Oklahoma is one of ten US states that have yet to legalize local sports betting. That status could change as a new sports betting bill has been introduced that resembles language that has been debated in prior years.
Senate Bill 164, introduced by Senator Casey Murdock, will legalize sports betting in OK via in-person sportsbooks and mobile gambling apps that can be downloaded to smartphones.
The Sooner State has long been a pro-gambling region, with over 140 local casinos operated by Native American tribes. The hold-up on local sportsbooks has been the level at which the tribes will be involved.
The Seminole Tribe monopolizes sports betting in Florida, and Native American tribes in OK will likely use that model as an example.
“any bill purporting to change gaming offerings available in Oklahoma would require a supplemental offer from the State to modify the existing gaming compact between Tribal Nations and the State, and each tribal leader would evaluate the bill on its own merits. Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved. Tribal Nations have always been willing to sit down and talk, in a respectful manner, about what is best for Oklahoma. That has not changed.”
Matthew L. Morgan – Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
The rush to legalize sports betting before Texas does is what some lawmakers hope will push this bill across the finish line. OK is already surrounded by legal sports betting states except for TX to the south.
The actual cause for concern is not Texas. Locals can already travel across the border into another state (except for TX) and place a bet on sports. Furthermore, offshore sports betting sites have accepted local players for over a decade.
It is a classic case of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
When Oklahomans use books that are located offshore or in neighboring states, those dollars benefit those regions. By constructing local sportsbooks and offering domestic mobile sports betting apps, players will no longer be tempted by outside gambling opportunities and will spend their money in-state.
Domestic sportsbooks will serve to corral in those tax dollars and direct them toward local initiatives.
However, if OK tribes are not satisfied, then it will be back to square one for 2026.
This year’s session officially begins on February 3rd, but OK requires the introduction of bills to be concluded by last Thursday. The Oklahoma state legislature will sine die on May 30th.
Sources:
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