Wisconsin and the Oneida Tribal Nation have amended their tribal-state gaming compact to allow sports betting and events wagering. The agreement has been passed over to the US Department of Interior for final authorization.
Governor Toney Evers of Wisconsin and Oneida Nation have agreed on a new tribal-state compact set to finally bring sports betting and event wagering in the state. This is a gamechanger for Oneida as it allows the tribe to offer sports and events wagering at its Oneida Casino and four of its other affiliate gaming locations.
The new Oneida compact amendment defines ‘events wagering’ as anything that includes sports and events betting such as wagering on professional sports, professional sports league drafts, and nationally televised award shows. On the flip side, the compact prohibits wagering on Wisconsin collegiate sporting events and outcomes of elections. In addition, betting on events whose participants are below 19 years old is also prohibited.
When Will Wisconsin’s Regulated Sports & Events Betting Market Go Live?
Gov. Evers and Tehassi Hill, the Oneida Nation Chairman, signed the amended compact last week on Thursday, July 1st. However, as federal law dictates, the amendment must be forwarded to the US Department of Interior (DOI) for a 45-day review before it can officially become state law. The governor’s office has thus sent it to the DOI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and if approved, the tribe plans to have its sports and event wagering operations up and running in time for the kick-off of the 2021-2022 NFL season.
Oneida plans to construct a sports betting lounge at the Oneida Casino, which will act as the focal point of sports betting and events wagering for its other retail locations. Irrespective of where individuals placed their wagers, any payout will have to be cashed out from the Oneida Casino.
The Oneida Tribal Nation is one of the 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in the Badger State. Overall, there are 25 tribal gaming venues in the Badger State, with each of the 11 tribes operating at least one retail gambling facility. However, unlike in most USA states, the tribes in Wisconsin negotiate for their gaming compacts separately. So, if any of the other tribes wish to jump into the sports betting bandwagon, the said tribe will have to engage the state and amend its individual compact.
A Win for Both Oneida and The Badger State
Following the signing of the compact amendment a week ago, the governor shared a few words saying:
Quote“I’m grateful to Chairman Hill and the Oneida General Tribal Council for their partnership on this historic compact amendment. The Oneida Casino is a critical source of revenue and employment for Oneida Nation, and this expansion will bring new opportunities for employment and revenue growth to the Tribe.”
Chairman Hill of Oneida nation also commented on the new development, citing the economic boost that his tribe has been getting since the first tribal-state gaming compact was inked three decades ago. He said:
Quote“This collaboration has been a great testament to intergovernmental agencies working together. When Oneida engaged with the State of Wisconsin by signing our first gaming compact in 1991, 30 years ago, we were a reservation with a struggling but growing economy. Since that time, we have grown tremendously and can provide a better quality of life for our Oneida people and those who live on and around our reservation. We have been fortunate to be working toward recovery in our economy and move toward keeping a safe, professional gaming entertainment facility for Wisconsin travelers. Tourism is an important component of Wisconsin economy.”
Brandon Stevens, the Vice-Chairman of the Oneida Nation, also chimed in after the new arrangement, touching on the economic benefit of gaming expansion for both the tribe and the state. He pointed out that:
Quote“There’s about a five to 12 percent profit in this industry, and the main premise of having a sports wagering amenity to a gaming facility is to bring more foot traffic to the area. What sports betting also does is continue to bring more tourism dollars to the local area, which helps all of our businesses, and so as we continue to grow and expand our business here, northeast Wisconsin will also benefit.”
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