- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) wants a fair plan for Oklahoma sports betting
- Gov. Stitt pointed to a plan he proposed in November 2023 as being a fair one
- He does not support tribal exclusivity for sports betting
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) took to social media this week to throw his support for a “fair plan” for Oklahoma’s sports betting future.
Oklahoma has had a bevy of sports betting legislation action, as three separate bills have moved through a committee as state lawmakers are once again considering legalization this year.
However, Gov. Stitt opposes tribal exclusivity for Oklahoma sports betting and hopes to bring in outside entities to participate in the online portion if the state passes a sports betting bill.
Stitt Points to Own Sports Betting Plan
Gov. Stitt took to his X account earlier this week to once again remind Oklahoma lawmakers that he does not support tribal exclusivity of sports betting.
“If the Legislature is going to pass sports betting in Oklahoma, it needs to be a fair deal for everyone—not just the tribes.”
He pointed to a plan he introduced in 2023 (and again in 2024) as a fair deal for the state.
His plan legalizes both retail and online sports betting in the state, but does not give Oklahoma tribes exclusive control over both. His plan gives tribes exclusive control over retail sports betting, which will be taxed at a 15% rate, but allows outside sports betting operators to control Oklahoma online sports betting. Operators will pay an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and an annual licensing fee of $100,000 to offer sports betting in the state.
Online sports betting will be taxed at a rate of 20%.
Stitt’s insistence that tribes not have exclusivity over sports betting seems to be in direct conflict with the bills that are moving through the legislative bodies this session.
Oklahoma Lawmakers Yet Again Considering Sports Betting
Last week, an Oklahoma Senate Committee moved three separate sports betting bills out of committee to provide state tribes, and potentially the Oklahoma Thunder, to offer online and retail sports betting in the Sooner State.
The Senate Business and Insurance Committee approved bills from Sen. Bill Coleman (R-10), Sen. Casey Murdock (R-27), and Dave Rader (R-39), all seek to legalize Oklahoma sports betting in different ways.
Each of the bills allow recognized Oklahoma tribes to offer retail and online sports betting, while one also allows the NBA franchise Oklahoma City Thunder to offer sports betting as well.
Coleman’s bill, SB 585, will allow the 38 recognized Oklahoma tribes to offer retail sports betting at tribal casinos and online sports betting off tribal lands. His bill also allows the Oklahoma City Thunder to acquire an online sports betting license as well.
His legislation sets the state tax rate at 10% of net sportsbook revenues, which he estimates would see an additional $20 million annual in revenue for the state.
Murdock’s bill, SB 164, authorizes the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to regulate sports betting and allow tribes and certain non-tribal entities to acquire “sports pools” licenses.
A sports pool is described in the legislation as “any in-person wagering and wagering conducted on a mobile device on the outcome of sporting events or other events, other than horse or other animal races.”
The committee also approved Rader’s bill, SB 125, which will allow Oklahoma Tribes to amend their gaming compacts to offer retail and online sports betting in the state. Rader pre-filed his bill in January before the legislative session began.
The bill provides complete sports betting control to the state tribes.
Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has been a vocal advocate for implementing a fair plan for sports betting in the state. With neighboring states like Arkansas and Kansas already legalizing sports betting, Governor Stitt believes it is time for Oklahoma to join in on the action.
One of the main reasons Governor Stitt is pushing for a fair plan for sports betting is the potential economic benefits it could bring to the state. By legalizing sports betting, Oklahoma could see an increase in tourism as sports fans from around the country flock to the state to place bets on their favorite teams. This influx of visitors could boost revenue for local businesses and create new job opportunities in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
In addition to the economic benefits, Governor Stitt also believes that legalizing sports betting could help regulate an industry that is currently operating in the shadows. By bringing sports betting out into the open, the state can ensure that consumers are protected and that operators are held accountable for their actions. This level of transparency can help prevent issues like fraud and match-fixing, which have plagued the sports betting industry in the past.
Governor Stitt has proposed a plan that would allow for both in-person and online sports betting in Oklahoma. Under his proposal, licensed casinos and racetracks would be able to offer sports betting services to customers, while online operators would be required to partner with a local establishment in order to operate within the state. This dual approach would provide consumers with a variety of options for placing bets, while also ensuring that local businesses benefit from the new industry.
Overall, Governor Stitt’s advocacy for a fair plan for sports betting in Oklahoma is driven by a desire to see the state thrive economically and socially. By legalizing sports betting in a responsible manner, Oklahoma can tap into a lucrative industry while also protecting consumers and promoting transparency. As the debate over sports betting continues in the state, Governor Stitt remains committed to finding a solution that benefits all stakeholders involved.
