Wisconsin Online Casinos 2024 – Which One to Pick?
Can do you play at a Wisconsin online casino? Before getting an answer to the question, you must first verify whether online casinos are permitted in the Badger State. Another crucial consideration is whether you can gamble with real money at all. In that view, we’ve taken the time to analyze the online casino landscape in Wisconsin.
This guide contains all you need to know about gambling in the state, and we’ll detail the legal avenues available. By following our insights, you can play your favorite games without any issues with the law.
Let’s begin by looking at the status of WI real money online casinos.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn what Wisconsin’s Statutes say about real money online casinos.
- Find out the best Tribal casinos in Wisconsin.
- Get insights into the future of online casinos in the Badger State.
Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Wisconsin?
No, real money online casinos don’t have legal status in WI. We confirmed this from Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 945 during our research. According to the state’s law, any form of gambling that’s not explicitly authorized is illegal, and online casinos fall into that category.
Fact: Faulting the Wisconsin regulation on illegal gambling is classified as a Class B Misdemeanor.
Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Wisconsin
Like in many other US states, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Wisconsin. These sites are not classified as gambling avenues, since you don’t use real money.
We have a complete list of the best US sweepstakes casinos you can check out to make a well-informed choice. But to make things easier, here are the top options for WI players in 2024.
Ding Ding Ding in Wisconsin
With 800+ games, Ding Ding Ding ranks first on this list of Wisconsin online casino sites for sweepstakes gaming. Another aspect that makes the site stand out is the top-notch welcome bonus of 100,000 GCs and 2.5 SCs.
The vast majority of Ding Ding Ding games are slots. What is most impressive is that the platform is exclusive, with most of its titles coming from in-house software developers.
→ Vampire Night gets the nod as one of the best Ding Ding Ding games. It’s in-house, so it’s not available at other sweepstakes sites. You’ll love it if you’re a fan of horror slot themes.
Fortune Coins in Wisconsin
At Fortune Coins, you get one of the best Wisconsin online casino bonus offers for new players. Specifically, the platform will give you 630,000 Gold Coins and 1,000 Fortune Coins right after registration. You can claim more free coins from the daily login bonus.
If you’re wondering what your gaming options are, Fortune Coins has a library of 550+ titles. Online slots and jackpots occupy most of the collection, but you’ll find innovative fish games. So, there’s something to pick from, regardless of your preferences.
→ You can play Genie’s Lamp by Blazesoft as one of the best games. The slot takes after Aladdin, the Disney character, so you’ll find it attractive.
Funzpoints in Wisconsin
As the name of this casino suggests, it’s a place to catch all the fun. You can play legally on Funzpoints in WI, and the platform will give you 1,000 GC and 2.5 Funzpoints for free once your account is active.
In terms of games, you’ll find up to 90 in the Funzpoints collection. Unquestionably, it’s not an extensive range, but the quality makes up for the quantity.
→ Check out the slot Secret Agent Man when you sign up on the Funzpoints website. In the game, you can trigger up to 10x multipliers during the free spins round.
Hello Millions in Wisconsin
Hello Millions is a leading Wisconsin online casino for sweepstakes gaming where you can play up to 700 titles. To access these games, you don’t need to make a payment. Simply sign up and claim 15,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins from the welcome bonus.
As you explore the Hello Millions game collection, you’ll find a lot of slots. The casino has an app to install if you’re particular about mobile gaming. Yet, the website is still responsive on smartphone browsers.
→ You don’t have to search much to find an editing title to play, as Heart of Cleopatra by Pragmatic Play is among the hottest games at the casino. As you spin the reels, you can win millions of coins from the jackpot.
High 5 Casino in Wisconsin
This list of the best Wisconsin online casino sites for sweepstakes gaming won’t be complete without High 5 Casino. High 5 is your platform if you want to play table games in live dealer mode. The site also impresses with a rewarding signup bonus of 250 Gold Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds.
While the highlights of the High 5 Casino collection are the live dealer casino games, the site still offers 1,200+ hit slots. That’s much more than you get from other alternative sweepstakes casinos.
→ Sky Bounty by Pragmatic Play is one of the thrilling games at High 5 Casino. You can enjoy the free spins feature when you land three or more scatter symbols on the reels.
Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Wisconsin
We’re 100% confident you’ll love the games at our recommended WI online casino platforms with sweepstakes prizes. However, if you’re specifically seeking alternatives to betting real money, below are our top-rated land-based casinos to visit in Wisconsin.
Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells in Baraboo
Opened in 2008, this tribal casino is owned by the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. From the outside, the Class III gaming facility may look small, but it’s different when you go in. You’ll find a broad range of 2,000+ slot machines and 48 table games. Ho-Chunk also impresses with a hotel featuring 300+ rooms, so you have lodging options.
Excellent casino. Good odds on a great mix of games.
