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Days after the Senate passed a rival bill, lawmakers in the House moved forward with two more legislation, accelerating Oklahoma’s efforts to allow sports betting. Notwithstanding these developments, all three proposals still face significant political obstacles, such as the possibility of a veto from Governor Kevin Stitt, who has expressed his disapproval.
The Senate plan barely passed, but the House proposals passed with a solid two-to-one majority. All of these bills need to pass both chambers and escape Stitt’s threatened veto in order to become law.
Every bill presents a unique outlook for Oklahoma’s sports betting industry.
Under the Senate’s proposal, the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA and the state’s casino tribes would be able to apply for sports betting licenses. This would let the Thunder to collaborate with companies that offer mobile betting in the Oklahoma City metro area, such as DraftKings or FanDuel. On tribal territories, the squad would not be allowed to take wagers, though.
Conversely, the tribes could establish retail sportsbooks at their casinos and offer mobile wagering within their territories. With 38 federally recognized tribes operating in the state, this could result in a complex network of sportsbooks. Tribal leaders have traditionally resisted any bill extending sports betting rights beyond tribal lands. However, a recent letter from tribal representatives suggests a willingness to engage in discussions with outside stakeholders.
The two House bills both prioritize tribal exclusivity. One would grant tribes exclusive rights to operate retail and mobile sportsbooks within their territories. The second bill proposes a similar structure but includes a provision requiring voter approval in a 2026 referendum. This approach could bypass the governor’s opposition.
While lawmakers push forward, the path to legal sports betting remains uncertain.
Gov. Stitt remains a staunch opponent of restricting sports betting to tribal operators. He has advocated for a broader model that could include horse tracks, the Oklahoma Lottery, and other commercial entities. His veto threat stands as a significant obstacle.
The tribes, on the other hand, are still defending their gaming rights. Tribal leaders continue to have significant legislative influence and billions of dollars in economic contributions, making them a potent force in determining gaming policy. Some argue that there may be a better chance to approve sports betting legislation if Stitt’s term finishes in 2027.
At the moment, sports betting is permitted in 39 states. In the expanding national market, Oklahoma, with its many tribal casinos, is still a noteworthy outlier.