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Read Full BioLawmakers in Wisconsin and Mississippi have expressed a belief that online sports betting could be legalized this year. Wisconsin is working on a bipartisan bill with a vote expected in the Assembly. Meanwhile, Mississippi is considering online sports betting as a means to generate additional funds for the state to support pensions and healthcare.
Conservative lawmakers pulled a bill that would have legalized online sports betting in Wisconsin last year, but Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he expects the legislation to be pushed forward again in 2026.
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Vos said the state effectively already has online sports betting, so it makes sense to regulate it. Prediction markets now offer Wisconsin residents the opportunity to wager on sports online, adding to offshore platforms that can also be accessed.
Vos stated, “It’s already happening. So I guess if we already have it, I would rather say that if we’re going to have it in Wisconsin, it can be regulated in a way that’s more transparent.”
Online Sports Betting Likely Exclusive to Tribes
Assembly Bill 601 and its companion, SB 592, would allow tribal gaming groups to offer online sports betting, using an interpretation that bets are placed on tribal lands if servers are located there. This is similar to the way Florida allows the Seminole Tribe to offer online sports betting through Hard Rock Bet.
Tribes in Colorado recently suffered a setback as judges ruled that bets are placed at the location of the bettor, not the server. This means the Ute tribes cannot offer online sports betting to users who are not on tribal lands without following state gambling regulations and paying state taxes.
Similar to Florida, the legislation in Wisconsin would establish a tribal exclusive framework from the outset. The Seminole Tribe has faced legal challenges and had to temporarily shut down its online platform before winning an appeal that allowed it to resume business. Last year, a judge dismissed another lawsuit that sought to invalidate the compact.
Vos admitted that not everyone in Wisconsin is happy about the state’s tribes having sole control over gambling, but he doesn’t expect the situation to change anytime soon. He stated, “That’s the way it is. We can’t fix that. That’s why some people just have to accept where we are, or at least talk about it.”
He also said there are concerns about problem gambling, but believes discussions in the houses can find resolutions. Ultimately, he anticipates a full vote on the proposal. He added, “I do believe in the end, we’ll have a vote on the floor, but we just have to work through some of the concerns that people have.”
Optimism in Mississippi for Gambling Expansion
No states passed new legislation to legalize sports betting last year. Missouri launched its market in December, but the legislation to make that happen had been approved by voters in 2024.
In addition to Wisconsin legalizing online sports betting, this year could also see Mississippi take the same step. State Representative Kevin Felsher said he is hopeful lawmakers will approve plans in 2026.
In comments to WLOX, he stated, “I’m hopeful this year could be the year that we get a sensible mobile sports betting program that protects the integrity of our brick-and-mortars.”
Felsher said additional tax revenue gained from online sports betting could be used to fund the Public Employees’ Retirement System, which is in need of financing. The retirement system is currently about 55% funded with a $26-27 billion shortfall, according to Felsher.
“We need a steady source of funding, whether that be through redoing the lottery, how that’s allocated, or perhaps sports gambling,” Felsher said.
Like in Wisconsin, there is evidence that Mississippi residents are already participating in online sports betting. A study last year found that 60% of students who have gambled have placed a bet on a sportsbook’s website. Yet, current state laws prohibit online wagering. Around 15% of gamblers said they use offshore platforms, while another 15% said they use illegal bookies.
Prediction Markets Could Push States Towards Legalization
The study was conducted in August last year; since then, a host of new prediction market platforms have launched, offering further betting options for users. The rise of prediction markets could accelerate states such as Wisconsin and Mississippi to legalize online gambling.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said as much when announcing the company’s launch into the industry. He stated, “As growth in Predictions continues, this may also motivate more states to legalize online sports betting and iGaming with reasonable regulation and taxation.”
As it holds retail sportsbook licenses in Wisconsin and Mississippi, the company has not launched sports markets in these two states through its DraftKings Predicts app. Instead, it will be hoping lawmakers push forward plans to expand into online sports betting this year.
