Wisconsin Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in WI

Wisconsin, the gambling scene used to be all about horse and dog racing. But now, with all the racetracks going out of business, the tribal casinos are where it’s at.

There are 11 Indian tribes in Wisconsin that the federal government recognizes. Back in 1988, when the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, the local authorities quickly signed tribal-state gambling compacts with them. No questions asked!

List of Top Gambling Venues in Wisconsin

Related reading: Wisconsin online casinos

Best Casinos in Wisconsin

1. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is a popular casino located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The casino was launched in 1991 and has since become one of the largest casinos in the state. The venue spans over 780,000 square feet, and features over 2,500 slot machines, including popular titles such as Buffalo Gold, Wheel of Fortune, and Lightning Link. In addition to slot machines, the casino offers a wide variety of table games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat.

Aside from gaming, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino also features numerous dining options, including upscale options like Dream Dance Steak and RuYi, as well as more casual eateries such as The Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill and Canal Street Cafe. The casino also offers a variety of entertainment options, with venues such as the Northern Lights Theater and the Event Center hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other events throughout the year.

For guests looking to stay overnight, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers a luxurious hotel with 500 rooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. Other amenities include a fitness center, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool. Prices for rooms vary depending on the season and availability, but generally range from around $100 to $300 per night.

Overall, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers a comprehensive gaming and entertainment experience for visitors, with a wide variety of options for dining, accommodations, and amenities.

2. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells is a popular casino located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The casino was launched in 1999 and features over 2,200 slot machines and a variety of table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more. Popular slot titles include Dancing Drums, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link.

The venue spans over 315,000 square feet, making it one of the largest casinos in the state. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and admission is free.

Aside from gaming, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells also features numerous dining options, with restaurants like Copper Oak Steakhouse and Standrock Buffet offering a variety of cuisines. The casino also hosts events and entertainment throughout the year, including concerts and comedy shows.

There’s a hotel with over 300 rooms, ranging from standard to luxury suites. Prices for rooms vary depending on the season and availability, but generally range from around $100 to $250 per night.

The hotel also features a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a spa. Other amenities include a gift shop, a coffee shop, and a convenience store.

3. Oneida Casino

Oneida Casino is a popular casino located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The casino features over 900 slot machines and a variety of table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more. Popular slot titles include Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune, and Buffalo Gold. The casino was established in 1985 and has since undergone multiple expansions. The current venue size spans over 36,000 square feet and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admission to the casino is free.

Aside from gaming, Oneida Casino also offers numerous dining options, with restaurants like Vince Lombardi’s Legendary Sports Bar & Grill and Duck Creek Kitchen + Bar offering a variety of cuisines. The casino also hosts events and entertainment throughout the year, including concerts and comedy shows. For guests looking to stay overnight, Oneida Casino does not have an on-site hotel. However, the casino partners with nearby hotels to offer discounted rates to guests.

4. Menominee Casino Resort

Welcome to the Menominee Casino Resort, a one-of-a-kind destination nestled in the heart of Keshena, Wisconsin. Boasting an impressive selection of over 800 slot machines and table games like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more, this place is a true haven for anyone who loves to gamble. You can’t miss the chance to play some of the most popular slot games around, like Buffalo Gold, Wheel of Fortune, and Lightning Link.

With a whopping 33,000 square feet of space, Menominee Casino Resort has been a beloved spot for gaming enthusiasts since it opened its doors in 1987. The best part? The casino is open 24/7, so you can enjoy it anytime you like, without ever having to pay a dime for admission.

But Menominee Casino Resort is much more than just a gambling hotspot. It’s also home to some of the most delicious dining options you’ll find in the area, such as The Forest Island Restaurant and The Thunderbird Restaurant, serving up a diverse range of cuisines that will delight your taste buds. And, of course, the entertainment here is top-notch, with concerts and comedy shows being hosted throughout the year.

