The chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Gary Besaw, recently alerted state lawmakers about the high cost of illegal gambling in the state. He estimated that illegal gambling operations in Wisconsin are costing the state millions of dollars in lost revenue each year.

Besaw’s warning comes as the state legislature is considering a bill that would legalize sports betting in Wisconsin. While many lawmakers are focused on the potential revenue that legal sports betting could generate, Besaw is urging them to also consider the negative impact of illegal gambling on the state’s economy.

Illegal gambling operations often operate outside of the law, without proper licensing or regulation. This means that they are not subject to the same taxes and fees that legal gambling operations are required to pay. As a result, they can offer higher payouts and attract more customers, which can lead to significant revenue losses for the state.

Besaw pointed out that illegal gambling also has a negative impact on legitimate businesses, such as casinos and racetracks, that are licensed and regulated by the state. These businesses are required to follow strict rules and regulations, which can be costly and time-consuming. Illegal gambling operations, on the other hand, can operate with little oversight and without having to comply with these regulations.

Besaw’s warning highlights the need for lawmakers to take a comprehensive approach to gambling regulation in Wisconsin. While legalizing sports betting could generate much-needed revenue for the state, it is important to also address the issue of illegal gambling and ensure that all gambling operations are subject to the same rules and regulations.

In addition to lost revenue, illegal gambling can also lead to other negative consequences, such as increased crime and addiction. By legalizing and regulating all forms of gambling in Wisconsin, lawmakers can help to ensure that these negative impacts are minimized and that the state’s economy benefits from this industry in a responsible and sustainable way.

In conclusion, Gary Besaw’s warning about the cost of illegal gambling in Wisconsin serves as an important reminder that lawmakers must consider all aspects of gambling regulation when making decisions about this industry. By taking a comprehensive approach, they can help to ensure that the state’s economy benefits from this industry while also protecting consumers and businesses from the negative impacts of illegal gambling.