Oklahoma is again at the center of sports betting discussions as state lawmakers explore new legislation to legalize wagering. Governor Kevin Stitt recently joined the discussions with an ambitious plan to allow sports wagering in person at tribal gaming facilities and online via state-licensed platforms. This proposal seeks to secure shared economic benefits while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Sports Integrity Remains a Primary Concern
Governor Stitt’s plan has a two-level structure where tribal operators can conduct in-person wagering at their brick-and-mortar establishments while state-licensed sportsbooks offer mobile sports betting. The mobile betting framework mandates that operators obtain a state license, with a $500,000 initial fee and a $100,000 annual renewal fee. Mobile wagers will have a 20% tax, while tribal establishments must pay 15%.
Tribes will be able to add it onto their existing infrastructure, and Oklahomans can access it right from their phone.
Gov. Kevin Stitt
To address student-athlete integrity concerns, the measure would prohibit prop bets on individual college athletes, coaches, referees, and player injuries. Stitt has also urged the NCAA and athletic conferences that impact Oklahoma to offer advice on integrity and transparency measures to protect young athletes and ensure sports wagering does not negatively affect their careers.
Lawmakers Are Already Considering Several Bills
Although Governor Stitt’s proposal offers a framework for how Oklahoma’s sports betting landscape could function, two legislative proposals have also emerged in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 1047 (HB 1047) seeks to permit sports betting under the existing tribal gaming compacts. The legislation envisions a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue and a potential start date of 1 November 2025.
Meanwhile, House Bill 1101 (HB 1101) calls for a public referendum to determine whether Oklahoma residents support sports betting legalization. The proposed legislation would also increase problem gaming treatment funding, with a portion of gaming proceeds allocated to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
As 35 states have already legalized sports betting, Oklahoma faces mounting pressure to follow suit. Proponents believe legal sports betting could generate millions of dollars in revenue each year and curb illegal offshore wagering. However, some lawmakers remain apprehensive, citing concerns over problem gambling and the potential for regulatory conflicts between the state and tribal nations.
As discussions unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that an Oklahoma sports betting bill must carefully balance government and tribal gaming community interests. Whether through legislation or a voter referendum, the state seems poised for a bold leap toward sports betting legalization. Such a move would bring Oklahoma on par with its neighboring states and secure a vital new revenue stream.
