Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin

ClubWPT Online Poker and Casino.

• Legality of Online Poker in Wisconsin. Some states' lawmakers have specifically addressed the issue of playing online poker for real money, whether for or against, but the majority of them have not. Wisconsin happens to fall into the latter category. It's becomes much more difficult to determine the legalities of online poker in a state.
• At least one of Wisconsin's tribes, the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, has its eye on online gambling and real cash Internet poker. In October 2013, it became the first tribe to join the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance.
• Yes, online poker is not regulated or licensed in Wisconsin, but law enforcement does not prosecute residents for real money play online. If you ran an online poker site with servers in Wisconsin, you'd be prosecuted. Individual gamblers are allowed to gamble online in the privacy of their homes, though.
• Wisconsin online poker is legal through sites that are licensed and regulated through offshore jurisdictions. The state does not permit online gambling through sites located within Wisconsin state borders at this time.

Uniquely famous for its dairy products, blistering cold winters and the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin hardly seems like an ideal candidate to regulate online poker and legal real money Internet poker websites. Yet, like most Midwestern states the Badger State is generally tolerant, if not downright accepting of most gambling and poker betting forms.

Tribal casinos and other forms of gambling (including lawful real cash poker) thrive in Wisconsin, leading some to believe that the state most well-known for its cheese and beer will one day regulate online poker and bring Internet poker websites to the gambling fans of WI.

However, to date no iGaming Internet poker legislation has been brought before WI state officials. And there doesn't appear to be any poker website legislation in the works either.

A real money US poker site account can be had in The Badger State, but you need to know where to look. Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Indian Tribe Pushes for Online Gambling Legislation

Quick Jump

• 5 The Facts

At least one of Wisconsin's tribes, the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, has its eye on online gambling and real cash Internet poker. In October 2013, it became the first tribe to join the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance ^[1]. A group working to facilitate the development of real-money iGaming Internet poker and casino betting platforms, the TIGA hopes to bring online gambling like real money Texas Hold'em poker to players located within tribal lands in much the same way that states like New Jersey permit online wagering at Internet poker websites within state lines.

Of the nation's hundreds of Indian tribes, over 50 have already expressed interest in the TIGA, yet to date no others have signed on. The TIGA would need at least three other tribes to join before setting up a gaming commission looking at legit real cash Internet poker laws ^[2]. From there it could go about conducting online operations and running legal real money poker websites.

The Lac du Flambeau has already begun exploring the iGaming Internet poker market in WI, recently launching free-play online slots, table games and Internet poker.

Latest Wisconsin Poker News

Can Players from Wisconsin Play Online Poker?

Despite its liberal gambling and poker betting stance, not all US-facing real cash poker websites accept players from Wisconsin. Determining which ones do and don't can be a laborious process. Instead, we have created a list of poker websites by state where you can do your real money poker gambling at Internet poker online tables from WI.

All of our recommended poker websites are more than welcoming to players from the Badger State, and are known for their speedy payouts, varied game selection and commitment to customer service.

• U. S. Poker Site
• Compatibillity
• Editor Rating
• Deposit Bonus

• Very player friendly
• Generous cashback
• Great mobile play

Is Online Poker Legal in Wisconsin?

Let it be known that our opinions regarding the legality of online poker in Wisconsin are just that, opinions. That said, if you're serious about registering an account on a US-facing real cash poker website and have questions, it's best to consult a legal professional versed in Internet poker gambling law.

But before you do so, it would be a good idea to gain a fundamental understanding of Wisconsin's statues on poker gambling. We highlight several key facets of Wisconsin gambling and betting law, along with our own personal take, below:

• Wisconsin's statues do not provide an explicit definition of the term Gambling. Instead, it defines a bet as a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value, including real money, specified in the agreement. Section 945.01

Based on this definition, it appears that if skill plays a dominant role in a player's decision making, than a real money poker wager would not be considered a bet in WI. However, Wisconsin courts have yet to examine poker under the dominant factor test. Thus, real cash poker cannot be clearly defined as a game of skill, at least not yet.

• Regulated gambling options, including the lottery, pari-mutuel betting and bingo are excluded from the definition.
• By WI law, anyone who makes a bet is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Furthermore, anyone who enters or remains in a gambling or betting place with the intent to make a bet, to participate in a lottery, or to play a gambling machine is guilty of the same. Section 945.02
• The penalties for running an illegal poker gambling or real cash betting operation are much more severe. Those who engage in commercial poker gambling are guilty of a felony. Based on this, even a small, weekly home game of Texas Hold'em real money poker in which the house charges a rake or entry fee is considered illegal – although it's questionable how strictly Wisconsin's gambling law enforcement agents crack down on these seemingly harmless smaller real cash poker games.

