Wisconsin Online Poker Rooms
Is Poker Legal In Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, live poker is only legal under state-tribal compacts established through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Casinos offer live poker rooms with state audits conducted through the Office of Indian Gaming and Regulatory Compliance. Keep in mind, poker in Wisconsin is legal at tribal casinos only, as commercial poker rooms are prohibited, and no privately-owned casinos are allowed outside tribal lands.
As for online poker laws in Wisconsin, it is unregulated. No legislative movement has been discussed to change this, so playing on offshore poker sites is considered a legal gray area. Many online poker sites accept Wisconsin residents, as they operate with licenses outside of the state and country, thus subject to international trade laws.
What Is The Legal Poker Age In Wisconsin?
In order to play poker in Wisconsin, you must be 18 at charitable poker gaming locations. However, players must be 21 to participate in casino-style poker games and poker tournaments. Engaging in underage poker playing may result in legal consequences, though enforcement is typically limited, as you'll be told whether you can play or not at the door. The legal poker age in Wisconsin at offshore poker sites is 18 years old.
Live Poker Rooms In Wisconsin
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino – Milwaukee, WI
Potawatomi is the largest and most active poker room in Wisconsin. Located in Milwaukee, the room hosts between 15 and 20 tables and is non-smoking. Offering No Limit Texas Hold’em ($1/$2 to $5/$10), Limit Hold’em (ranging from $3/$6 to $100/$200), Pot Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud, players can expect regular daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $50 to $200. Major events like the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) also swing through. Promotions include high-hand jackpots ($200–$500), bad-beat bonuses, and private rooms for high-stakes action.
Oneida Casino – Green Bay, WI
Oneida Casino is the live poker room in Wisconsin for residents in the northeast portion of the state. It offers 8 to 10 tables of Limit Texas Hold’em ($2/$4 and $3/$6), No Limit Texas Hold’em ($1/$2), Omaha variants ($3/$6 and $4/$8), and Seven-Card Stud. The casino promotes daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $50 to $150 and runs regular promotions such as high-hand bonuses ($100–$300) and bad-beat jackpots. Game tracking and live stats are available via Bravo Poker Live, and the rake remains consistent with state tribal norms at 10%, max $5.
Closest Live Poker Rooms
The poker rooms in Milwaukee and Green Bay are the closest live poker rooms in Wisconsin no matter where you live. However, if you're looking for a different poker venue in one of the neighboring states with poker, consider these options.
| Poker Room | Distance from City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines (IL) | ~100 miles from Madison | 20–22 tables. NLHE ($1/$3 to $5/$10), PLO, occasional Stud. Daily tournaments ($100–$500), WSOPC events. |
| Grand Victoria Casino (IL) | ~90 miles from Madison | 12–15 tables. NLHE ($1/$2, $2/$5), PLO ($1/$2). Daily and monthly tournaments. Softer games, smaller crowds. |
| Island Resort & Casino (MI) | ~75 miles from Appleton | 6–8 tables. NLHE ($1/$2, $2/$5), LHE ($3/$6), PLO ($1/$2). Weekly tournaments, high-hand and occasional bad-beat promos. |
| Treasure Island Casino (MN) | ~160 miles from Wisconsin Dells | 8–10 tables. NLHE ($1/$2, $2/$5), LHE ($3/$6). Weekly tournaments. Good for weekend getaways |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On How To Play Poker In Wisconsin
Can You Play Poker At Home For Money?
State law prohibits placing bets or participating in unlicensed gambling activity, and this includes home poker games for money. A 2015 court ruling reaffirmed that poker is considered gambling, and while low-stakes games in private settings may be common, they technically carry misdemeanor penalties. As there is no exemption for “social gambling", charitable poker events are also banned, unless they're free-to-play and non-cash prizes are awarded.
Can I Play BetMGM Poker From Wisconsin?
BetMGM Poker is not available in Wisconsin due to the lack of licensing that prohibits them from accepting residents. However, if you travel to Michigan, you can legally access BetMGM Poker. Once there, players can join any legal poker sites in Michigan, including BetMGM, and play in daily tournaments directly from their phone, where buy-ins range from $5 to $535. With re-entry options and a full schedule available in the app, just log in while in Michigan to register and play.
Is Ignition Poker Legal In Wisconsin?
While online poker is not regulated in Wisconsin, there is no law that forbids players from accessing Ignition Poker. Ignition stands out with its fully loaded casino features, integrating blackjack, video poker, and slots directly into the poker software. This allows players to enjoy both poker and casino games without switching platforms, making it easy to gamble a little in between hands, during folds, or when a player is taking too long to make a decision. Also, Ignition has many fast and easy-to-use online poker deposit options for players to use when they sign up in Wisconsin.
Is Bovada Legal In Wisconsin?
Bovada offers poker access to Wisconsin residents, and its focus is on tournaments. Whether you’re looking for Knockout Tournaments, where you can win cash prizes by eliminating opponents, or the thrilling Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments with up to 1,000X buy-ins, there’s something for every player. With $200,000 guaranteed tournaments and a stunning $2M in Weekly Guarantees, players can expect substantial prize pools and highly competitive action. Playing Bovada Poker in Wisconsin is the place for great rewards during tournaments.
Is BetOnline Poker Available in Wisconsin
Yes, BetOnline is available in Wisconsin to play poker. With BetOnline, you can earn a 100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000! This promo is one of the best poker bonuses online in Wisconsin because it matches your initial deposit dollar-for-dollar, and with 8 days of complimentary tournament tickets, you’ll also get a chance to qualify for the $100,000 Sunday Showdown. This is by far the easiest way to rake your way to rewards right from the start.