While Gov. Kevin Stitt threatens to veto Oklahoma sports betting legislation, lawmakers appear to be pursuing a backdoor option.
Last week, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee advanced two House sports betting bills, HB 1047 and HB 1101. If Rep. Ken Luttrell’s HB 1047 fails to get by Stitt, but the legislature passes Luttrell’s HB 1101, voters in the state would have a say on Oklahoma sports betting at the polls.
Sports betting proposals in Oklahoma have not gone far in previous years because of Stitt’s contentious relationship with the state’s tribes, which have a say in any gaming issue. The tribes paid the state $210 million in 2024 for the exclusivity.
Oklahoma sports betting bill
Luttrell’s language is informed by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association and would give the tribes sports betting exclusivity. It requires a supplement to the Model Tribal Gaming Compact.
Sen. Bill Coleman, the proposal’s Senate sponsor, said it could bring up to $42 million annually into state coffers. The bill would set a 10% tax on the industry.
The committee passed the enacting legislation, 8-1.
In 2023, Luttrell guided similar legislation through the House, only for it to flop in the Senate.
Another option to avoid veto threat
Stitt, however, has vowed to veto any legislation that gives tribes exclusivity. That is where HB 1101, which passed the committee with a 6-3 vote, could come into play.
The move would send the issue to the ballot if HB 1047 fails or is vetoed. A similar maneuver was used in 2003 when voters opted to create a state lottery.
“This procedure was used in 2003 when members did not want to take a vote on the lottery,” Coleman said, per the Oklahoma Voice.
Stitt vs. tribes
Stitt attempted to legalize sports betting through compacts with two tribes in 2020. Oklahoma courts denied the compacts after multiple tribes sued.
Since then, tribal relations with the governor have remained icy. Legislative leadership has even threatened to take over compact negotiations.
Stitt unveiled a plan in 2023 that would include state-issued licenses for commercial sportsbook operators. He referenced that plan again during this session.
