Oklahoma sports betting bills took a step forward Monday, but their fate seems all but sealed already.
The House Appropriations and Budget Select Agencies Subcommittee moved Rep. Ken Luttrell’s HB 1047 and HB 1101 forward this week. HB 1047 would legalize sports betting in Oklahoma, while HB 1101 would put it to a public vote should 1047 fail.
The pair of bills now go to the full committee. The legislation comes as the tribes remain at odds with Gov. Kevin Stitt with no compromise in sight.
A Luttrell proposal passed the House in 2023.
Oklahoma sports betting proposal
Luttrell’s legislation would allow Oklahoma’s tribes to have sports betting exclusivity. It would require at least four tribes to renegotiate tribal-state compacts to include the activity.
Oklahoma would tax the tribes 10% on sports betting revenue.
If HB 1047 fails but HB 1101 passes, Oklahomans could vote on the issue.
Senate bill also in play
Sen. Dave Rader introduced a bill earlier this year, SB 125. It follows a similar path to Luttrell’s by legalizing sports betting with four tribes renegotiating their compacts.
However, it follows a tiered tax rate system, starting at 5% on $5 million. It would escalate to 6% on the next $5 million and 7% on anything above $10 million.
Stitt remains roadblock
Stitt unveiled a plan last year that did not move the legislative needle. Previously, Stitt attempted to legalize sports betting through two updated compacts in 2020.
Even members of his own party are weary of his tribal relations. Legislative leadership has threatened to take over compact negotiations.
Still, NewsChannel 8 reported this week that Stitt remains opposed to tribal exclusivity for sports betting.
“Any bill that only allows sports betting licenses for tribal entities is a no-go for the governor,” NewsChannel 8 reported.
Tribal reception in Oklahoma
Earlier this year, bill sponsor Sen. Bill Coleman told LSR that the tribal relations are still shaky. The tribes have a say in any gambling issue in the state because of their compacts.
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan told LSR the tribes remain open to discussions.
Tribal acceptance of the issue needs to hit three OIGA requirements:
- The solution does not breach current compacts.
- It utilizes the compact supplement outlined in the compacts.
- The economics make sense for both sides.
