Sports Gambling In Wisconsin

Wisconsin State FlagWisconsin is notorious for their diehard fans, especially with the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay and Milwaukee play host to the Packers, Brewers and Bucks. Sports fans can bet on any of their local favorite teams, or any other team for that matter, using one of the legally licensed offshore sportsbooks suggested in this guide. Before you start placing bets, it’s important to educate yourself on the relevant US laws associated with sports betting. This guide will give you insight into the federal and state laws associated with sports betting and also show you which sportsbooks are legally sanctioned to welcome bettors from Wisconsin.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Wisconsin?

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) outlaws sports betting in 46 states—one of which being Wisconsin. The Federal Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) also pertain to sports betting, but specifically US-based online sports betting. Wisconsin state law says something about engaging in bookmaking, which is running your own sportsbook, but doesn’t say anything about placing bets with offshore sports betting sites. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit Wisconsin residents from placing sports bets online at legally licensed and regulated destinations operating outside of the US. The sportsbooks listed in this guide are all legally sanctioned offshore betting sites.

Most Reputable Online Sportsbooks Available To Wisconsin Residents In 2024

Our team of analysts have put together a list of brands for sports betting sites that are highly recommended for Wisconsin residents. In order to legally place sports bet, you have to do so with legally licensed bookmakers. These sportsbooks fit that bill, as they are all legally sanctioned and regulated. These sites have advanced security protocols and offer a premium betting experience from beginning to end.

Site NamePromotionRatingPlay Now Link
Bovada Sportsbook Logo
50% Max $1,000
4.8Bovada
BetOnline
50% Max $1,000
4.4Betonline
Sportsbetting.ag Logo
50% Max $1,000
4.1Sports Betting

How State and Federal Laws Regulate Sports Betting in Wisconsin

PASPA restricts legalized, state-sponsored sports betting. The 46 states affected by PASPA cannot allow brick-and-mortar style sportsbooks to operate within their borders. This law was passed in order to stop the spread of legalized sports betting in the US. The Federal Wire Act, contrary to popular belief, does not make it illegal to place bets online—it only deals with placing bets with illegal US-based online sportsbooks. The UIGEA deals with banks and other financial institutions and monitors transactions for illegal money laundering practices; it does not make it illegal to place bets online with offshore sportsbooks. Wisconsin state law only deals with the act of illegal bookmaking, so it doesn’t pertain to individuals placing bets with sportsbooks online. All of these laws combine to effectively outlaw state based sports betting. They do not, however, make it a crime to place bets at legally licensed and regulated offshore sports betting sites.

Popular Teams To Bet On In Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers play in the NFL’s NFC division and are fan favorites. Wisconsin residents have been nicknamed “Cheeseheads” as part of the support for the team. The Milwaukee Bucks play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. The Milwaukee Brewers make up the state’s MLB presence. There are also two successful college programs in the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University.

NFL Teams In Wisconsin

Green Bay Packers

NBA Teams In Wisconsin

Milwaukee Bucks

MLB Teams In Wisconsin

Milwaukee Brewers

Popular College Sports Teams in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Badgers

Marquette University Golden Eagles

FAQs About Betting On Sports

Can I Bet On Multiple Teams At Online Sportsbooks?

Yes. You can place as many bets on as many teams as you want. You also have the option of doing a parlay bet. Either way, these sportsbooks don’t restrict the number of wagers you place as long as you have the necessary bankroll to back your wagers.

What Is A Parlay Bet?

A parlay bet can be defined as one single bet that associates together multiple individual wagers and is dependent on every one of those bets successfully winning together. The benefits of parlay bets include higher payoffs than placing each individual bet separately since the difficulty of hitting it is much higher. Whenever there is increased risk, there is higher payout. However, it is harder to win these and you will certainly win less often. If any of the games or matches that are included in the parlay lose, then the entire parlay comes out as a loss, even if some of the games are a win. For example, a parlay bet would be wagering on the Packers, Bucks and Brewers to all win their respective games on a given day.

Are Offshore Betting Sites Safe For Wisconsin Residents To Use?

Yes. These sportsbooks have top-notch security protocols that safeguard your personal and financial information. These sportsbooks also possess the proper licensing and certification to operate legally within the industry. By using these sportsbooks you aren’t in violation of any US federal or state laws.

How Do I Make A Deposit Into My Online Sportsbook Account?

Before you place a bet, you need to deposit some money into your sportsbook account. There are several deposit methods to choose from. Some of these methods include credit/debit cards, wire transfers, money orders, Bitcoin and others. Some of the sportsbooks restrict your payout method to based on your deposit, so be mindful of that when choosing. You can verify this in the sportsbooks’ Terms of Service.

Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?

Your winnings are considered taxable income, so yes you have to report your winnings if the amount you won meets the minimum threshold for reporting requirements. If you don’t report your winnings then you may face penalties from the IRS. You can consult a Wisconsin tax professional if you have any specific questions.

How Are These Sportsbooks Different Than Nevada-style ones?

These sportsbooks have similar betting lines and odds, but they have other perks that the Las Vegas sportsbooks don’t offer. Our featured sportsbooks offer live betting, which allows you to place bets during the sporting contest. Online sportsbooks also provide bonuses that are offered to their bettors throughout the year. These sportsbooks have mobile apps available for their customers as well.

What Is A Bet Slip?

A bet slip is used to track the wagers you’ve placed. Once you select a bet it will pop up in the corner of your screen. You’ll be prompted to enter your wager and it’ll show you how much you stand to win. Some bet slips also recommend other bets for you to make. They help to keep all of your bets organized.

Can I Place Bets From My Mobile Phone?

Absolutely.  All of our recommended sportsbooks have integrated a web based, mobile optimized app into their services so that you can manage your account, place bets and complete deposits and withdrawals all from your tablet or smartphone. You can enjoy live betting and in play betting on the go.  These applications are compatible with most mobile devices, operating systems and mobile networks.

Are There Any Chances Of A Team In Wisconsin Winning A National Championship in 2017/2018?

The Packers came close to a championship this year, though they lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game. You can expect them to have another good season next year where they’ll try and redeem themselves. The Bucks are currently in 10th place of the Eastern Conference, so they’ll have to start winning games to clinch a playoff berth. The MLB season hasn’t started yet, so it’s too early to tell how they’ll be. The University of Wisconsin were in the top 10 of college football’s national rankings last season, but they didn’t make the playoffs. They could make another push for a playoff spot next season.