Warning: Undefined array key "post_type_share_twitter_account" in /var/www/vhosts/casinonewsblogger.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/cryptocurrency/vslmd/share/share.php on line 24
Tribal operators in Wisconsin are pointing to ongoing statewide mobile wagering activity in seeking approval of legislation that would formalize online sports betting. Dominic Ortiz, CEO of Potawatomi Casino & Hotel, said the current environment places tribes at a disadvantage without a regulated structure, and urged Gov. Tony Evers to sign legislation that would legalize the vertical under state tribes.
“We hope the governor will listen to all the tribes and listen to each one of them and understand this is a difficult conversation,” Ortiz said on WISN 12’s UPFRONT. “I would say that statewide mobile sports betting is already here and already happening over the state, so we see it as a disadvantage by not being able to go together, and I believe all the tribes can come together.”
The legislation, which passed both the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support, would allow online sports betting through Wisconsin’s tribes. Evers has not stated whether he will approve the measure and has previously raised concerns that not all tribes are aligned.
Readiness and investment considerations
Ortiz said the Potawatomi tribe is prepared to move forward if the bill becomes law.
“We are still on the other side of this, and hopefully the governor signs the legislation and gives us a chance to bring the model compact and see how we can work together,” Ortiz said. “And in conjunction, we can bring that value back to Wisconsin.”
He also referenced continued investment tied to the proposal.
“We continue to send our shared message that this is in the best interest of the state of Wisconsin and the tribes, and we continue to invest,” Ortiz said. “I know Potawatomi is excited to continue to invest in Milwaukee, and that’s what this can bring for us.”
Legal dispute expected
Opposition has emerged from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, which said it intends to file a lawsuit if the legislation is enacted, arguing that the measure is unconstitutional.
“Whether it’s another group that’s out there or us, I certainly expect that this legislation ends up in court, absolutely,” said Lucas Vebber, WILL’s deputy counsel. “I think simply to declare the legislation unconstitutional, I think it’s pretty clear what the legislature did here was purport to use power that the people of Wisconsin took away from them. The Legislature can’t do that, and that would be the ask to a court here.”
“Thirty years ago, the people of Wisconsin took away their power to do so,” Vebber added. “I don’t think there’s really any doubt that the legislature simply can’t pass this bill. They can’t authorize gambling in any form.”
Vebber said the organization worked to inform lawmakers of its position during the legislative session.
“We’re just in a wait-and-see mode here to see what happens,” Vebber added.