- Podcasts
Podcasts - Videos
Videos - Policy Issues
Policy Issues - About
About
Online Sports Gambling Debate Continues
Wisconsin’s tribal leaders used their annual State of the Tribes to push for legal sports gambling in the state.
Leaders spoke at the Capitol on Tuesday, and said it’s time to approve a plan that would allow the tribes to run online sports gambling sites in the state.
“I ask you to approve the legislation currently before you that will bring Wisconsin tribes one step closer to offer mobile sports betting in Wisconsin," Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians chairwoman Nicole Boyd said. "Let's get this work done so we can provide something that will truly benefit Wisconsin."
The proposal is tied-up in Madison.
Gov. Tony Evers supports allowing the tribes to control future online gambling, but a number of Republicans don’t want to create another tribal monopoly.
“While I deeply appreciate Wisconsin’s tribal communities and the many ways they enrich our state, I strongly oppose the proposal for tribal-only mobile sports betting,” Rep. Ada, Neylon, R-Pewaukee said.
Republican leaders, however, continue to focus on getting the plan up for a vote by the end of the month.
"I'm certainly personally hopeful," Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, said Tuesday. "I think our leadership team is hopeful we'll bring it to the floor for a vote."
Neylon said beyond the monopoly, he’s also unsure about allowing for more gambling in Wisconsin.
“Mobile sports betting is designed to create addiction: constant nudges, instant rewards and aggressive marketing turn casual fans into compulsive bettors. Small losses quickly add up, harming families, communities and our sports culture,” he added. “[This plan] would turn every phone in Wisconsin into a 24/7 casino, and that comes with real consequences for families, communities and the integrity of our sports. Wisconsin should choose a smarter path forward, not gamble with our future.”
Interested in the content of this Article?
Reach out to the MacIver Institute to aquire more information