For a deeper look at Wisconsin's gambling and poker betting statues ^[3], please refer to the 'References' section.

The Facts

The History of Gambling in Wisconsin

In the early-to-mid 19th century Wisconsin's residents held various local real money gambling lotteries to fund community organizations. Upon achieving statehood in 1848, its newly sworn-in officials began to impose restrictions upon gambling related activities in WI, but to no avail. In fact, gambling and poker betting continued to run rampant throughout the state for another 115 years, as law enforcement agencies lacked the manpower to contain it.

By the 20th century, the mob had become involved with underground real cash poker gambling, prompting authorities to double their efforts. Finally, by 1965 gambling and real money betting was contained. As a compromise to those who enjoyed wagering, and would be compelled to gamble whether it was legal or not, the state began legalizing some forms of real cash gambling – including promotional betting.

By the 1970s, charitable bingo and raffles were legalized, followed shortly after by pari-mutuel betting. However, due to Wisconsin's chilly climate the state does not support any horseracing gambling tracks and thus all real money wagers must be placed at off-track sites.

A statewide WI lottery was approved in 1997, and has since expanded to include seven total games, including two multi-state offerings, Powerball and Mega Millions.

In 1988, federal law permitted tribal nations to construct gambling facilities and legal real money poker gambling rooms on their lands. This did not sit well with Wisconsin's officials. Yet, by 1992 eleven betting compacts with Indian tribes were forged, and by 1998 Wisconsin's tribes were offering blackjack, slot machines and other casino-style games like Texas Hold'em poker. Today, Wisconsin boasts over 20 active casinos, many of which offer tournament poker and legit poker cash games.

Regulated Gambling Options in Wisconsin

The only form of gambling not permitted under Wisconsin law is commercial casinos and real cash poker rooms. The good news is that because the state boasts so many tribal casinos, the absence of the commercial variety of real money poker gambling venues is far less noticeable.

Wisconsin also allows citizens to participate in charitable gambling, place pari-mutuel bets, and to try their luck at the lottery by betting real money too.

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin State

Online poker players in Wisconsin face a tough test when it comes to signing up at online poker rooms, as only a select few will accept residents from this US state.

The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in Wisconsin

At this point, Wisconsin's future iGaming Internet poker plans are a bit unclear. No pro-Internet real cash gambling bills have been brought before legislators in WI, nor does it look like state officials will address the issue of legal poker websites anytime soon.

That said, Wisconsin's tribes may eventually make a strong push for online wagering at Internet poker websites, if only as a means of supplementing the revenue generated from their brick and mortar casinos and real money poker rooms. And if nearby states like Michigan, which are seriously considering the merits of online poker website gambling, pass an Internet poker gambling bill, it might compel Wisconsin's authorities to at least debate the issue of lawful real cash Internet poker.

Fun Fact

The world's most decorated real money poker player hails from none other than Madison, Wisconsin – Phil Hellmuth. The self-proclaimed greatest poker betting player of all-time, Hellmuth has amassed an impressive array of poker hardware including 13 WSOP bracelets, the NBC Heads-Up Championship and wins at over 50 other tournaments ^[4].

A true ambassador of the game of lawful real cash poker, the 'Poker Brat' is perhaps the most recognizable name in all of poker, sometimes more so for his childlike antics than his superior poker gambling play.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin's population of 5.7 million might be able to sustain a thriving poker community of real cash Internet poker players. An interstate Internet poker compact with Michigan would all but guarantee its success. But will that ever happen? Maybe.

The state of WI can take one of three paths towards regulated online poker websites:

• Pass an iGaming Internet poker bill – allowing all players in the state to participate
• Allow tribes to conduct online poker website gambling operations, but only within their lands.
• Wait and see if the federal government passes an iGaming real money Internet poker betting bill.

Unfortunately for WI real cash poker players, none of the aforementioned alternatives will likely see the light of day in the very near future, leaving Wisconsin natives to wait at least another year before iGaming and legal real money Internet poker is addressed.

Well, either that or they could escape the cold and move to Vegas.

References

[1] ↑TIGA – Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance

[2] ↑Tribes, states eye multibillion-dollar online gambling

[3] ↑Wisconsin Gambling Laws – Wisconsin Statues

[4] ↑Phil Hellmuth – Bio

Comments are closed.

