Oklahoma sports betting bills advance, but still face tribal and political hurdles

Two bills aimed at legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma advanced from a House subcommittee this week, marking a step forward in the state’s long-debated push for regulated wagering. However, the legislation still faces significant obstacles, including tribal consent and potential opposition from Governor Kevin Stitt.  

House Bills 1047 and 1101, both sponsored by Rep. Ken Luttrell, passed a House Appropriations and Budget Select Agencies Subcommittee in a 5-0 vote and will now move to the full House Appropriations and Budget Committee.  

HB 1047 would allow Native American tribes to offer sports betting through state gaming compacts, while HB 1101 would serve as a backup measure, triggering a voter referendum if lawmakers fail to approve HB 1047.  

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) has emphasized that any expansion of sports betting must align with tribal interests and existing compacts.  

“Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved. Tribal Nations have always been willing to sit down and talk about what is best for Oklahoma,” said OIGA Chairman Matthew L. Morgan.  

Luttrell said he has consulted with tribal leaders and the OIGA to shape the proposal, acknowledging the importance of collaboration.  

Even if the bills pass through the House and Senate, Gov. Kevin Stitt could veto the legislation, posing another challenge to legalization.  

Stitt’s past efforts to introduce sports betting were rejected by tribes, who opposed his plan to allow commercial sportsbooks alongside tribal operators. The state’s tribal nations have long maintained that exclusivity over gaming is a key part of their compacts and are reluctant to negotiate under Stitt’s administration.  

With Stitt term-limited out in 2026, some tribal leaders may opt to wait for a new governor before advancing sports betting discussions.  

Oklahoma lawmakers are also considering Senate Bill 125, introduced by Sen. Dave Rader, which similarly requires at least four tribes to approve amendments to the Model Tribal Gaming Compact before offering retail and online sports betting.  

Rader’s bill proposes a tiered tax structure:  

• 5% on the first $5 million in annual net revenue  
• 6% on the next $5 million  
• 7% on revenue above $10 million  

Oklahoma is the second-largest Indian gaming state after California, with 39 tribes operating nearly twice as many casinos as California’s 109 tribes. The state is home to WinStar Casino, the world’s largest gaming floor, operated by the Chickasaw Nation.  

Under HB 1047, tribes would pay a 10% revenue share to the state on adjusted gross revenue from sports betting. The legislation would also require approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior to amend tribal gaming compacts.  

“We’re not going to legislate what the tribes do. The tribes can decide,” Luttrell said, stressing that tribal input will shape the final framework.