Online sports betting has been all the rage recently, especially with the advent of daily fantasy sports and mobile betting, making it easier than ever to place a wager on your favorite team. The Packers are obviously a fan favorite to bet on—and they better be if you’re in the Midwest. If you’re wondering how to bet on the Packers or if online gambling is legal in general, here’s a brief overview and what you can expect in Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohionans rejoice—sports betting was made legal after a lengthy legislative process that started several years ago. Almost exactly one year ago, Ohio legalized sports betting at the very start of January 2023. Since then, it has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state and has given residents and visitors a new way to enjoy their favorite sports. Sites like OHGamblers.com make it easy to compare all the different options that have popped up in the last year, offering their betting services to residents of Ohio and the gambling community at large.
There are some restrictions when it comes to online sports betting in Ohio. If you plan on betting on the next Packers game, you’ll need to be 21 and physically present in the state of Ohio. You do not need to be a resident, so out-of-state visitors can freely enjoy all the sports betting their heart desires.
Sports Betting in Wisconsin
Those in Wisconsin will probably want to head somewhere where sports betting is legal, as the Wisconsin Legislature has been slow to get the ball rolling in that department. While daily fantasy sports aren’t explicitly legal, there has been no push from the authorities to tackle it or restrict any access. That said, traditional online sports betting is still illegal. You can bet in person at several different locations across the state, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a legal avenue online for sports betting. As sports betting continues to grow across America and the world at large, hopefully, Wisconsin will follow suit, and residents will be able to bet on sports online in the coming years. Packers fans will have to leave their home state if they plan on betting on their favorite team online.
Sports Betting in Michigan
Another state to recently legalize sports betting online, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Gaming Act back in 2019, which allows nearly every type of online gambling provider to obtain a license. This has given residents and visitors of Michigan the ability to bet on sports from the comfort of their own homes or really anywhere they have an internet connection.
Large organizations like ESPN have even expanded into the state, offering betting on a variety of sports—including the beloved NFL and Packers. The market has settled somewhat in the three years since it’s full rollout, but there are still new providers and betting sites emerging all the time.
In short, if you’re in the Midwest and are looking to bet on the Packers or any other sports team, you’re better off heading to Michigan or Ohio. While Wisconsin does allow in-person sports betting, they have yet to legalize online sports betting, making it impossible to safely bet online in the state.