For those who want to extend their stay, Menominee Casino Resort offers a range of accommodations, with 103 rooms ranging from standard to luxury suites. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space to rest your head or an extravagant suite to indulge in, Menominee Casino Resort has got you covered.

Prices for rooms vary based on the season and availability, but generally range from around $70 to $200 per night.

5. St. Croix Casino & Hotel

If you’re looking for a fun night out, head over to St. Croix Casino & Hotel in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. With over 1,000 slot machines and table games like Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular slot games include Buffalo Gold, Lock It Link, and Dancing Drums.

The casino is massive, covering over 95,000 square feet and has been open since 1993. You can visit any time you like because it’s open 24/7 and best of all, admission is free!

But St. Croix Casino & Hotel is not just a gaming destination. There are plenty of dining options to satisfy your appetite, like Me-Ki-Noc and the St. Croix Perks Coffee Shop, which offer a variety of cuisines. And don’t forget the entertainment! There are concerts and comedy shows throughout the year.

If you’re thinking of staying the night, St. Croix Casino & Hotel has got you covered with 153 rooms, ranging from standard to luxury suites. Prices vary depending on the season and availability, but generally fall between $90 to $180 per night.

Wisconsin Gambling Revenues

If you’re curious about gambling revenues in Wisconsin, you might be interested to know that the state generated $1.3 billion in total gaming revenues in 2020. This number includes revenue from both tribal and non-tribal casinos, as well as from lottery sales.

Of that $1.3 billion, around $836 million was generated by the state’s tribal casinos, while non-tribal casinos generated approximately $240 million. The remaining $224 million came from lottery sales.

In terms of where these revenues are allocated, a significant portion of the money goes to support the state’s general fund, which is used to fund various public services and programs. Additionally, a portion of the revenue is distributed to local communities where the casinos are located, as well as to the state’s education fund.

It’s worth noting that gambling revenues can fluctuate from year to year based on a variety of factors, including the economy and changes in consumer behavior. However, for the most part, gambling remains a significant source of revenue for both the state and the tribes that operate casinos within its borders.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to eleven Indian gaming tribes, each with its own unique history and cultural heritage. These tribes have a long and complicated relationship with the state government, with many disputes arising over issues such as sovereignty and gaming rights.

One of the most significant events in the history of Wisconsin’s Indian tribes was the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. This law gave tribes the right to operate casinos on their land, which has become a significant source of revenue for many of the state’s tribes.

However, not all of Wisconsin’s Indian tribes have been able to benefit from gaming in the same way. Some tribes have struggled to generate revenue from gaming, while others have faced legal challenges from the state over their right to operate casinos.

One example of such a dispute is the ongoing legal battle between the Ho-Chunk Nation and the state of Wisconsin over the tribe’s plans to expand its casino in Wittenberg. The state argues that the tribe’s plans violate the terms of its gaming compact, while the Ho-Chunk Nation maintains that it has the right to expand its operations.

Here are the eleven Indian gaming tribes in Wisconsin:

• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
• Forest County Potawatomi Community
• Ho-Chunk Nation
• Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
• Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
• Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
• Oneida Nation
• Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
• St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
• Sokaogon Chippewa Community
• Stockbridge-Munsee Community, Band of Mohican Indians

A History of Gambling in Wisconsin

If you’re curious about the history of gambling in Wisconsin, you might be surprised to learn that it dates back to the state’s earliest days. In fact, gambling was a popular pastime among early settlers, with games like poker and faro being played in saloons and other establishments.

Despite its popularity, gambling was largely unregulated during this time, and many lawmakers viewed it as a threat to public morality. In 1851, the state legislature passed a law banning all forms of gambling, which remained in place for more than a century.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that attitudes toward gambling began to change in Wisconsin. In 1987, the state entered into a gaming compact with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, which allowed the tribe to operate a high-stakes bingo hall on its reservation.

