The best way to learn about Wisconsin’s poker laws and regulations is to refer to its official legal documents. Meanwhile, those who attempt to run illicit gambling enterprises may even face felony convictions. Section 945.02 of Wisconsin’s Criminal Code states that illegal gambling is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor. Regardless of whether you consider it a game of skill or chance, online poker remains unlawful. In other words, online poker is still illegal in Wisconsin, also evident from the fact that the state defines a bet as: “a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement.” Although the tribe recognized the potential, they didn’t keep the platform alive and closed their poker room soon after. The only effort to enter the iGaming market occurred in 2013 when the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians introduced a play-for-fun site for their Lake of the Torches Casino Resort. The state has never enacted any poker legalization bill, and no attempt has been made in the legislature to do so. Online gambling and poker are still off the table in America’s Dairyland. In this comprehensive online poker guide, we’ll tackle Badger State’s legal landscape and uncover the best poker destinations, live and online. Since WI players are at a loss when it comes to locally-regulated online poker, many of them resort to offshore poker rooms. On the other hand, commercial and online gambling are off-limits, and Wisconsin legislators have never discussed legalizing the two industries. As a result, WI residents can enjoy Class III games, play charitable bingo and raffles, place in-person sports bets, bet on horses, or try their luck with the lottery.

Nevertheless, despite austere laws, the Badger State has a strong tribal casino infrastructure, counting over two dozen Native American gambling venues. Many gambling forms are prohibited, and some, like charitable gaming, exist in a limited capacity.

Wisconsin lags behind some other US states in terms of progressive gambling legislation. By Adrian Sterne Updated: October 2, 2023

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