Wisconsin may be best known for its vast assortment of delectable cheeses, and there are surely many poker players in the state who enjoy that selection, but their attention is likely focused more on the range of poker games available in the Badger State. Wisconsin's gambling laws do not prohibit poker games in general. In fact, there is an abundance of tribal casinos, more than two dozen of them, dotting the state map; many of which are fully equipped with poker rooms to accommodate the card playing masses. But in today's technological age, the majority of poker playing ‘Cheese Heads' are more interested in the legalities of playing online poker in Wisconsin.

Legality of Online Poker in Wisconsin

Some states' lawmakers have specifically addressed the issue of playing online poker for real money, whether for or against, but the majority of them have not. Wisconsin happens to fall into the latter category. It's becomes much more difficult to determine the legalities of online poker in a state where illegal gambling activities are so ambiguously defined.

Our goal here is to decipher the laws of the state and come to an educated conclusion as to whether online poker is legal in Wisconsin. However, we are not professional lawyers and are, therefore, not qualified to provide legal advice of this nature. Simply put, do not take our word for it. For that, we recommend contacting a local authority on the matter.

Online Poker For Money Wisconsin

Without further ado, let's examine the gambling laws of Wisconsin. We'll also take a look at the probabilities of future online poker regulation in the state.

Wisconsin Statutes – Gambling

Chapter 945 of the Wisconsin Statutes deals with all gambling related matters. The following texts are taken directly from that section of the state's laws. Please note that some text may be omitted or abridged to sustain topical fluency, but the meaning has not been altered.

945.01 Definitions

Bet: A bet is a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement. But a bet does not include [bona fide business transactions, bona fide contests of skill, authorized bingo games or raffles, pari-mutuel wagering, authorized lotteries, prizes for employee referrals/identifications]

Gambling Machine: A gambling machine is a contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value, the award of which is determined by chance, even though accompanied by some skill and whether or not the prize is automatically paid by the machine. [Does not include authorized bingo/raffle/lottery/pari-mutuel betting machines, amusement devices that award free plays and/or merchandise prizes]

Wire Communication Facility: means any and all instrumentalities, personnel and services, and among other things the receipt, forwarding or delivery of communications used or useful in the transmission of writings, signs, pictures and sounds of all kinds by means of wire, cable, microwave or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin

945.02 Gambling

Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor:

(1) Makes a bet…

945.03 Commercial Gambling

…For gain, uses a wire communication facility for the transmission or receipt of information assisting in the placing of a bet or offer to bet on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of a bet or offer to bet…

939.51 Classification of Misdemeanors

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin Government

(3) Penalties for misdemeanors are as follows:

(b) For a Class B misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.

What does it all mean? Is online poker illegal in Wisconsin?

The terms 'online' and 'internet' never appear in the state's gambling legislation, but because the laws are so vague, they could easily be interpreted to include such activities as playing poker online. Although it's a tough call to make, our conclusion would have to be that yes, online poker is illegal in Wisconsin. Let's examine the facts.

A bet is any form of wagering on any unauthorized contest of chance, whether or not skill is involved – that would clearly include poker games that are not authorized/regulated by the state. And anyone who makes a bet is guilty of a class B misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail).

The only authorized forms of betting are tribal casinos, state lotteries, charitable bingo games/raffles and licensed pari-mutuel racing facilities. Online poker sites are not authorized by the state, therefore by default must fall under the category of ‘unauthorized' betting.

Based on this definition, it appears that if skill plays a dominant role in a player's decision making, than a real money poker wager would not be considered a bet in WI. However, Wisconsin courts have yet to examine poker under the dominant factor test. Thus, real cash poker cannot be clearly defined as a game of skill, at least not yet.

• Regulated gambling options, including the lottery, pari-mutuel betting and bingo are excluded from the definition.
• By WI law, anyone who makes a bet is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Furthermore, anyone who enters or remains in a gambling or betting place with the intent to make a bet, to participate in a lottery, or to play a gambling machine is guilty of the same. Section 945.02
• The penalties for running an illegal poker gambling or real cash betting operation are much more severe. Those who engage in commercial poker gambling are guilty of a felony. Based on this, even a small, weekly home game of Texas Hold'em real money poker in which the house charges a rake or entry fee is considered illegal – although it's questionable how strictly Wisconsin's gambling law enforcement agents crack down on these seemingly harmless smaller real cash poker games.

