An ambitious open sportsbook launch is expected by the end of 2022 as Forest County Potawatomi pledged its commitment to do so at the property’s hotel and casino, Milwaukee. It is a historical change as casinos and affiliate locations in Wisconsin, operated by the Forest County already, allow wagering on sports and non-sports events.

Forest country Potawatomi\

On Friday, Governor Tony Evers and Chairman Ned Daniel’s Junior of Forest County agreed to amend existing laws. The new amendment will allow Forest County to provide permissions for sports betting in casinos, affiliate locations at Wisconsin for event wagering, and sports events/non-events.

Governor Evers said,

“I am glad for the good work of Chairman [Ned] Daniels, the Forest County Potawatomi, and the folks at the Department of Administration to get this done so folks can enjoy sports and another event wagering in our state while benefitting the Tribe’s economic growth.”

 The agreement legalizes sports betting and will need the US Department of Interior’s approval. The department shall review the document for 45 days before acting upon it.

In practical terms, the agreement offers new opportunities for Forest County Potawatomi to continue its special offers. Their current betting operations are limited to the neighboring areas of Menominee Valley and Forest County.

Commencing activities by the end of 2022

Upon approval issued by the Governor, Forest Country can also commence activities at the two casinos. However, this is likely to happen only by the end of 2022.

Chairman of Forest County, Daniels, said,

We appreciate Governor Evers and his Administration working with us in a government-to-government manner to provide our Tribe the tools needed to compete in the marketplace and giving us the business certainty to continue our investments in Milwaukee and throughout the state.” 

More importantly, the amendment will also prolong the term of the current contract to 2061. This is a compact amendment is not a standalone agreement. Instead, Evers has similar compacts with competitors Oneida Nation and St.Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. Since it began operations in November, Oneida Nation has been relatively new to the sports betting environment.