Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB592

Introduced
10/24/25  
Refer
10/24/25  
Report Pass
11/6/25  

Caption

An Act to create 945.01 (1) (h) of the statutes; Relating to: excluding certain event or sports wagers from the definition of “bet”.

Impact

By redefining the term 'bet', SB592 could lead to an expansion of legal wagering options available to residents. This may encourage economic activity within the state by enabling more sporting events to be wagered upon legally, thus potentially increasing state revenue through taxes and licenses tied to gambling activities. Additionally, any changes to the legal framework surrounding sports betting could also attract more operators to the state, further enhancing the market's competitiveness.

Summary

SB592 aims to clarify the legal definition of what constitutes a 'bet' by excluding certain event or sports wagers from this definition. This distinction is significant as it could potentially broaden the scope of permissible wagering activities within the state. The intent behind the bill is to provide more clarity for both regulators and operators in the sports betting market, ensuring that those involved in the industry can operate without ambiguity regarding what is legally permissible.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, discussions surrounding SB592 may highlight opposing viewpoints. Critics might argue that broadening the definition of permissible wagers could lead to an increase in gambling addiction and associated social issues. There is often a debate about whether gambling should be expanded in the state and how it might impact community values and the well-being of residents. Supporters of the bill, however, are likely to emphasize the economic benefits and the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of sports and gambling in America.

Companion Bills

WI AB601

Crossfiled An Act to create 945.01 (1) (h) of the statutes; Relating to: excluding certain event or sports wagers from the definition of “bet”.

Previously Filed As

WI AB601

Excluding certain event or sports wagers from the definition of “bet”.

WI A09636

Limits sports wagering to wagers on the final outcome, score, or winner of a sporting event or contest.

WI A389

Establishes hotline for reporting behavior negatively affecting integrity of sporting events and excludes persons responsible from future sports wagering activities; prohibits certain sports wagering advertisements; requires independent oversight of sports wagering operations to ensure integrity.

WI S3200

Establishes hotline for reporting behavior negatively affecting integrity of sporting events and excludes persons responsible from future sports wagering activities; prohibits certain sports wagering advertisements; requires independent oversight of sports wagering operations to ensure integrity.

WI SB354

Removes sports-related proposition betting from the definition of permitted sports wagers and prohibits micro-bets and proposition bets. (8/1/26) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

WI A2370

Includes electronic sports event as sports wagering; authorizes electronic sports wagering at certain locations.

WI S3468

Includes electronic sports event as sports wagering; authorizes electronic sports wagering at certain locations.

WI S08433

Relates to wagers on certain horse racing events; authorizes agreements between a mobile sports wagering operator, mobile sports wagering licensee, or operator and an entity that possesses a license and that has the authority to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on the form of racing involved in the relevant horse racing event, involving wagers to be made solely by residents of the state of New York while located within New York, and subject to the approval of the commission.

WI HB5142

SPORTS WAGERING DEFINITION

WI S02343

Prohibits wagers on a horse racing event unless such racing event is offered pursuant to a fixed odds sports wagering agreement; authorizes agreements between a mobile sports wagering operator and an affiliate to locate self-service sports betting kiosks upon the premises of the affiliate.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.