For a deeper look at Wisconsin's gambling and poker betting statues ^[3], please refer to the 'References' section.

The Facts

The History of Gambling in Wisconsin

In the early-to-mid 19th century Wisconsin's residents held various local real money gambling lotteries to fund community organizations. Upon achieving statehood in 1848, its newly sworn-in officials began to impose restrictions upon gambling related activities in WI, but to no avail. In fact, gambling and poker betting continued to run rampant throughout the state for another 115 years, as law enforcement agencies lacked the manpower to contain it.

By the 20th century, the mob had become involved with underground real cash poker gambling, prompting authorities to double their efforts. Finally, by 1965 gambling and real money betting was contained. As a compromise to those who enjoyed wagering, and would be compelled to gamble whether it was legal or not, the state began legalizing some forms of real cash gambling – including promotional betting.

By the 1970s, charitable bingo and raffles were legalized, followed shortly after by pari-mutuel betting. However, due to Wisconsin's chilly climate the state does not support any horseracing gambling tracks and thus all real money wagers must be placed at off-track sites.

A statewide WI lottery was approved in 1997, and has since expanded to include seven total games, including two multi-state offerings, Powerball and Mega Millions.

In 1988, federal law permitted tribal nations to construct gambling facilities and legal real money poker gambling rooms on their lands. This did not sit well with Wisconsin's officials. Yet, by 1992 eleven betting compacts with Indian tribes were forged, and by 1998 Wisconsin's tribes were offering blackjack, slot machines and other casino-style games like Texas Hold'em poker. Today, Wisconsin boasts over 20 active casinos, many of which offer tournament poker and legit poker cash games.

Regulated Gambling Options in Wisconsin

The only form of gambling not permitted under Wisconsin law is commercial casinos and real cash poker rooms. The good news is that because the state boasts so many tribal casinos, the absence of the commercial variety of real money poker gambling venues is far less noticeable.

Wisconsin also allows citizens to participate in charitable gambling, place pari-mutuel bets, and to try their luck at the lottery by betting real money too.

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin State

Online poker players in Wisconsin face a tough test when it comes to signing up at online poker rooms, as only a select few will accept residents from this US state.

The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in Wisconsin

At this point, Wisconsin's future iGaming Internet poker plans are a bit unclear. No pro-Internet real cash gambling bills have been brought before legislators in WI, nor does it look like state officials will address the issue of legal poker websites anytime soon.

That said, Wisconsin's tribes may eventually make a strong push for online wagering at Internet poker websites, if only as a means of supplementing the revenue generated from their brick and mortar casinos and real money poker rooms. And if nearby states like Michigan, which are seriously considering the merits of online poker website gambling, pass an Internet poker gambling bill, it might compel Wisconsin's authorities to at least debate the issue of lawful real cash Internet poker.

Fun Fact

The world's most decorated real money poker player hails from none other than Madison, Wisconsin – Phil Hellmuth. The self-proclaimed greatest poker betting player of all-time, Hellmuth has amassed an impressive array of poker hardware including 13 WSOP bracelets, the NBC Heads-Up Championship and wins at over 50 other tournaments ^[4].

A true ambassador of the game of lawful real cash poker, the 'Poker Brat' is perhaps the most recognizable name in all of poker, sometimes more so for his childlike antics than his superior poker gambling play.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin's population of 5.7 million might be able to sustain a thriving poker community of real cash Internet poker players. An interstate Internet poker compact with Michigan would all but guarantee its success. But will that ever happen? Maybe.

The state of WI can take one of three paths towards regulated online poker websites:

• Pass an iGaming Internet poker bill – allowing all players in the state to participate
• Allow tribes to conduct online poker website gambling operations, but only within their lands.
• Wait and see if the federal government passes an iGaming real money Internet poker betting bill.

Unfortunately for WI real cash poker players, none of the aforementioned alternatives will likely see the light of day in the very near future, leaving Wisconsin natives to wait at least another year before iGaming and legal real money Internet poker is addressed.

Well, either that or they could escape the cold and move to Vegas.

References

[1] ↑TIGA – Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance

[2] ↑Tribes, states eye multibillion-dollar online gambling

[3] ↑Wisconsin Gambling Laws – Wisconsin Statues

[4] ↑Phil Hellmuth – Bio

Comments are closed.

