Wisconsin Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Wisconsin. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Wisconsin. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in Wisconsin in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Wisconsin is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALWisconsin prohibits online casino gambling and online poker under Wis. Stat. § 945.02 and related statutes. The state permits limited in-person gaming such as tribal casinos and the state lottery, but internet gambling is not authorized.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software intended for illegal gambling is prohibited.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online casino or poker platforms is illegal under Wis. Stat. § 945.02.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on offense (Wis. Stat. § 945.02).
Minimum Age
18+ for legal in-person gambling; online gambling not authorized.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
ILLEGALWisconsin prohibits online gambling and online sports betting under Wis. Stat. § 945.02. The state has not legalized any form of online sports betting or online casino gambling.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of online gambling devices or software is illegal.
Licensed Operators
Sale or facilitation of online gambling or sports betting is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges under Wis. Stat. § 945.02.
Minimum Age
18 years old for legal gambling activities (where permitted).
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Wisconsin as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is available in limited form in Wisconsin, such as tribal casinos only or limited retail locations. Online betting may not be available.
In-Person Betting
Restricted. Wisconsin has not passed comprehensive sports betting legislation, but the Oneida Nation launched retail sports betting at their casino in 2022 under an amended tribal compact. Other tribes may follow. No statewide online/mobile betting.
Online/Mobile Betting
Retail only at select tribal casinos (Oneida Casino). No statewide online/mobile betting. Very limited market.
Penalties
Wisconsin Statute § 945: gambling is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days, $1,000 fine). Commercial gambling is a Class I felony.
Minimum Betting Age
21+