The Oklahoma Senate has approved a bill that could bring legal sports betting to the state, allowing both tribal casinos and the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder to participate in the market. The proposal, Senate Bill 585, now moves to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further deliberation.
SB 585, sponsored by Sen. Bill Coleman (R-10) and Rep. Ken Luttrell, initially fell short of the required 25 votes in the Senate, receiving 24 votes in favor and 22 against. However, a motion to reconsider was approved by a 30-16 vote, allowing for a second vote that ultimately resulted in a 25-21 approval. The bill’s passage marks a significant step in Oklahoma’s long-debated efforts to legalize sports betting.
“This bill is a combination between the Thunder and the tribes. Some of the people had the understanding that the Thunder were the only ones involved in this, locking the tribes out, that is not the case by any means. They have been meeting, and they will continue to meet together,” Coleman stated during the session, according to News On 6.
A New Framework for Sports Betting in Oklahoma
If the bill becomes law, Oklahoma’s federally recognized tribes would be permitted to operate retail sportsbooks within their casinos and offer mobile sports betting on tribal lands. However, SB 585 also introduces an amendment allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to obtain a sports betting license, making it the only non-tribal entity in the state authorized to engage in online sports betting outside of tribal jurisdictions.
Under the proposed regulations, the Thunder would be required to partner with a tribal-approved sportsbook operator. All revenue generated from the team’s sportsbook license would be shared among the tribes participating in Oklahoma’s Model Tribal Gaming Compact. The state’s tax rate on net sportsbook revenue is set at 10%, which lawmakers estimate could generate $20 million annually.
Governor’s Stance and Ongoing Tribal Negotiations
Despite the bill’s progress, Governor Kevin Stitt has repeatedly voiced his opposition to granting sports betting exclusivity to the tribes. Stitt has stated that he would veto any bill that fails to create an open and competitive sports betting market.
“I will absolutely veto any bills that hit my desk that are exclusively giving a monopoly to the tribes that is not transparent, is not a fair deal, and not everyone can do it,” Stitt said during a press conference. He has instead proposed a statewide model where sports betting licenses would be awarded through a public bidding process, ensuring broader participation beyond tribal operators.
Meanwhile, discussions between the Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) remain ongoing. OIGA Chairman Matthew L. Morgan noted that the tribes have been actively engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders to shape a fair and inclusive sports betting framework.
“Our membership has been listening carefully to the conversations around sports betting legislation in Oklahoma,” Morgan said. “After much discussion, OIGA members have articulated a position on sports betting.” The association has not publicly released its specific recommendations, but its willingness to negotiate indicates that a compromise could be reached as the bill advances in the House.