As with most US states, online casinos in Wisconsin are not legal or regulated. The state is one of the most limited in terms of gambling, offering access to no forms of online gambling. Legalizing online casinos in Wisconsin is possible, but since it means amending the constitution, it’s certainly not a quick or easy process.
While many offshore Wisconsin online casinos are targetting the market, we highly recommend avoiding these sites. These sites avoid the law and are not located in America, which means there’s no way of knowing you’ll receive fair gaming, reliable payments, or the security required for your personal and account details.
In our guide to online casinos in Wisconsin, we’ll talk about how to legally play online casino games, when we expect the state to legalize online gaming, and a brief history of gambling laws.
Are Online Casinos in Wisconsin Legal?
Online casinos are illegal in Wisconsin, but the state is still considered one of the more gambler-friendly states. If you’re an operator taking part in any online gambling business, you could be looking at serious consequences. Players, on the other hand, could receive a misdemeanor charge.
That said, there are still a lot of offshore casinos that accept players from Wisconsin. These casinos are not regulated and monitored by the government, so there’s always the risk of losing money.
Are any Types of Online Casinos in Wisconsin Legal?
The law restricts online gambling in Wisconsin, which is defined as wagering real money on games of chance. Therefore, sweepstakes online casinos are legal and easily available without breaking any laws, even though you can claim real cash rewards.
Sweepstakes online casinos in Wisconsin use the website currency that allows you to play the latest casino games, including live dealers, virtual tables, and the best online slots. While playing tournaments, claiming daily rewards, and participating in other activities, you’ll unlock sweep coins, which can be redeemed for real cash rewards and prizes.
When will Wisconsin Legalize Online Casinos?
Since legalizing online casinos requires the constitution to be amended, it’s certainly not as easy or simple. A bill would need to pass through two consecutive sessions as the state currently prohibits the expansion of gambling.
Furthermore, no commercial land-based casinos are located in the state, and the tribal casinos are likely to vote against the best online casinos in America to enter the market or allow new deals with online operators, which is required to regulate online casinos in Wisconsin.
Brief History of Gambling in Wisconsin
The gambling history in Wisconsin started much later than most American states that usually permitted peri-mutual betting in the 1800s. Instead, Wisconsin’s history dates back to just 1965, when the state amended the law restricting all forms of gambling to permit promotional contests.
Eight years later, in 1973, another amendment took place, allowing residents of Wisconsin to participate in bingo games. Another 14 years passed before the next significant step in 1987 when the state permitted the Wisconsin lottery. However, lawmakers started to pick up the pace from there, establishing the Indian Gaming Authority in 1988 and permitting the first Indian casinos.
The final amendment took gambling in Wisconsin a step back as it clarified the limitations to all forms of online gambling. While multiple bills have attempted to legalize some forms of online gambling, none have managed to make their way into law.
Best Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Wisconsin
Sweepstakes online casinos in Wisconsin are 100% legal and safe to join. These sites provide access to the best online casino games without using real money. For average players, no purchases are needed, but those who want to boost their accounts with more coins can choose from various packages.
Referred to as social online casinos in Wisconsin, many of these sites provide sweeps, which you can use to redeem cash prizes and gifts, making them sweepstakes casinos. There are many to choose from, each offering excellent benefits and welcome packages.
| Rank | Social Online Casino | Welcome Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wow Vegas | 5,000 Wow Coins Bonus |
| 2. | Sweeptastic | 27,777 Coins + 30 Sweeps |
| 3. | High 5 Casino | 250 Coins + 600 Diamonds + 5 Sweeps |
| 4. | Stake.us (Crypto) | 250,000 Coins + $25 Stake Cash |
| 5. | Gamblino Slots | 100,000 Coins + 200 Free Spins |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
New Jersey was the first state to launch some of the best online casinos in America in 2013. Since then, six other states have followed, all located in the eastern part of the country. The latest to provide access to legal online casinos in Rhode Island, which launched in March 2024.
Closest State with Online Casinos from Wisconsin
If you’re a resident of Wisconsin, you’ll already know Michigan is the closest state to online casinos in Wisconsin. While there are two routes to Michigan, it depends on your location. Either way, the journey would be less than 450 miles, around seven hours.
Players in Wisconsin are allowed to register with online casinos regulated in other states, but to play games, you have to be in the state at the time. This also applies to airport layovers, which allow you to enjoy a broad range of games, bonuses, and other features on mobile or PC.
Land-Based Casinos in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a good selection of land-based casinos. Of the 22 casinos in the state, 12 of them have hotels, which is perfect for cold weather.
Many others cater to truckers and travels. The Wisconsin casinos are spread evenly throughout the state.
If you are looking for western Wisconsin casinos, there are several located in Danbury, Hayward, Turtle Lake and Webster. Of you are looking for casinos in northern Wisconsin, you have a few choices in either Bayfield, Lac du Flambeau or Odanah.
If you are trying to escape from the water parks and are looking for casinos in Wisconsin Dells then you are in luck! There is one located 10 miles away in Baraboo.
The largest casino in Wisconsin is the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in downtown Milwaukee. It has a 19-story hotel featuring 381 guest rooms, including 16 lavish suites. There is also a 150,000-square-foot casino, six restaurants and a fast-food court with four dining options.
Wisconsin Online Casinos Unlikely to Become Available Soon
Since land-based casinos are owned and operated by tribes and there are no plans to amend the current constitution, we don’t expect to see online casinos in Wisconsin soon. The state would most likely be one of the latest to legalize online casinos, especially since no neighboring states are close to adding online casinos.
Luckily, players in Wisconsin are close to Michigan, which provides an impressive range of online gaming sites with excellent bonuses, rewards, and games to enjoy. Register your account with a Michigan online casino, travel to the state, and play all your favorite games for real money. Alternatively, play at social casinos and still access the latest games with brilliant rewards.