GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Since the U.S. Supreme Court opened the gates for legal sports betting in 2018, the industry has boomed.
Sports betting is banned in Wisconsin, aside from 27 tribal locations. The state’s first sportsbook opened at Oneida Casino in 2021, and the tribe’s revenue has only increased every year since.
“NFL season is a great season for everybody that does sports bet booking, including us,” said Chad Fuss, assistant general manager of finance at Oneida Casino. ” It’s one of our busier seasons.”
Sports betting is legal in 38 states, but not Wisconsin. You can go to a neighboring state like Michigan, Iowa or Illinois, or to one of 27 tribal locations, like Oneida Casino.
“Our busier times are during the NFL football season, during the basketball tournament and then any times that deal with playoffs with professional sports,” said Fuss.
More than 20% of American adults placed a sports bet last year, according to the American Gaming Association, so it’s not surprising that if you ask around, you’ll find bettors pretty easily.
“I go to Michigan sometimes to place some bets,” said Leonardo Mosqueda of Green Bay.
Maybe it’s an over-under on the total score, or a parlay where multiple sequences have to occur to win your money. Or maybe you even gamble in your workplace.
“For example, my son does fantasy football,” said Sandy Martin of Chicago. “He’s invested the most $200 a year, and the most anyone can get out of it is $2,000.”
But it’s no secret sports betting can be addicting. So why do people still participate?
“It makes it more entertaining for sure,” said Mosqueda. “You care more about the players, the games, the spread.”
Oneida Casino makes pamphlets available for gamblers to get help if needed, and they help fund an addiction service.
“We look at the gambling and sports bet booking as entertainment, social,” said Fuss. “We don’t ever want to see individuals get into financial trouble.”
Various U.S. states have reported huge increases in addiction-related calls to their helpline, including Wisconsin.
“I think some people do get addicted, and it can be unhealthy in general,” said Martin. “But for whatever it’s worth, everybody loves to do it, has a lot of fun.”
Sports betting at Wisconsin’s 27 tribal locations is expected to generate $3.7 billion dollars this year. Even with all the concerns about addiction, there’s clearly a market for it.
