Is Poker legal in Wisconsin (wi)? Online Poker Laws in Wisconsin Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Wisconsin?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Wisconsin Gambling Laws

There is no shortage of tribal casinos in Wisconsin with approximately two dozen properties owned by 11 tribes spread throughout the state.

In 2013, online gaming murmurs came out of the "Dairy State" when the sovereign Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians took the first step toward iGaming when they launched a play-for-fun site for their Lake of the Torches Casino Resort.

"As online gaming legislation progresses throughout the United States, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council recognizes the need to stay in the forefront of the potential opportunities," said the tribe.

Around that same time period, the state's largest casino — Milwaukee's Potawatomi Hotel & Casino — had this to say:

"Potawatomi Bingo Casino's presence in an increasingly digital world is a big part of our marketing plans, both now and into the future. We have a vibrant website and we're active on a number of social media platforms," said then General Manager Mike Goodrich. "With the proliferation of all kinds of entertainment on laptops, smart phones and tablets, online gambling is certainly a hot-button issue. We are actively monitoring online gambling and continually evaluate how it may fit into our future."

Unfortunately for fans of the game of poker, there has been zero movement since. In fact, things have seemingly regressed as two of the state's largest poker rooms — Ho-Chunk Wisconsin Dells and Potawatomi in Milwaukee — closed up shop. The latter, which closed during the pandemic, may reopen in 2023 according to reports.

As of 2019, the tribes seem more focused on brick-and-mortar operations. At the end of 2018, Walker struck a deal with the Potawatomi Tribe to reduce the tribe's state gaming compact liability from $500 million to $250 million if they were to face any new competition.

The deal came in the midst of a battle between the Potawatomi and Menominee Tribes. The latter is looking to build a casino in Kenosha, but current laws prohibit casinos from being built within 30 miles of one another. By reducing Potawatomi's liability, it increases the chance the project moves forward.

In 2021, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed an agreement allowing sports betting at Green Bay casinos.

Best Online Poker Sites for Wisconsin Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.