Oklahoma moves closer to legalized sports betting

The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state, allowing both in-person and online wagering through tribal casinos. Known as Senate Bill 585, the legislation faced a serious battle, initially failing by just one vote before passing with 25 votes. However, the bill also received 15 against and seven abstention votes. Now, 

The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state, allowing both in-person and online wagering through tribal casinos.

Known as Senate Bill 585, the legislation faced a serious battle, initially failing by just one vote before passing with 25 votes. However, the bill also received 15 against and seven abstention votes. Now, the bill moves to the House for further debate.

If approved, Oklahoma’s 38 federally recognized gaming tribes would be able to operate retail and online sportsbooks on their tribal land, with oversight from the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. This is a major shift in a state that has long debated sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court removed the federal ban in 2018.

Supporters estimate the bill could bring in $20 million annually in tax revenue.

Gov. Kevin Stitt opposed the idea of tribes having exclusive control over sports betting:

“That’s not transparent; that’s not a fair deal. They’re sovereign nations; they’re a separate government coming in and hiring lobbyists to come say what’s good for their nation, not what’s good for the taxpayers of Oklahoma.”

Now, the final decision on whether Oklahoma will finally embrace legalized sports betting depends on the House.