Despite Gov. Kevin Stitt’s pledge to veto any Oklahoma sports betting bill that grants tribes exclusivity, the House has advanced a proposal that does just that.
This week, Rep. Ken Luttrell’s Oklahoma sports betting bills, House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101, both advanced through the House and are on their way to the Senate. That comes as the Senate advanced a bill that would give the Oklahoma City Thunder an online sports betting license.
During a press conference Wednesday, Stitt doubled down on his opposition to tribal exclusivity for sports betting. He also is not a fan of the Thunder-centric bill, explaining that lawmakers have not sought his input.
Oklahoma tribal sports betting details
HB 1047 sets up sports betting for the tribes in the state, requiring at least four to amend their state compacts. If HB 1047 fails to pass the legislature, HB 1101 would put the issue up to voters.
“These bills represent a balanced approach, ensuring both tribal and public interests are served,” Luttrell said in a release. “By legalizing sports betting, we’re not only creating new opportunities but also capturing revenue from millions of dollars that are currently being bet illegally or out of state. This means Oklahoma will benefit from those funds, which will help strengthen our economy and provide additional resources for critical services. At the same time, we’re securing existing funding for mental health services and addressing the challenges of compulsive gambling. This benefits all Oklahomans.”
Luttrell guided a similar proposal through the House in 2023.
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association released a statement in support of Luttrell’s bill earlier this week.
Thunder-centric plan moves, too
The Senate has pushed forward Sen. Bill Coleman’s bill to grant the Thunder an online license. The tribes could then offer sports betting on tribal land.
The tribes and Thunder would need to reach an agreement for the proposal to work. OIGA told LSR this week that the parties do not have a meeting scheduled.
Coleman told LSR this week that he is “not sure that is going to happen” about the two sides reaching an agreement.
Veto potential
Earlier this year, Stitt said he would veto any sports betting bill that gives tribes exclusivity. He recently reiterated his preference for a plan he rolled out in 2023.
If the bills are vetoed by the governor, the legislature can override them with two-thirds votes.
Tribal relations with Stitt have been shaky since he took office. In 2020, he attempted to legalize sports betting through two amended tribal compacts, but the state’s attorney general ruled the move illegal.
