Wisconsin taxpayers sue Governor over tribal-run online sports betting law

On Wednesday, the Brown County Taxpayers Association together with Citizens Defending Liberty lodged a federal complaint against Governor Tony Evers and several state officials, contending that the April-signed Act 247 legalizing online sports betting on tribal land violates the 1993 constitutional amendment that barred gambling expansion. The plaintiffs argue the law creates a racial classification by granting exclusive benefits to the 11 federally recognized tribes, and that the governor lacks authority to negotiate compacts that would permit statewide betting.

They request an injunction to stop enforcement of the act and any related compact negotiations. Governor’s spokesperson Britt Cudaback said the administration will oppose efforts that undermine tribal sovereignty. The lawsuit joins other recent actions, including suits by the state attorney general and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over prediction-market platforms. Legal experts note the case could reshape Wisconsin’s gambling framework and its relationship with tribal nations.