Oklahoma Sports Betting Bills Fail To Make It Out Of Senate

Two recent legislative proposals aimed at legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma fell short in the Senate, each missing the necessary votes by a narrow margin. This setback highlights the ongoing struggle within the state to capitalize on a lucrative and expanding market.

Legislative Overview

House Bill 1047 sought to establish legal sports betting through tribal casinos, contingent on the signature of Governor Kevin Stitt. However, Stitt expressed his intent to veto the bill, asserting it favored the state’s tribal interests rather than benefiting Oklahoma citizens. He articulated concerns that the legislative process excluded his administration, stating, “None of those bills that have moved off the floors of the House or Senate have got my input on them. These are tribal-pushed bills that are only going to benefit the tribes and not the citizens of Oklahoma.”

Stitt advocates a “free market solution” to sports betting, suggesting that a wider array of companies should be allowed to engage in this emerging market, enhancing competition and potential revenues.

House Bill 1101 proposed a public referendum on the issue, allowing citizens to vote on sports betting in the upcoming year. Senator Ken Luttrell, a sponsor of this bill, expressed confidence that the electorate would support the legalization if given the chance.

The Economic Landscape

According to Luttrell, the potential economic impact of legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma could range from $14 million to $42 million in tax revenue. The existing market dynamics indicate that many Oklahomans are currently placing bets in neighboring states, like Kansas, Arkansas, and Colorado, or utilizing online platforms through VPNs and prediction markets.

Senator Dave Rader echoed this sentiment, stating, “If some of our citizens are asking for it and going across the state line to do this, we should do something to keep those dollars in our state.” This logic underscores the economic rationale that proponents argue should propel legislation forward.

A Missed Opportunity

Senator Bill Coleman, another key advocate, believes that the state has squandered a significant opportunity to harness economic growth through legalized sports betting. “I’ve been working on sports betting for years and truly believe Oklahoma is missing out on a significant opportunity—both economically and in terms of consumer protection,” he remarked.

Despite the setbacks, Coleman remains optimistic about future legislation. He noted, “Although the legislation did not move forward this session, the issue is far from dead.” Coleman identified a lack of communication among stakeholders as a critical barrier to progress, adding, “The biggest challenge I have noticed through this process has been a lack of communication—no one is sitting down and talking through this.”

To address this, Coleman is planning an interim study to convene key stakeholders, emphasizing, “If we want a responsible and effective path forward on sports betting, we need to build it together.”

Conclusion

For the time being, Oklahomans seeking to engage in sports betting will continue to venture across state lines or resort to offshore sportsbooks. However, the conversation surrounding legalization is far from over. With advocates like Coleman rallying for renewed discussion and collaboration, the possibility of future legislation remains on the horizon.

As the landscape of gambling continues to evolve, states like Oklahoma may find themselves at a crossroads—a decision point that could redefine their economic prospects and regulatory frameworks in the burgeoning sports betting market.