Looking to gamble in Wisconsin? Well, you really are spoilt for choice! With more than 20 casinos in Wisconsin, all offering a wide variety of gaming options, living in the Badger State really isn’t a bad choice for gamblers. Although the games you’ll find in a casino are dependent on the jurisdiction it is situated in, getting around to a casino really isn’t all that hard. (This can’t really be said for all states located in the Midwest.
If you would like to find out more about gambling in Wisconsin, make sure to stick around. Below, we have a look at the gambling laws in the state, types of gambling in the area, casinos in Wisconsin, and the answers to some of the most popular questions about placing bets in the area.
If the idea of going to visit an actual casino is a bit much for you, we also list the best online casinos in Wisconsin, so that you can make playing casino games so much easier!
Wisconsin has pretty specific gambling laws. The minimum age for gambling varies depending on the form of gambling. The minimum age for bingo, raffles, the lottery, and off-track betting is 18. However, the minimum age for everything else is 21.
Like in many other states, casinos in Wisconsin must be located on Tribal reservations. To obtain a license for their casino, the tribe needs to enter into a gaming pact with the state. In addition, the local area in which the casino will be situated needs to approve the construction of a casino.
The games available at a casino are impacted by the allowances made by local jurisdictions. Many casinos offer slots, video poker, and table games. However, some are limited to only slots and other similar games.
Outside of casino gambling, Wisconsin also has charity gambling in the form of bingo and raffles as well as the lottery. It is important to note that the prize pool of a charity bingo game is limited to $2,500. With regard to the lottery, available games include scratch cards and keno.
Technically, the state also offers off-track horse and dog racing betting. However, the last track in Wisconsin was closed in about 2009. One or two casinos do feature tracks, which will allow you to bet on races.
Types of Gambling in Wisconsin
The following types of gambling are available in Wisconsin:
Casino gambling. Games include slots, blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, horses, and the lottery. The games available in a particular casino is dependent on the laws within the jurisdiction.
Lottery games. You can play keno and scratch cards.
Off-track betting. Most racetracks in Wisconsin are closed, but some casinos still run races.
Charity betting. You can play bingo or raffle games for charitable purposes.
Fantasy sports betting is allowed as there are no laws that challenge the practices of operators.
List of Casinos in Wisconsin
Here is a list of the casinos you can visit while in Wisconsin:
Casino
Address
Bad River Lodge& Casino – Odanah
73370 US-2
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Madison
4002 Evan Acres Rd.
Grindstone Creek Casino – Hayward
13394 W. Trepania Rd.
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Black River Falls
W9010 WI-54
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wittenberg
N7198 US-45
Irene Moore Activity Center – Green Bay
2100 Airport Dr.
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Nekoosa
949 County Rd. G
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino – Bayfield
37600 Onigamiing Dr.
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Tomah
27867 WI-21
Lac Courte Oreilles Casino – Hayward
13767 W. County Road B
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells
S3214 County Highway Blvd.
Lake of the Torches – Lac du Flambeau
510 Old Abe Rd.
Mason Street Casino – Green Bay
2522 W. Mason St.
Mohican North Star Casino – Bowler
W12180 Co Rd. A
St. Croix Casino Hertel Express – Webster
4384 WI-70
Menominee Casino Resort – Keshena
N277 WI-47
Oneida Bingo Casino – Green Bay
2020 Airport Dr.
Mole Lake Casino & Lodge – Mole Lake
3084 WI-55
Potawatomi Northern Lights – Carter
618 WI-32
St. Croix Casino – Turtle Lake
777 US-8
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino – Milwaukee
1721 W. Canal St.
St. Croix Casino – Danbury
30222 WI-35
History of Gambling in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s gambling history is still relatively short compared to many other states in the same area. The first form of gambling to be legalized in the area was bingo for the purposes of charity in 1973. Following this, raffles were legalized in 1977 with the same reasoning.
It would take another decade before any other form of gambling would be legalized in Wisconsin. In 1987, the lottery was legalized as was horse and dog racing. Although racing is still available in the state, there are no longer any tracks due to low demand.
In 1992, Governor Tommy Thompson signed a gaming compact with the tribes in the area. And in the coming years, more than 22 Indian casinos would be opened across Wisconsin. These casinos are able to offer slots but not table games despite many approval attempts.
It will be interesting to see what else Wisconsin will legalize as sports betting is legalized by many states surrounding it.
Wisconsin Casinos FAQs
Does Wisconsin have casinos?
Yes, there are casinos in Wisconsin.
How many casinos are in Wisconsin?
There are currently 26 casinos in Wisconsin.
What is the biggest casino in Wisconsin?
The largest casino in Wisconsin is Potawatomi Bingo Casino.
How many Indian casinos are in Wisconsin?
There are 26 Indian casinos in Wisconsin. There are no other operators in the state.
Is smoking allowed in Wisconsin casinos?
Smoking is allowed in most Wisconsin casinos. The one notable exception is the Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison facility.
What casino can you gamble at 18 in Wisconsin?
The Grindstone Creek Casino allows 18-year old players to play bingo only. Most of the other casinos require you to be 21. You have to be 21 to play all other games besides the lottery.
