Oklahoma tribes open door to sports betting legalization 

Several prominent Oklahoma gaming tribes have backed the prospect of legalized sports betting in the state. 

A statement from the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), released on March 24, recommended clarifying language to a pair of sports betting bills: SB 125, authored and proposed by Senator Dave Rader, and HB 1047 put forward by Representative Ken Luttrell. 

The OIGA outlined its three principles, detailing how neither bill should harm the state’s existing gaming regulations, they must adhere to standard legislative change procedures, while a regulated sports betting market should make “economic sense” for the tribes. 

Following years of negotiations regarding the legalization of sports betting, support from the state’s tribes could represent a significant step towards a regulated market. 

Currently, Oklahoma’s gaming laws permit wagering on horse racing at racetracks, alongside land-based casino operations overseen by the state’s tribes. 

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt has supported the prospect of non-tribal entities being able to establish operations, which up until recently has been met with resistance from the OIGA. 

Both SB 125 and HB 1047 have seen little momentum at the start of this year’s legislative session, but this update from the OIGA could aid progression. 

“Our membership has been listening carefully to the conversations around sports betting legislation in Oklahoma,” explained Matthew L Morgan, OIGA chairman.  

“We have also met with those proposing legislation and some of the key entities supporting the proposed legislation. After much discussion, OIGA members have articulated a position on sports betting. 

“We believe that the language offered stays true to our guiding principles and puts forth a position that has broad tribal support and attempts to be inclusive of other sports betting stakeholders within parameters of the law.” 

Morgan continued, noting talks are still ongoing. He added: “While we are not finished having our internal discussions around potential future forms of gaming, we think that our proposed language is a great first step to bring legal sports betting to our gaming customers.” 

Previously, the trade body has said it is willing to wait until Stitt’s tenure as state governor ends in January 2027 and work with a new administration. 

Given the strained relations between Stitt and Oklahoma’s tribes, the governor has previously claimed he would veto any bill that granted the tribes exclusive access to sports betting. 

“We need more of a free market accountable system,” Stitt told reporters last month.

“[The tribes are] big businesses. They can sign up and they can do the exact same thing that the [Oklahoma] Thunder [NBA team] or somebody else can, but I don’t want to give a monopoly exclusively to the tribes that are a very reduced number.” 

The state’s 38 gaming tribes have not yet publicly expressed their stance on partnering with commercial sportsbook operators. 

Should either bill be passed into legislation, it is expected that the regulated sports betting market would fall under the watch of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission. 

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Senate has issued its approval for SB 585, which would legalize online sports betting in the state.

Initially, the motion failed to receive the 25 votes required to pass, but following a motion to reconsider, the legislation approved by a vote of 30-16.

The bill, authored by Senator Bill Coleman and Representative Ken Luttrell now awaits discussion in the House.