Bingo in Wisconsin: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin allows charitable bingo under Chapter 563 of the Wisconsin Statutes, with detailed rules in Chapters Game 41 to 43 of the Administrative Code. The Office of Charitable Gaming, within the Department of Administration’s Division of Gaming, licenses organizations and enforces the rules.

Wisconsin’s tribes also run bingo. In fact, tribal bingo came first in a big way: high-stakes bingo halls in the 1980s were the start of Indian gaming in the state, before the tribal-state compacts brought slots and table games.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Wisconsin?

The rule at charity games is 18, with a family exception. Section 563.51(13)(a) says players must be at least 18 unless an adult relative by blood, marriage or adoption, or a legal guardian, is on the premises. The state’s guidance adds that proof of guardianship is required and babysitters don’t qualify.

Everyone assisting in running a bingo occasion must be at least 18, and workers can’t play during the occasion they’re working.

Tribal casinos set their own limits. Potawatomi in Milwaukee requires bingo players to be 21, while other tribal halls may allow 18.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin hasn’t legalized online casino games or online bingo, and charity bingo must be played in person at the licensed location. Tribal sports betting is legal only on-site at tribal casinos.

Free bingo apps that don’t pay cash are fine. See our online bingo guide for how to tell free apps from real-money sites.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Wisconsin?

As of October 2026, no state law specifically bans sweepstakes casinos or sweepstakes bingo in Wisconsin, and we found no enforcement action against them. Industry trackers updated in summer 2026 show the major dual-currency brands accepting Wisconsin players.

That’s not the same as the state approving them. Wisconsin’s gambling code (Chapter 945) is broad, and neighboring Minnesota debated a ban in 2026. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer explains how these sites operate.

Where can you play bingo in Wisconsin?

Tribal casinos host the biggest games:

• Potawatomi Casino Hotel (Milwaukee) runs a bingo hall capped at 640 players per session, with a downloadable monthly calendar. Players must be 21.
• Oneida Casino Hotel (Green Bay) has a dedicated bingo hall and has marked 50 years of Oneida bingo in 2026.

Charity bingo runs at parishes, fraternal lodges, veterans’ posts and fire departments around the state. A licensed group can hold an unlimited number of bingo occasions a year, so many halls run weekly games. Check local listings before you go.

How to run a charity bingo game in Wisconsin

1. Confirm your group qualifies as a charitable, religious, fraternal, veterans’ or similar organization under Chapter 563.
2. Apply to the Office of Charitable Gaming for a regular bingo license, or a limited period license for a short run of games, such as at a festival.
3. Buy supplies only from licensed suppliers. State law requires bingo equipment and paper to come from a supplier licensed by Wisconsin.
4. Follow the price and prize rules. Regular cards cost no more than $1.00, special paper cards no more than $1.00 per face, and the state’s bingo booklet sets per-game and per-occasion prize limits. Check the current figures with the Office before you set your payout schedule.
5. Report and pay tax. Licensed organizations file reports, pay the occupational tax on bingo receipts and keep separate bingo accounts.

Our bingo fundraiser guide covers the event-planning side, and our patterns guide helps you plan games.

Gambling should stay fun. If it isn’t, visit our responsible gaming page or call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.