As expected, at least one Oklahoma sports betting bill has been filed ahead of the 2025 session, but its path forward is far from guaranteed.
Sen. Dave Rader introduced Senate Bill 125 last week, which would authorize the state’s tribes to enter compacts to offer Oklahoma sports betting. The Oklahoma legislative session begins Feb. 3.
Similar efforts have been tried in the past, but the state’s tribes are at odds with Gov. Kevin Stitt. Many lawmakers in Stitt’s Republican Party are also frustrated with the governor’s tribal relations.
Oklahoma sports betting bill details
Rader’s bill’s language would amend the state’s Model Tribal Gaming Compact, which sets up the state’s gambling framework.
The bill would allow tribes to amend their compacts with the state to offer in-person and mobile wagering. At least four tribes would need to enter the new compact agreement.
The supplement to the gaming code would also enact new fees from sports betting:
- 5% of the first $5 million of net revenue in a calendar year.
- 6% of the next $5 million in revenue.
- 7% of the subsequent revenues.
Stitt remains a hurdle
Since Stitt became governor in 2018, lawmakers have struggled to pass sports betting-related bills because of his relationship with the tribes, which hold gambling exclusivity. This year, Sen. Casey Murdock introduced a bill based on a plan from Stitt, but it did not move beyond its committee assignment.
Rep. Ken Luttrell is likely to co-sponsor a bill with Sen. Bill Coleman next year, according to Coleman. Luttrell passed a sports betting bill through the House in 2023. It fell apart in the Senate because of the rift between the tribes and Stitt.
Coleman told LSR earlier this year that the relationship between the tribes and Stitt has not been repaired, and any solution will require deep conversations.
Oklahoma tribes open to discussions
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan told LSR earlier this year that the tribes are open to discussions.
“Our members remain united to move our industry, our communities, and our state forward and will work with any partners who share that vision,” Morgan said. “We have several new faces in the state legislature and new leadership in each chamber and will see where the legislature and Governor Stitt’s priorities lie.”
OIGA requirements for a sports betting compact:
- The solution does not breach current compacts.
- It utilizes the compact supplement outlined in the compacts.
- The economics make sense for both sides.
