Wisconsin Online Casinos — Which One to Pick in 2024
Online casinos with real money are not legal in Wisconsin, making it essential to understand the state’s gambling laws before you play. However, the Badger State offers alternatives like sweepstakes casinos and land-based venues for casino fans.
In this guide, we’ll unpack the current legal landscape, including the latest updates on online gambling, the best platforms for gaming fun, and how to handle taxable winnings. Let’s get started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn the reason Wisconsin State is not authorizing online casinos.
- Find out the best legal alternatives for WI players.
- Get insights into the future of online casinos in Wisconsin.
Best WI Sweepstakes Sites To Play Online Casino Games
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in Wisconsin, allowing residents to play online casino games and redeem virtual coins against cash prizes.
While we have a complete list of the best US sweepstakes casinos you can check out to make a well-informed choice, we also have our top options of sweepstakes sites available in Wisconsin:
Other Gambling Options in Wisconsin
While real-money online casinos are not legal, Wisconsin offers several authorized gambling options. Here’s a detailed look at what’s available for WI residents and visitors:
| Type of Gambling | Legal Age | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sweepstakes Casinos | 18 | Operates without real money, offering a legal online alternative for casino fans. |
| Land-Based Casinos | 21 | Tribal casinos across the state feature slots, table games, and poker rooms. See examples below: — Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells — Potawatomi Hotel & Casino — Oneida Casino |
| Sports Betting | 21 | Limited to select tribal casinos with on-site sportsbooks. |
| Simulcast Betting | 18 | Simulcast events are available at authorized facilities. |
| Charitable Gaming | 18 | Licensed charities host raffles, bingo, and other low-stakes games for fundraising purposes. |
| Lottery Games | 18 | The Wisconsin Lottery includes draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-offs. |
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.
Reporting Taxable Winnings in Wisconsin
As a Wisconsin casino player, you must report your gambling winnings on both federal and state tax returns. The process is simple:
- State Taxes: Use Form 1 to file with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. You can conveniently submit your return through their online system, WisTax.
- Federal Taxes: File your winnings with the IRS using Form 1040. If you win a significant amount, the casino operator may issue you a Form W-2G, which must be included in your federal and state filings.
Fact: Wisconsin’s individual income tax rates range from 3.50% to 7.65%, depending on your income and marital status.
What’s Next for Online Casinos in Wisconsin?
Real-money online casinos are currently prohibited in Wisconsin, and there’s no active legislation aiming to change that. Experts suggest that if online sports betting becomes legal in the future, it could pave the way for online casinos. Potawatomi Casino’s CEO, Dominic Ortiz, calls this shift “an inevitable future.”
For now, your best options are land-based casinos or sweepstakes platforms that allow you to play legally. If you’re traveling, check our state-by-state guide to explore states where online casinos are already legal.
References
- WisTax — Retrieved on Dec 02, 2024
- WI Constitution, Section 24 Gambling — Retrieved on Dec 02, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you must report winnings on both federal and state tax returns.
No, horse racing and parimutuel wagering are not legal in Wisconsin.
There’s no legislation currently in progress, but experts believe online sports betting could lead to changes in the future.