Thirty-eight states including the District of Columbia have some form of legal sports betting. While some markets failed to launch in 2024, they have their sights set on going live in 2025. At least that’s Oklahoma’s approach in the new year. Despite multiple failed attempts in the past, lawmakers are not giving up. Senator Dave Rader introduced state bill 125 late this week. It aims to modify the terms of the state’s gaming compact with Indian nations “relating to sports pools”.
The latest legislative measure by Rader would allow four tribes with a gaming compact to offer sports betting. A sports pool is defined as any in-person wagering conducted on a mobile device on the outcome of a sporting event. This doesn’t include horse and other animal races. On top of all this, S.B. 125 proposes a new adjusted gross revenue “fees”. Tribes in Oklahoma would be required to pay 5% of the first five million. Then 6% of the next $5 million and 7% on all subsequent sports betting revenue in the state. The first hearing for S.B. 125 will happen on February 3.
What is the major obstacle in the way?
From an outsider’s perspective, Oklahoma looks to be on its way to legalizing sports betting in 2025. However, residents of the state know not to get their hopes up for another new legislative attempt. It’s unclear if other parties will back S.B. 125 moving forward. Governor Kevin Stitt has been at odds with Tribes in Oklahoma over gaming and sports betting.
Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission chair John Sparks commented on the matter in the summer of 2024. Sparks claims that Governor Stitt has been “overtly hostile” and “antagonistic” toward tribes in Oklahoma. He said it’s gotten to the point where Stitt is signing illegal compacts with other tribes. Sparks noted that it’s been “tense” between the two pirates. Indian nations around the country are reluctant to enter revised gaming compacts that have new terms, regulations, and fees.
Oklahoma has the potential to be a top market in the United States
As of 2025, the Sooner State is home to more than 140 casinos that are operated by 33 tribes and 50 counties. That broad diversity among gaming operators is a massive reason why Oklahoma has struggled to have sports betting legalized. If Oklahoma legalized sports betting, big-time operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM would want to enter the market. Tribes in Oklahoma do not want to compete with those larger sportsbooks that will take away revenue.