This compact set the stage for the development of Indian gaming in Wisconsin, with additional compacts being signed with other tribes over the next few years. Today, there are 26 Indian casinos in the state, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

In addition to Indian gaming, Wisconsin also allows for charitable gambling, including raffles and bingo games, as well as pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog races. The state also operates its own lottery, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year.

Despite the legalization of certain forms of gambling in Wisconsin, the state has a complicated relationship with the industry. In recent years, there have been numerous disputes between the state and Indian tribes over issues like gaming rights and the expansion of casino operations.

One of the most contentious of these disputes involves the Ho-Chunk Nation and its plans to expand its casino in Wittenberg. The state has argued that the tribe’s plans violate the terms of its gaming compact, while the Ho-Chunk Nation maintains that it has the right to expand its operations.

Gambling Taxes in Wisconsin

If you’re a gambler in Wisconsin, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll have to pay in taxes on your winnings. In general, the state taxes all forms of gambling winnings, including those from Indian casinos, non-tribal casinos, and lottery prizes.

The amount of taxes you’ll owe on your gambling winnings in Wisconsin depends on a few factors, including the type of game you played and the amount you won. For example, if you win more than $1,200 on a slot machine, the casino will withhold 24% of your winnings for federal taxes, and you’ll also owe state taxes of 7.65%.

If you win a lottery prize of more than $5,000, the state will withhold 7.65% in taxes, and you’ll also owe federal taxes. However, if you win a prize of $5,000 or less, you won’t owe any additional state taxes.

To pay your gambling taxes in Wisconsin, you’ll need to fill out Form 1 on your state income tax return. This form allows you to report your gambling winnings and losses, as well as any taxes you’ve already paid. You’ll also need to attach any relevant documentation, such as a W-2G form from a casino or a lottery prize claim form.

It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling activity throughout the year, including the dates and amounts of your winnings and losses. This will make it easier to complete your tax return and ensure that you don’t pay more in taxes than you owe.

Overall, gambling taxes in Wisconsin can be complicated, but with a little bit of preparation and some careful record-keeping, you can ensure that you’re fulfilling your tax obligations without paying more than necessary. If you have any questions about how to report your gambling winnings or how to pay your taxes, it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Wisconsin Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Wisconsin casinos before being taxed? 

In Wisconsin, you are required to pay taxes on all gambling winnings, including those from casinos. If you win more than $1,200 on a slot machine or video poker game, or more than $5,000 in a poker tournament, the casino will withhold 24% of your winnings for federal taxes, and you’ll also owe state taxes of 7.65%.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Wisconsin? 

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to exclude yourself from Wisconsin casinos, you can enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program. This program allows you to ban yourself from all Wisconsin casinos for a period of five years. To enroll, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide a photo of yourself, which will be distributed to all Wisconsin casinos.

Who regulates gambling in Wisconsin? 

The Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Division of Gaming is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. This includes overseeing Indian gaming operations, issuing licenses for charitable gambling, and enforcing the state’s gambling laws.

What is the minimum gambling age in Wisconsin? 

In Wisconsin, the minimum gambling age is 21 for all forms of gambling, including Indian casinos, non-tribal casinos, and lottery sales. Minors caught gambling can face fines and other legal consequences.

Can I gamble online in Wisconsin? 

No, online gambling is not currently legal in Wisconsin. The state has not passed any laws allowing for online casino games or sports betting, and it is illegal to operate an online gambling site within Wisconsin’s borders.

What types of gambling are legal in Wisconsin? 

In Wisconsin, the types of gambling that are legal include Indian gaming, non-tribal casinos, charitable gambling (such as raffles and bingo), pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog races, and the state lottery.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Wisconsin? 

Yes, you can deduct your gambling losses on your Wisconsin income tax return, up to the amount of your gambling winnings. However, you’ll need to keep accurate records of your gambling activity, including the dates and amounts of your winnings and losses. It’s also important to note that you can only deduct your losses if you itemize your deductions rather than taking the standard deduction.