Oklahoma Sports Betting Bills Advance to Senate Floor

After years of unsuccessful efforts to legalize sports betting, Oklahoma lawmakers have taken a significant step forward. Two measures aimed at authorizing tribal-exclusive sports betting cleared a key Senate committee this week, setting the stage for a full Senate vote and possibly a public referendum.

Senate Clears Key Sports Betting Bills

On Thursday, the Oklahoma Senate Business and Insurance Committee voted to advance House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101. HB 1047, spearheaded by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, seeks to grant federally recognized tribes with compacts the exclusive right to offer sports betting in the state. It sets a 10% exclusivity fee on betting revenue payable to the state, while ensuring continued for problem gambling treatment with a $20,833 monthly allocation to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The committee ed HB 1047 by an 8-1 vote.

Accompanying the primary bill, HB 1101 was approved by a 6-3 margin. This second measure provides a contingency: if HB 1047 fails to become law or is vetoed, HB 1101 would trigger a statewide vote on legalizing sports betting. State Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, who presented the bills, pointed out that a similar strategy was used in 2003 to establish the Oklahoma Lottery, which has since contributed over $1.3 billion to education.

Governor’s Opposition and Voter Referendum Backup

Despite progress in the legislature, Governor Kevin Stitt’s resistance looms large. Stitt has expressed firm opposition, stating, “None of the bills that have moved off the floors of the House or Senate have got my input on them. In fact, they have excluded the governor of the state of Oklahoma from these discussions.” He characterized the bills as initiatives primarily designed to benefit tribes rather than all Oklahomans.

Coleman acknowledged the governor’s stance and noted that if HB 1047 faces a veto, HB 1101 would allow voters to decide. He emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s Model Tribal Gaming Compact, warning that bying tribal exclusivity could constitute a violation.

Revenue Projections and Regional Context

Lawmakers estimate that legalized sports betting under HB 1047 could generate between $14 million and $42 million annually for Oklahoma. For comparison, Sen. Coleman highlighted that Kansas recorded $165 million in sports betting revenue in 2024, with the state capturing roughly 10% through its lottery model.

Coleman also shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the entertainment aspect of sports betting, recalling a bettor at an NCAA Tournament game who turned a $1 prop bet into a $25 win after predicting the first basket. “That’s just an idea of entertainment that I think that sports betting could bring to Oklahoma,” he remarked.

With 38 states already permitting sports betting—30 of which allow mobile wagers—advocates argue Oklahoma risks falling behind, especially with neighboring states moving forward. State Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, voiced concern that if Texas, which has so far stalled on sports betting legalization, beats Oklahoma to the punch, the Sooner State could lose substantial revenue.

Challenges Ahead Before Session Deadline

While both bills have made it to the Senate floor, significant hurdles remain. According to Geoffrey Zochodne, a senior analyst at Covers, Oklahoma lawmakers face a compressed timeline with the legislative session ending on May 30. Zochodne noted similarities to Missouri, where prolonged legislative stalemates eventually led to a successful industry-backed ballot initiative. Oklahoma’s legislative schedule, however, allows annual sessions, unlike Texas’ biennial meetings, giving Oklahoma more frequent opportunities to address the issue.

As debates continue, Oklahoma stands at a pivotal moment to determine whether it will the growing majority of states offering regulated sports betting—and whether voters themselves might ultimately make the call.

Source:

Sports betting bills advance from Oklahoma Senate , oklahomavoice.com, April 24, 2025