Despite some optimism earlier this week, a late session push to legalize Oklahoma sports betting appears to have come up short Wednesday.
The Oklahoma Senate voted against House Bill 1047, 21-27. Even if the Senate advanced the Oklahoma sports betting bill to Gov. Kevin Stitt, the governor was likely to veto the bill.
“Governor Stitt has been clear that he will only support a free market approach to sports betting in Oklahoma,” Stitt said in a statement according to The Oklahoman. “No legislation has reached his desk yet, so we won’t comment on specifics of pending legislation. The Governor is not interested in expanding Democrat Gov. Brad Henry’s bad gaming compact that lacks transparency and fair market rates.”
Opposition in the Senate cited potential societal harms as a major reason against legalization.
Late Oklahoma sports betting deal not enough
Sports betting sponsors Rep. Ken Luttrell and Sen. Bill Coleman announced a deal this week between a majority of stakeholders and would use Luttrell’s HB 1047, which has sat since last year, as the vehicle.
The agreement would have allowed tribes to take in-person bets at casinos Nov. 1.
If five tribes agreed on online sportsbooks, it could then be available shortly later. The deal would send 8% of revenue to the state, part of which would be used to promote the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, which had been brought into discussion multiple times over the years. Other funds would go toward supporting childhood literacy and higher education.
Coleman said the Thunder, University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University would also be incorporated into the language.
Tribes supported deal
Tribes hold gambling exclusivity in Oklahoma. This bill would have granted them exclusive rights to sports betting, but allow them to partner with commercial operators.
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan announced support of the bill Tuesday.
“The membership of Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) has been listening carefully to the conversations around sports betting legislation in Oklahoma for many years. We have also met with those proposing legislation and some of the key entities supporting the proposed legislation.
“After much discussion, a majority of OIGA members have arrived at a position of support for HB 1047.
“We believe that the proposed legislation stays true to our guiding principles and puts forth a position that has broad tribal support and attempts to be inclusive of other sports betting stakeholders within parameters of the law.
“We thank Oklahoma legislators Rep. Ken Luttrell and Sen. Bill Coleman, along with many leaders from organizations and industries around the state for their commitment to working together for a better Oklahoma.”
Stitt remains hurdle, for now
Stitt attempted to legalize sports betting through two tribal compacts in 2020. Other tribes objected and state courts rejected the compacts. The state’s tribes and Stitt’s administration have been at odds since.
Stitt has been adamant he wants an open, commercial sports betting market in Oklahoma. He has touted his own plan.
Despite his opposition, lawmakers of Stitt’s own Republican Party have led negotiations between the stakeholders.
Stitt is termed out this year, so 2027 could provide an open road to legalized sports betting in Oklahoma.
FanDuel supported Oklahoma betting plans
FanDuel also released a statement in support of the plan.
“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.”
