Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has unveiled plans to launch both in-person and mobile sports betting in the state.
In a statement, Gov. Stitt said that the plan would allow the launch of retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos. This would protect tribal bricks and mortar operations while also delivering on his promise to bring sports betting to the state. He also confirmed that under the plan private companies could launch mobile sportsbooks once approved and licensed by the state.
“I promised Oklahomans if we pursued sports betting, we would do it right— and this plan does just that. Thirty-five states have already legalized sports betting, and it’ll be a great revenue stream for the state. Tribes will be able to add it onto their existing infrastructure, and Oklahomans can access it right from their phone.”
Oklahoma Sports Betting Proposal Highlights
Retail Sports Betting
- In-person betting carried out by federally recognized state tribes
- Revenue taxed at 15%
Mobile Sports Betting
- Online sports betting operated by private companies licensed by the state
- Licensing fee of $500k (renewal fee – $100k per year)
- Revenue taxed at 20%
Prohibited Bets
- No wagers on individual participants in college sports (incl. players, coaches, referees)
- No wagers on injuries in college sports
- No prop bets on college sports
Plan Could Violate Current Compacts
Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, who previously sponsored a bill that would have allowed state tribes to conduct both retail and mobile sports betting in Oklahoma, said that the new plan could violate current tribal gaming compacts.
Luttrell stated that the governor failed to involve the tribes in the planning phase:
“This is something that all cost to the tribes no expense to the state.
He cannot enter in to contracts between the state and outside vendors to do mobile sports betting. Hopefully this will open some dialog with negotiations between the Governor and myself Senator Coleman and the tribes.”
In response to the governor’s plan, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association released the following statement from Chairperson Matthew L. Morgan:
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association was not consulted prior to Gov. Stitt releasing his sport betting plan. The members of the OIGA have been preparing to receive an offer from the State on sports betting for the past couple of years, and while we appreciate Gov. Stitt finally joining the sports betting conversation, to date he has not engaged in meaningful and respectful government-to-government discussion with tribes. We remain hopeful that he is committed to moving forward in a productive manner in accord with established law and process, which would include working with the Oklahoma Legislature to offer a compact supplement to tribes within the State-Tribal Gaming Act construct that protects the tribes’ “substantial gaming exclusivity.” To approach it otherwise is simply to invite failure.
Since the State-Tribal Gaming Act was offered by the people of Oklahoma in 2004 and renewed in 2020, tribes have taken on 100% of costs and associated risks, paid all of the State’s monitoring expenses, exceeded all revenue projections, and have become the recognized national industry leader. Likewise, Oklahoma continues to benefit under our model compact at a rate that far exceeds any other state with an Indian Gaming Regulatory Act compact with tribal nations. We look forward to seeing the more than $2 billion dollars that gaming tribes have already contributed directly to the state continue to grow and positively impact the state’s education funding.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma also released a statement to the local press:
Many parties, including the Choctaw Nation, have been exploring the potential of bringing sports betting to Oklahoma. One thing almost everyone agrees on is that this is an extremely complex issue, touching on existing agreements, tribal sovereignty and protecting Oklahoma’s citizens.
Unfortunately, the governor did not consult with the Choctaw Nation before announcing his proposal, despite our many years of leadership in operating gaming in Oklahoma and our clear interest in moving the economy forward. Upon initial review, we do not believe the plan represents the best interests for the people of Oklahoma or the tribal nations that have done so much to support the state.
Following the announcement, House Speaker Charles McCall revealed plans to host an interim study discussion with officials from the state’s four largest tribes. This would allow the tribes to have their say on the governor’s sports betting plans.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.