Oklahoma Sports Betting Bills Set for Senate Floor Vote

Legal sports betting in Oklahoma is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Oklahoma Senate Business and Commerce Committee passed sports betting bills HB 1047 and HB 1101. The former would legalize the industry under tribal control, while the latter would allow voters to decide. The bills were both passed by the House, despite opposition from Governor Kevin Stitt.  

Both bills will advance to a Senate floor vote for a full vote.

Governor and Tribes Remain at Odds

The Governor’s relationship with the state’s tribes soured badly in 2020. It resulted from Stitt attempting to legalize sports betting in 2020 by setting up compacts with just two tribes. The others felt they were deceived and successfully sued to overturn both.

Since then, the Governor has refused to support any sports betting proposal that hands full rights over to the tribes. 

Will Stitt Use His Veto?

While Gov. Stitt has continued to threaten to use his veto, it is far from guaranteed that he will. That is because of HB 1101, which would put the topic on the ballot for voters to decide. This would neutralize the governor’s opposition, removing him from the process altogether.

Stitt will be up for re-election in 2026, which could coincide with a sports betting ballot vote. Public support for the industry has been strong, but Stitt’s relationship with the tribes remains a significant roadblock. Voters may view him as petty, which could lead to them backing another candidate. 

HB 1047 could signify his final chance to legalize sports betting before the public takes action, which has some questioning how serious his threat of a veto is.

Missouri Legalization Changes Conversation in Oklahoma

While Texas remains without legal sports betting, several other bordering states have. Missouri, for example, legalized sports betting via a ballot initiative similar to the one proposed by HB 1101. The state’s sports teams led the effort, circumventing lawmakers altogether.

Missouri's legalization of sports betting puts massive pressure on Oklahoma for two reasons. 

First, Oklahoma residents near the Missouri border can cross to bet on sports. The tax revenue generated would go to Missouri, leaving Oklahoma with nothing.

Second, the ballot initiative excluded state lawmakers from the process. This meant they lost control over the proposal's content, which is serving as a warning to other state legislatures. 

Missouri’s story has led other states to take more aggressive approaches to legalizing sports betting, and it appears the effect is also being felt in Oklahoma.