Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the Oneida Nation in Green Bay have amended the tribe’s gaming compact to allow sports betting. Now the compact amendment must be approved by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs within 45 days, hopefully in time for the fall football season. Evers said sports wagering would create new jobs for tribal members. Oneida Chairman Tehassi Hill added it also would boost tourism.
Evers stated, “This is a historic day for our state and will serve a major milestone in the state’s partnership with the Oneida Nation for generations to come. It will provide new opportunities for the Oneida Nation to find new revenue and employment growth while maintaining the integrity of Wisconsin sports.”
The compact will allow sports wagering on professional sporting events, professional sports drafts and nationally televised award shows. It does not permit betting on college sports, elections or events including participants under age 19.
Wagering would be allowed at the Oneida Casino sportsbook or on a mobile phone on tribal properties, such as in the casino parking lot or at another tribal facility.
Forest County Potawatomi Community also hopes to be able to offer sports betting. The tribe issued a statement that said, “The announcement of a sports betting compact agreement between the governor and Oneida is welcomed news. The Potawatomi look forward to bringing sports betting to Milwaukee in the future.”
