DraftKings Announced New Partnership to Open Retail Location in Wisconsin

DraftKings is about to become the first non-tribal sportsbook to enter the Wisconsin sports betting market.

The sportsbook has announced that it has agreed to a new partnership with Wisconsin’s Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The deal will allow DraftKings to open a retail sportsbook at the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. Wisconsin regulators will need to approve the new partnership, and all expectations are that they will.

“Lake of the Torches is excited to add retail sports betting to our property as a new gaming amenity for our valued guests to enjoy,” Casino CEO Bill Guelcher said. “Our goal is to implement sports betting operations with a strong brand recognition and extremely high-quality product performance, and we’re honored to collaborate with DraftKings as an industry leader.”

While the casino is located almost four hours outside of Milwaukee and Madison, the area is a popular vacation destination for Wisconsin residents. 

The new sportsbook is expected to rival the one built in Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Casino, giving bettors options on both ends of the state. However, online sports betting remains illegal in the Badger State, meaning DraftKings will only be available at the retail location.

Wisconsin Unable to Legalize Online Betting

DraftKings will be the first non-tribal sports betting operator to enter the state. While they cannot launch their industry-leading online sportsbook, the partnership will give them an inside track once Wisconsin legalizes the industry. 

Wisconsin has been conservative in its approach to sports betting, mainly because its constitution makes the industry illegal. That means an amendment would be needed to launch the industry, which sets a far higher bar for legalization. The only exception is for the state’s tribes, which are allowed to open sportsbooks.

The state hasn’t had much momentum for legalization, but changes could be coming to the legislature. Congressional maps have been redrawn, which could end the incredibly conservative state senate and open a path for legalization.