Kayla Santiago, From Google Review
- Address: S3214 County Hwy BD, Baraboo, WI 53913, United States
- Phone Number: +1 (608) 356-6210
- Website: ho-chunkgaming.com/wisconsindells
- Opening Hours: 24 hours (9 AM to 1 AM on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday)
- Review on Google: 3.8/5
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee
You can’t miss the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino if you’re in Milwaukee, thanks to its huge 10+ story building. On the casino floor, you’ll find 3,000+ slots, table games, poker, and Bingo. In other words, the Potawatomi Casino has it all.
One of the best things about this location is that you’ll find a machine to play and a table to join regardless of your budget. Check out what this player had to say after visiting the Potawatomi:
One of the very best casinos I have ever played at…. They actually pay out on bonus rounds, and I had a blast all day…. Great payouts.
Brandi Mastain, From Google Review
- Address: 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States
- Phone Number: +1 (800) 729-7244
- Website: paysbig.com
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Review on Google: 4.0/5
St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake
Visiting St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake is sure to be an experience. The gaming floor is massive, measuring up to 95,000 square feet. As you walk, you can play any of the 1,083 slot machines and 24 table and poker games.
Like other top land-based casinos in Wisconsin, this one also has a hotel — with 161 rooms. This player comment provides insights into what to expect if you visit St. Croix.
Fun, exciting casino games. Great food, staff & security. Always a fun, safe time.
Suzzzy Q S, From Google Review
- Address: 777 US-8, Turtle Lake, WI 54889, United States
- Phone Number: +1 (800) 846-8946
- Website: stcroix-casinos.com
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Review on Google: 3.8/5
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Wisconsin?
As a Wisconsin casino player, you have to report your winnings on your federal and state tax returns. The process is relatively straightforward. For state, you’ll file Form 1 with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The department has an electronic filing system, WisTax, making the entire process smooth.
Regarding federal tax, you’ll use the standard Form 1040 and file with the IRS. Depending on the amount you win, you may receive Form W-2G from the casino operator. If you do, include the information in your state and federal tax returns.
Fact: Wisconsin state individual income tax rates vary from 3.50% to 7.65%, depending on your marital status and income source.
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Wisconsin
The fact that there’s no real money online casino Wisconsin permits doesn’t mean you don’t get other gambling options. Land-based casinos are the best alternatives, and we’ve pointed out the top three.
If you want more options, check them out below:
- Sports Betting: WI is one of the US states that supports retail-only sportsbooks. So, you can legally wager on sports when you visit land-based casinos, but you can’t do the same online.
- Lottery: You can play different scratch-offs and draw games offered by the Wisconsin Lottery. Proceeds from these games are channeled towards public education and tax relief.
- Horse Racing: Wisconsin fully permits horse racing and parimutuel. However, there are no active racetracks in the state.
- Charitable Gaming: It’s legal to participate in Bingo and raffle games in WI, so long as they are hosted by licensed non-profit organizations.
History of Gambling in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been a location with varying gambling laws over the decades. If you’re curious about how things have evolved, here’s a timeline of the history of gambling in the Badger State.
- 1965: WI voters legalize sweepstakes and promotional contests.
- 1973: The Wisconsin Constitution is amended to allow bingo games conducted by charitable, religious, and fraternal organizations.
- 1977: The state constitution is further amended to allow raffles.
- 1987: Wisconsin voters approve the establishment of a state lottery.
- 1988: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is passed by Congress, allowing Native American tribes to operate casinos on tribal lands.
- 1991: Wisconsin negotiates compacts with various Native American tribes, officially permitting casino operations on tribal lands.
- 2003: New compacts allow for expanding gambling activities and longer terms for tribal casinos.
- 2016 to 2017: A Daily Fantasy Sports is introduced to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- 2021: Wisconsin tribes successfully amend their compacts to allow in-person sports betting.
What’s Next for Wisconsin Online Casinos?
Real money online casinos are unavailable in many US states, so the situation in Wisconsin is not unique. However, where there’s a clear distinction is in the area of sports betting.
Industry experts agree it’ll be easier for a state to permit real money online casinos if sports betting already has the green light. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in WI.
Wisconsin online casino platforms and sportsbooks are both restricted in the state. Only in-person options are allowed. If WI lawmakers take the bold move and legalize online sportsbooks, the future may be more favorable for real money online casino Wisconsin sites.
According to Potawatomi Casino’s CEO, Dominic Ortiz, online sports betting will indeed become legal in WI one day. Here are his words:
Look, the digital front’s going to come whether I like it or not. For me, the longest runway I could get would be great. I will tell you it’s an inevitable future.
Dominic Ortiz
So, Will You Bet From Wisconsin Tonight?
If you want to bet on games, you can’t use a real money WI online casino since none is legal. As experts, we advise driving down to any land-based casinos we listed in this guide. Either that, or you play and redeem prizes at our top sweepstakes casinos.
Importantly, stick to our recommendations to avoid going against the internet gambling laws in Wisconsin. That said, you can play at real money online casinos if you’re traveling to a different state. Don’t forget to check out our state-by-state guide to online casinos.