The journey to potentially legalizing Oklahoma sports betting continues to be a roller coaster.
Local news outlet NonDoc reported this week that Oklahoma sports betting might be the biggest issue remaining this session, and whether there is a deal or not remains to be seen. Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell have worked over the past several years to legalize sports betting.
As the session winds down, ending as early as May 8, the pair of lawmakers “have fluctuated between jubilation that a deal appeared done and frustration it may have fallen apart,” according to NonDoc.
“We’re still working on it,” Coleman said, per the publication. “We’ve got plenty of time left to get something across the finish line.”
Sports betting issues at hand
Oklahoma sports betting has been at an impasse since 2020, when Gov. Kevin Stitt attempted to legalize sports betting through two tribal compacts. The other tribes were not fans of the plan and eventually state courts rejected the compacts.
Since then, the tribes and governor have remained at odds, with legislators trying to find a middle ground. Stitt has vowed not to legalize tribal exclusive sports betting. Stitt terms out this year, but has pushed his own plan.
The tribes hold gambling exclusivity in the state.
The NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder have also been brought to the table at various times throughout the process, even as a potential license holder.
FanDuel wants in on OK
FanDuel is ready to team up with a tribe and enter the Oklahoma sports betting market.
“Oklahomans are already engaging in sports betting on unregulated offshore platforms—legalization would bring this activity into a safe, regulated market,” a FanDuel spokesperson said. “This effort could generate $75-100 million in revenue for the state over five years that does not exist today, helping to fund various priorities across Oklahoma communities.
“FanDuel welcomes the opportunity to partner with tribal nations to build a responsible framework and encourages lawmakers to move this effort forward.”
Oklahoma sports betting bills
There are two bills in play: Senate Bill 585 and House Bill 1047. They have been stalled since last session. HB 1047 cleared the House and remains on the Senate’s General Order Calendar. House Bill 1101 also sits on the Senate calendar, which would send the issue to the ballot if Stitt vetoed HB 1047, a route taken in 2003 to legalize the state lottery.
A new bill could also emerge this week with new components for a deal between stakeholders. A new deal could send 8% of revenue as an exclusivity fee for the tribes. The fund would help “boost tourism [and] promote the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
However, not all tribes are in agreement on the issue. A crux is where tribes can offer their sports betting, with the current proposal reportedly limiting it to formal tribal jurisdictions, proposed by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. However, the Cherokee Nation does not want that stipulation.
“It’s not what Coleman and I wanted either,” Luttrell said, per NonDoc. “We wanted border to border, open mobile. The rest of OIGA besides the Cherokees want to roll it out and start it and maybe keep it at traditional tribal boundaries. I just want to get it done — something done.”
Legislative leadership waiting
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate President Pro Temper Lonnie Paxton are waiting for updates on a final sports betting deal.
“I have heard that all the tribes involved in gaming — except one — are supportive of the language, and so we take that into consideration,” Hilbert said last week.
“I know Rep. Luttrell has been working on it for eight years now, but I have not seen final language myself yet.”
