The Wisconsin State Assembly has signed off on Assembly Bill 601, pushing forward a plan that would allow mobile or online sports betting across the state under a structure run by federally recognized Native American tribes. The vote sends the proposal to the State Senate, showing the clearest momentum yet for supporters who want to bring regulated online wagering to Wisconsin.
At the time of writing, anyone placing a sports bet outside tribal land risks a Class B misdemeanor. This has kept most mobile wagering effectively off-limits. AB 601 aims to change that by carving out a narrow exception in state law. Lawmakers propose removing certain online sports wagers from the definition of a “bet,” so long as those wagers are routed through servers physically located on tribal land and authorized under updated gaming compacts between the tribes and the state.
New: Wisconsin Assembly passes online sports betting bill, amended since we first covered it. pic.twitter.com/m83wAG3AyE
— Jason Calvi (@JasonCalvi) February 19, 2026
Backers say the setup follows the “hub-and-spoke” model used elsewhere, including in Florida. Under that approach, the technical backbone of the betting system sits on sovereign tribal territory, even if customers place wagers from their phones anywhere in the state. Courts have so far allowed similar systems to stand.
Support has been building after earlier attempts stalled in late 2025. During that time, divisions within the Legislature and hesitation among some Republicans slowed progress. This time around, Assembly supporters argued the state is overdue for an update to its gambling laws.
They contend that Badger state residents are already betting through offshore websites that operate beyond state oversight. By legalizing and regulating mobile sports wagering, lawmakers say the state could offer clearer consumer safeguards while channeling money into taxable, regulated markets that benefit both tribal governments and Wisconsin’s budget. Tribal leaders have also pressed for passage, describing mobile wagering as a potential boost to tribal services and long-term economic stability.
National sportsbook operators, however, have voiced concern. The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings argue that a tribal-only framework could make it difficult for commercial brands to compete profitably, particularly if tribes retain a large share of the revenue. They appeared at a recent public hearing opposing the move.
What happens next in the Senate as Wisconsin mobile sports betting bill passes Assembly
Assembly approval does not make the proposal law. The State Senate must still pass the bill. If it clears that chamber, it would head to Gov. Tony Evers for his signature. Beyond Madison, federal approval is also required. Any revised gaming compacts negotiated between the state and individual tribes would need to be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior before mobile wagering could begin.
If AB 601 ultimately takes effect, Wisconsin would join a growing number of states that allow sports betting through mobile apps. Across the country, that market has expanded quickly, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue and drawing large numbers of participants.
Still, debate is far from over. Questions remain about problem gambling safeguards, access for commercial operators, and how revenue would be shared. As of February 19, 2026, the bill stands “engrossed and immediately messaged after floor passage” in the Assembly, awaiting its next test in the Senate.
ReadWrite has reached out to the Sports Betting Alliance for comment.
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