September 12. The market will be limited, but this is fantastic news considering sports betting was not expected in 2021.
How Did Wisconsin Sports Betting Come to Fruition?
The rumors throughout Wisconsin since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act were that the state and tribes could not reach a gaming compact agreement. In the summer, a massive announcement was made by Governor Tony Evers and the Oneida Nation.
It was revealed that the state and Oneida Nation approved a gaming compact on July 1 that would regulate retail betting and other gaming options. The two parties quickly formulated this deal so it could be sent to the federal Department of the Interior for approval.
The Department of the Interior received the compact on July 2. According to the department’s regulations, they must respond within 45 days. This means approval is expected by August 16, which would set the Oneida Nation up well to launch a retail sportsbook.
The tribe has already announced that they will open multiple sportsbooks at their casinos throughout the state. Although, the central facility will launch at its casino in Green Bay, which is positioned next to the airport.
The tribe is already constructing the sportsbook in preparation for the launch on September 12. It will temporarily feature just betting windows and kiosks before expanding with a restaurant and other hospitality accommodations.
Wisconsin Sports Betting Details
Wisconsin will only have one retail sportsbook when the Packers open the season on September 12. However, many people are expected to travel for the launch of Wisconsin sports betting. Sports betting shocked residents of the state because of how quickly the deal was announced.
There was not an extended negotiation period between the tribe and state publicly displayed. Once sports betting launched, it was overshadowed by other approvals in Florida and Connecticut.
In Wisconsin, sports betting is permitted in a retail format. This could change in the future depending on a ruling by the Department of the Interior for the Seminole Tribe in Florida. The tribe has stated that they should be able to offer mobile betting off tribal land.
However, this is against federal law, so it will have to be passed by the Department of the Interior. More tribal nations are expected to launch sports betting in Wisconsin.
The Oneida has a monopoly, but this should not be the case for long once the tribe’s sportsbooks start displaying large handles. All professional sports can be wagered in the state, and college betting is permitted.
Yet, no bets can be placed on in-state schools like Marquette or the University of Wisconsin. If they are playing in an NCAA Tournament game, bettors still cannot put a stake on their hometown team.
WI sports betting regulations made noise in the legal industry because sportsbooks can post lines on award shows like the Oscars. Wisconsin is one of the first states to approve this measure for sports betting.
