wisconsin Tribal Casinos See Surge in Revenue from Sports Betting, projected to Reach $3.7 Billion
ASHWAUBENON,WI (WLUK) - Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision allowing states to legalize sports betting,Wisconsin‘s tribal casinos have experienced significant growth in revenue through sports wagering. Currently, sports betting is permitted in Wisconsin only at the state’s 27 tribal locations.
The first sportsbook in wisconsin opened at oneida Casino in 2021,and revenue has steadily increased since then. Chad Fuss, assistant general manager of finance at Oneida casino, noted the seasonal peaks: ”NFL season is a great season for everybody that dose sports bet booking, including us. It’s one of our busier seasons.” Fuss also highlighted other popular times, including basketball tournaments and professional sports playoffs.According to the American Gaming Association, over 20% of American adults placed a sports bet last year, driving demand even across state lines. Some wisconsin residents, like Leonardo Mosqueda of Green Bay, travel to neighboring states like Michigan, Iowa, or Illinois to place bets.
the appeal extends beyond professional wagering; fantasy football leagues are also popular.Sandy Martin of Chicago mentioned her son’s participation, investing around $200 annually with a potential payout of up to $2,000.
However, the rise in sports betting is accompanied by concerns about potential addiction. Several U.S. states, including Wisconsin, have reported increased calls to addiction helplines. “I think some people do get addicted, and it can be unhealthy in general,” said martin. “But for whatever it’s worth,everybody loves to do it,has a lot of fun.”
Oneida casino addresses these concerns by providing informational pamphlets and funding addiction services. Fuss emphasized the casino’s perspective: “We look at the gambling and sports bet booking as entertainment, social. We don’t ever want to see individuals get into financial trouble.”
Despite the risks, the market for sports betting remains strong. Sports betting at Wisconsin’s 27 tribal locations is projected to generate $3.7 billion dollars in revenue this year, demonstrating the significant economic impact of the industry.