Gambling in Wisconsin is defined as a “bargain in which parties agree, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement.” In practical terms, Wisconsin judges are supposed to follow a “predominance test” and weigh the importance of skill against the influence of luck to determine whether a specific contest is permissible. When the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed in 1988, the local authorities didn’t have any doubts about signing tribal-state gambling compacts with them.

Wisconsin is home to 11 federally recognized Indian tribes.

The Wisconsin gambling industry used to revolve around horse and dog racing, but with all the racetracks going out of business, it now leans on the local tribal casinos instead.