Wisconsin may be best known for its vast assortment of delectable cheeses, and there are surely many poker players in the state who enjoy that selection, but their attention is likely focused more on the range of poker games available in the Badger State. Wisconsin's gambling laws do not prohibit poker games in general. In fact, there is an abundance of tribal casinos, more than two dozen of them, dotting the state map; many of which are fully equipped with poker rooms to accommodate the card playing masses. But in today's technological age, the majority of poker playing ‘Cheese Heads' are more interested in the legalities of playing online poker in Wisconsin.

Legality of Online Poker in Wisconsin

Some states' lawmakers have specifically addressed the issue of playing online poker for real money, whether for or against, but the majority of them have not. Wisconsin happens to fall into the latter category. It's becomes much more difficult to determine the legalities of online poker in a state where illegal gambling activities are so ambiguously defined.

Our goal here is to decipher the laws of the state and come to an educated conclusion as to whether online poker is legal in Wisconsin. However, we are not professional lawyers and are, therefore, not qualified to provide legal advice of this nature. Simply put, do not take our word for it. For that, we recommend contacting a local authority on the matter.

Online Poker For Money Wisconsin

Without further ado, let's examine the gambling laws of Wisconsin. We'll also take a look at the probabilities of future online poker regulation in the state.

Wisconsin Statutes – Gambling

Chapter 945 of the Wisconsin Statutes deals with all gambling related matters. The following texts are taken directly from that section of the state's laws. Please note that some text may be omitted or abridged to sustain topical fluency, but the meaning has not been altered.

945.01 Definitions

Bet: A bet is a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement. But a bet does not include [bona fide business transactions, bona fide contests of skill, authorized bingo games or raffles, pari-mutuel wagering, authorized lotteries, prizes for employee referrals/identifications]

Gambling Machine: A gambling machine is a contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value, the award of which is determined by chance, even though accompanied by some skill and whether or not the prize is automatically paid by the machine. [Does not include authorized bingo/raffle/lottery/pari-mutuel betting machines, amusement devices that award free plays and/or merchandise prizes]

Wire Communication Facility: means any and all instrumentalities, personnel and services, and among other things the receipt, forwarding or delivery of communications used or useful in the transmission of writings, signs, pictures and sounds of all kinds by means of wire, cable, microwave or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin

945.02 Gambling

Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor:

(1) Makes a bet…

945.03 Commercial Gambling

…For gain, uses a wire communication facility for the transmission or receipt of information assisting in the placing of a bet or offer to bet on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of a bet or offer to bet…

939.51 Classification of Misdemeanors

Online Poker Real Money Wisconsin Government

(3) Penalties for misdemeanors are as follows:

(b) For a Class B misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.

What does it all mean? Is online poker illegal in Wisconsin?

The terms 'online' and 'internet' never appear in the state's gambling legislation, but because the laws are so vague, they could easily be interpreted to include such activities as playing poker online. Although it's a tough call to make, our conclusion would have to be that yes, online poker is illegal in Wisconsin. Let's examine the facts.

A bet is any form of wagering on any unauthorized contest of chance, whether or not skill is involved – that would clearly include poker games that are not authorized/regulated by the state. And anyone who makes a bet is guilty of a class B misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail).

The only authorized forms of betting are tribal casinos, state lotteries, charitable bingo games/raffles and licensed pari-mutuel racing facilities. Online poker sites are not authorized by the state, therefore by default must fall under the category of ‘unauthorized' betting.

We've also included the definition of 'wire communication facility' because the internet would obviously qualify as a wire communication. The use of the term is found only once under ‘Commercial Gambling' as use of 'a wire communication facility for the transmission or receipt of information assisting in the placing of a bet…' This law pertains only to the operator of a commercial gambling operation, not the player, but it would give the state more leeway in finding an online poker player guilty of illegal gambling via a 'gambling machine'.

Is Wisconsin working to regulate online poker?

Gambling is a focal topic of debate in America's Dairyland right now, but unfortunately, online poker isn't the subject matter. There are 11 native tribes in Wisconsin, most of which are arguing their rights in terms of gambling expansion and permissible games. For example, the Ho-Chunk Tribe is waiting to hear whether it will be allowed to open a fourth casino in Beloit, while at the same time attempting to block the Menominee tribe from opening a new casino Kenosha. With so much in-fighting between tribal casino operators and Wisconsin officials, it doesn't appear that online poker will become a topic of debate for a very long time to come.

The good news is that the state does permit some form of state-authorized gambling – particularly pari-mutuel wagering. That at least puts Wisconsin on the middle-road for future online poker regulation, rather than the back of the pack with the few states that outlaw all forms of gambling and some of which don't even offer a state-run lottery.