Relating to: the definition of bingo.
AB 572 clarifies the legal definition of "bingo" in Wisconsin law to distinguish it from certain free games. The bill specifies that bingo requires participants to pay to play, uses standard 5x5 cards with numbers 1-75 (including a "FREE" center space), and determines winners based on random number draws matching predefined patterns. Crucially, it explicitly excludes games using free cards and donated prizes where participants pay no consideration, regardless of whether the host pays for prizes or supplies. This change directly affects gambling regulators, local governments, and organizations running bingo events, ensuring only paid participation games fall under gambling licensing rules. The bill does not alter existing bingo rules but provides clear legal boundaries for enforcement.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Oct 24, 2025
Signed Mar 20, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
27
Key actions
6
Committee
4
Mar 20, 2026
Signed into law
Report approved by the Governor on 3-20-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 111
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
upper
Jan 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
upper
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and passed
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-20-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on State Affairs, Ayes 10, Noes 0
lower
Oct 24, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Dallman, Penterman, Brooks, Kaufert, Knodl, Kreibich, Melotik and Subeck;
cosponsored by Senators Jagler and Nass
lower
8 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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