Sports betting in Oklahoma: Three bills that could make it happen

What’s Happening?

Oklahoma lawmakers are considering several bills to expand sports betting in the state. These measures propose different ways to legalize and regulate sports betting, from tribal compacts to state-run programs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the table.

What Each Bill Proposes

1. SB 125 (Tribal Sports Betting)
2. Allows Oklahoma tribes with gambling compacts to offer in-person and mobile sports betting.
3. Requires tribes to sign a supplemental agreement with the state.
4. Only applies if federal law permits the expansion.

“I have constituent, after constituent, after constituent continuing to ask for this,” said Sen. Dave Rader, author of SB125.

1. SB 164 (State-Run Sports Betting through the Lottery Commission)
2. Authorizes the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to oversee sports betting.
3. Creates the Sports Pools Fund, with $1 million earmarked for gambling addiction treatment.
4. Sets high licensing fees: $500,000 initial fee, $100,000 annual renewal.
5. Imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue.
6. Repeals current restrictions on Class III gaming (except for Tribes).

“In my legislation, I think every Oklahoman ought to have the opportunity,” said Sen. Casey Murdock. 

1. SB 585 (“Thunder Driven Bill”)
2. Allows the Oklahoma City Thunder to receive a gaming license for sports betting. 
3. Allows tribes to take in-person and mobile sports bets made on tribal land.
4. Allows the OKC Thunder to take mobile bets on non-tribal land. 
5. Ensures that tribes keep a portion equal to state payments from sports betting revenue.
6. Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association meet next week to negotiate this agreement. 
7. The bill’s author estimates the state could make $20 million annually from this. 

“We are very serious about getting sports betting in the State of Oklahoma,” said Sen. Bill Coleman.

Key Takeaways

Tribes & the State are Both in the Mix – Some bills give control to tribes, others to the state.

Big Money at Stake – SB 164 includes hefty licensing fees and a 15% tax on revenue.

Public Impact – SB 164 dedicates funds to gambling addiction treatment.

Next Steps? – The bills will need approval from both chambers before becoming law. State lawmakers say these are just “vehicles” to move through the legislative process as the tribes and state move forward with negotiations to legalize sports gambling. 

“The three sports betting bills as they leave here today when they go to the floor, they will not be the same. They are tools that we are using for negotiations,” said Coleman. 

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