The WCC is asking Wisconsinites to contact their state senator and representative to oppose SB 592 and AB 601, which begins the process of legalizing online sports gambling in Wisconsin.
WCC Urges Legislators to Oppose Online Sports Gambling Legislation
November 17, 2025
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| The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) encourages all citizens to contact their state senator and representative to oppose SB 592 and AB 601, which begins the process of legalizing online sports gambling in Wisconsin. The bill was scheduled to receive a floor vote in the Assembly on Wednesday, November 19, but it was pulled from the calendar. However, the Senate and Assembly may take the bill up in January. Until then, please continue to contact your legislators.
The Catholic Church does not object to games of chance or wagers in themselves (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2314). However, gambling is unjust when it surpasses entertainment and becomes a source of enslavement, depriving people of what they need. Online sports gambling harms individuals and families, especially those that can least afford it.
The WCC’s recent memo to legislators highlights studies showing the negative impacts of online sports gambling, including:
- Households involved in online sports gambling saw their net investments fall by nearly 14%.
- Households using sports gambling apps lost an average of $1,100 per year.
- Online sports gambling led to decreased credit availability, increased credit card debt, and a higher incidence of overdrawing. Effects were particularly acute among households that were least able to afford it, pushing them deeper into debt.
- Online sports gambling led to higher rates of bankruptcy, decrease in net investments and financial health, as well as increased rates of mental health crises and suicide.
- Fewer than 5% of online sports gamblers turned a profit over time.
In addition to enabling these negative impacts, the legislation also does not include important consumer protections, such as advertising restrictions, maximum spending amounts, or additional support for gambling addiction treatment and prevention.
Join the WCC in urging legislators to vote NO by contacting your legislators below. |
Thank you for taking action to keep harmful online gambling practices out of Wisconsin.
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