Sheriff Warns Public of Illegal Video Gambling Machines in Wisconsin

Amid growing community concerns, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and local businesses about the illegality of video gambling machines in Wisconsin.
Sheriff’s officials said recent inquiries from community members prompted the department to clarify Wisconsin law regarding these devices. According to a fact sheet from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, video gambling machines are considered illegal gambling devices when they offer players a chance to win something of value, even if some skill is involved.
“It is clear that additional education is needed to ensure that both residents and businesses fully understand the laws governing these devices,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal to possess, operate, set up, collect proceeds from, or participate in the earnings or maintenance of video gambling machines for commercial gambling purposes. Violators may face a Class I felony, which carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines, up to three years and six months in prison, or both.
Property owners or tenants who allow gambling on their premises may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, facing fines up to $10,000 and up to nine months imprisonment.

A narrow exception exists for establishments with a Class “B” alcohol license that have five or fewer video gambling machines. In these cases, violations result in a $500 forfeiture per machine, enforced solely by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Officials emphasize that this exception does not legalize the machines, but places certain violations under a different penalty structure than more serious misdemeanor or felony offenses.
The sheriff’s office urges all Class “B” establishments to ensure they have no more than five video gambling machines to avoid harsher criminal penalties.
“This is not an endorsement of gambling machines — they remain illegal statewide — but a proactive step to help local businesses avoid harsher penalties,” the statement read.
Gambling machines are classified as contraband and may be seized by law enforcement. Municipalities may enact ordinances permitting seizure, destruction, or local forfeitures related to illegal gambling activity.
The sheriff’s office said its goal is to educate and support lawful business operations, not to punish businesses that may be unaware of the law. Business owners and residents are encouraged to review the Department of Revenue’s “VGM – Fact Sheet” online for a complete understanding of the statutes and penalties.
Concerns or possible violations may be reported to local law enforcement agencies or directly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue through its Alcohol Beverage Complaint portal.
The sheriff’s office thanked the community for its cooperation in keeping Dodge County “safe, informed, and compliant with state law.”