A proposal aimed at legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma is on track for legislative votes in the coming days, following a consensus reached between lawmakers, tribal leaders, and professional basketball representatives. However, this initiative may encounter resistance in either legislative chamber and could face a potential veto from the governor.
The proposed legislation would permit in-person betting at tribal casinos and lay the groundwork for mobile betting across the state through an amendment to the current gaming compact.
Under this plan, tribal entities would maintain exclusive rights to conduct sports betting and would be allowed to negotiate with sportsbook operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. However, platforms focused on prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, would be prohibited from operating in Oklahoma.
Senator Bill Coleman and Representative Ken Luttrell indicated that the agreement was the result of extensive negotiations involving various stakeholders, including tribal governments, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and public universities. The updated framework is part of House Bill 1047, which has been revised to incorporate the agreed terms and is expected to be reviewed by the full Senate before returning to the House.
“This marks a significant day for Oklahoma,” Coleman remarked. “We are closer than ever to making sports betting legal.” He emphasized that the legislation is the result of years of discussions and aims to honor tribal partnerships while collaborating with the Oklahoma City Thunder to create a regulated environment that can compete with unregulated markets.
Coleman pointed out that many residents are already engaging in betting through out-of-state or alternative platforms, and the proposal seeks to safeguard consumers while ensuring that the generated revenues benefit Oklahoma.
The proposal includes a revenue-sharing model, where the state would receive 8% of the proceeds from sports betting through exclusivity fees. Funds generated from wagers on NBA and WNBA games would be allocated to the Strong Readers Fund to enhance early childhood literacy.
Revenue from other bets would be distributed among Division I universities, student development programs, workforce initiatives, and a tourism fund that would provide grants to the Thunder.
Moreover, the first $20,833.33 collected monthly under the gaming compact would be directed to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to combat compulsive gambling.
This legislation builds on a version first proposed in 2025 and is backed by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. Chairman Matthew Morgan stated that most tribal nations within the association believe the proposed legislation aligns with their core principles and seeks to include other sports betting stakeholders within legal boundaries.
He added that the proposal aims to keep betting revenues within the state, bolster the economy, protect consumers, and support vital public services, emphasizing that it is based on thorough input and discussion.
Despite the agreement, the proposal faces uncertainty as it progresses through the legislative process. Governor Kevin Stitt has previously expressed opposition to any proposal that grants exclusive advantages to tribal entities.
A spokesperson for the governor, Tevis Hillis, stated that he is not in favor of expanding the current state-tribal gaming compact, labeling it a “poor gaming compact that lacks transparency and fair market rates.”
If the proposal becomes law, Oklahoma would become the 39th state to legalize sports betting, joining 38 other states and Washington, D.C., where such wagering is already permitted.