Wisconsin Bookies: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison
When we talk about Wisconsin and its bookie environment, two teams come to mind: The Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers, based out of Madison. Milwaukee has its Major League Baseball and NBA teams, neither of which have had much of a significant impact in recent years yet the city is still very sports-friendly.
Bookies received a warning shot during the month of September 2016 with the Badgers continuing to upset opponents. A 30-6 win over Michigan State in Week 4 made it clear Wisconsin will be contending in the Big Ten and giving headaches to the area bookies.
A quality Pay Per Head like Real Bookies runs all aspect of the bookie business with the exception of handling financial transactions. They charge a small weekly fee per customer (per head), often starting around $10. In the long run, bookies and agents alike save money while minimizing the headaches involved in running such a business entirely on their own.
Bookies are especially prominent in area sports bars and pool halls. Green Bay has quite a few of those including Legendary Larry’s, Kroll’s East, Tilted Kit Pub & Eatery, Duzzi’s and more. Milwaukee has Upper 90 Sports Pub, Aliotas and Kelly’s Bleachers among others. Madison has Jordan’s Big Ten Pub, Player’s Sports Bar, Echo Tap & Grill and Wilson’s Bar.
Sports betting in the state is a simple misdemeanor while bookmaking is considered a felony.
Wisconsin has not actively prosecuted sports betting establishments in recent years. The state was one of the few that attempted to quash online gambling during its pioneer years, however.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com