MILWAUKEE — Potawatomi Casino Hotel announced its first-ever sportsbook will open to the public on Friday, March 31, with two temporary locations.
Mayor Johnson placed the first bet. Watch the announcement here:
The two temporary locations have 20 kiosks. The kiosks will be located near the former Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill and off the skywalk on the property's second level.
"We have a big vision to bring this quickly before MLB and before the Bucks reach the playoffs. So my team has been working 24-7. Everybody wants to see that Bucks in six," said Dominic Ortiz, Potawatomi Hotel and Casino CEO.
Here's what you can bet on:
Work is continuing on the permanent location in the northwest corner of the casino. Potawatomi released new renderings of what that space will look like Friday. Check it out:
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson placed the first bet Friday at the temporary location around 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to bet on the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers games.
"With this is so many other ways, we have to be competitive with our peers," said Johnson. "I want to make sure that we’re using all the tools we have at our disposal, whether it’s being competitive with things like sportsbook, or being competitive in other ways that states are bringing in new revenues by doing things that we haven’t done in the past."
According to UrbanMilwaukee, the mayor put $20 on the Milwaukee Bucks to win the NBA Finals with +250 odds. So if the Bucks win the mayor could redeem his ticket to get from the casino $70, or $50 in winnings.
Forest County Potawatomie is the second tribe in the state, after Onieda Nation, to offer sports betting on tribal land. Other sports betting in Wisconsin is illegal.
"That really gives us the opportunity to build our business because Forest County has invested heavily in the city and continues to do that," said Ortiz.
For now, you can only bet on the kiosks. Later this year, the Potawatami plans to introduce an app for betting, but you'll still only be allowed to bet within the walls of the casino.
Previous coverage
Wisconsin is joining more than 20 other states in the country to allow sports betting.
When it comes to total tax revenue for sports betting in states that allow it, Pennsylvania leads. According to LegalSportsReport.com, Pennsylvania has collected nearly $144 million since 2018. Number two is New Jersey with $140 million. Nevada is third with $65 million followed by Illinois with $47 million.
Wisconsin received $29 million in taxes from casino revenue in 2019. The money went to the state’s general fund. Now that sports gambling is coming into the equation, Governor Evers’ administration says it isn’t expecting a large increase in tax dollars.
Total Tax Revenue (since June 2018):
- Pennsylvania $144,195,525
- New Jersey $139,557,505
- Nevada $65,083,500
- Illinois $47,428,572
The biggest gaming weekend of the year is returning to Milwaukee and starts today! The Midwest Gaming Classic is set to welcome more than 20,000 gamers and pop culture lovers from across the world to the Wisconsin Center. Welcome to Milwaukee! ♟🧩
— Mayor Cavalier Johnson (@MayorOfMKE) March 31, 2023
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