Oklahoma Sports Betting Bill Passes House Vote Despite Veto Threat

The Sooner State is continuing its push to legalize sports betting, despite top lawmaker’s opposition.

Sports betting bill HB 1101 and HB 1047 would establish a tribal-run sports betting market in Oklahoma. The proposal comes as the Senate considers separate sports betting bill to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a license. However, both face strong opposition from Governor Kevin Stitt.

The Senate and House bills both legalize sports betting but have significant differences, making a compromise unlikely.

Governor Left Out of Sports Betting Discussions

One of the themes from Gov. Stitt in his comments on these bills is that he was consulted on any of these bills. He isn’t necessarily against sports betting, but believes the bills do not give enough control (and tax revenue) to the state.

"Nothing has changed. None of those bills that have moved off the floor 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," Stitt said. "These are tribal-pushed bills that are only going to benefit the tribes and not the citizens of Oklahoma."

Stitt and Tribes Continue to Clash

A likely reason for lawmakers leaving the governor out of sports betting discussions is his relationship with the tribes. Gov. Stitt has consistently butted head with the state’s tribes, especially when it comes to legalizing the industry. That has been the driving reason behind the state being one of ten to not offer a form of legal sports betting.

While Gov. Stitt argues he is looking out for the citizens of Oklahoma, but sports betting proponents don’t seem to believe. The choice of pro sports betting lawmakers to leave him out of negotiations shows that they are siding with the tribes on the issue.

Can Bills Survive a Veto?

The Governor’s veto wouldn’t necessarily end the chances for these sports betting bills to become law. If supporters can get two-thirds of the state legislature to support at least one of the bills, they could override Gov. Stitt’s veto.

The ability to overcome a veto gives proponents hope, but they still need to get the Senate and House to agree on a bill. The two chambers appear to be far apart and unwilling to reach a deal, meaning getting two-thirds support is highly unlikely.