Potawatomi Casino sportsbook in Milwaukee opens Friday, what to know about the new venue, sports betting in Wisconsin

Potawatomi Casino's sportsbook, poker room, and high limit room opens on Friday.

Construction of the new part of the casino began in 2023 following the closure of the Northern Lights Theater at the Menomonee Valley complex.

Here's what to know:

How do I place a bet on the Kentucky Derby?

You’ll be able to sip a $7 mint julep at the casino this weekend but sorry, you will not be able to lay down a legal Kentucky Derby bet there. The gambling hall is not taking action on the Derby.

Can I place a legal bet anywhere else in the Milwaukee area?

No — though we are sure there will be plenty of illegal wagers being made around the state. Neither the Oneida or Ho-Chunk casinos are taking action on the Derby. The Oneida tribe's largest casino is in Green Bay and Ho-Chunk has casinos in several locations, including Madison and the Wisconsin Dells area.

Can I play poker at the Potawatomi Casino?

The poker room, which has been closed for nearly four years is re-opening. There will be 14 tables, each seating nine players and the casino may add a 15th table, according to a casino spokesperson.

When is the Potawatomi sportsbook open?

The sportsbook section opens Friday and will take bets 24-7. The poker room is open from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.

How large is the sportsbook and poker areas?

Sportsbook, poker, the high limit room and a restaurant cover about 37,000 square feet in the casino.

By the end of the year, when the casino's renovation project wraps up, the first-floor gaming level will span over 70,000 square feet.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Potawatomi Casino sportsbook, high-stakes poker room: What to know