This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/wi-legislators-introduce-bill-to-legalize-sports-betting/
A bi-partisan group of legislators recently introduced a bill to make online sports betting legal in Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s Constitution prohibits most forms of gambling in the state except on tribal lands. The new legislation would bypass the constitution by allowing tribes to use online servers within tribal lands for online sports gambling. Supporters point to the example of other states and the ten percent tax gambling revenue increase that’s expected to emerge from this legislation to justify their stance, while those opposed have brought attention to the increased rates of problem gambling across the US.
This legislation purposely sidesteps our Constitution in pursuit of profits. This bill was introduced right before an NBA player and coach were arrested as part of a sports gambling sting by the FBI. Sports Gambling is bad for Wisconsin families. Legislators should consider the societal impact of this bill.