After a failed attempt in 2022, Oklahoma is taking another crack at legalized sports betting this year. Is 2023 finally the year that Oklahoma sports betting is legalized? TheSportsGeek is examining the latest updates for legal sports betting in Oklahoma.
Sports bettors in Oklahoma have been patiently waiting for their opportunity to make a legal sports wager. If you are one of these people, then there is some good news on the horizon. As the pressure continues to ramp up among stakeholders, there is reason to be confident that 2023 is the year that sports betting will be legal in the Sooner State.
There is currently no legal sports betting in several key states in the country. Oklahoma’s neighbor, Texas, has not legalized sports betting. Along with Texas, California, and Florida do not have legal sports betting.
A total of 36 states in the country offer legal sports betting. Oklahoma hoped to be a part of this list last in 2020, but multiple bills have stalled, most recently in 2022. House Bill 3008 was the subject of criticism by Oklahoma Native American tribes.
Tribal Casinos vs. Oklahoma
There are 143 tribal casinos under 33 different tribes in Oklahoma. They fall under the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The tribes and the Oklahoma Indiana Gaming Association are leading players at the table for sports betting in Oklahoma.
It is simple: if the tribes do not like what the state is proposing, then it is difficult to pass a sports betting bill. The tribal casinos are powerful enough to have what essentially amounts to a veto card at the negotiation table.
That was the main crutch of the hold-up last year. Has anything changed since then? We are going to get into all of the details you need to know for Oklahoma sports betting in 2023.
Where Does Legal Sports Betting in Oklahoma Stand Now?
It is important to note that the tribal casinos are strongly in favor of legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma. While the sports betting bill in March did not make it to the Senate, the Native American tribes are actively involved in finding a resolution.
However, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association did not get excited over HB 3008. For one, the bill did not include any language for mobile sports betting. The tribes want a platform that allows them to offer mobile gaming with clear rules.
There already is an Oklahoma tribe that is offering mobile sports betting. The Quapaw Nation — which has a presence in Oklahoma and Arkansas — is active in Arkansas with a sports betting app.
The mobile gaming app, BetSaracen, has been a success, something they would like to duplicate in their home state of Oklahoma. The previous bill did not include any details about BetSaracen, or any other mobile casino providers.
Another subject of debate between the state and the tribes was the exclusivity fee split. The bill in 2022 proposed a 10% cut of net winnings for the state. That was not satisfactory for the tribes.
House Bill 1027
The tribal casinos did not budge on the 10% net winnings they would have had to transfer to the state. They played the long game and did not make any irrational decisions last year. The state of Oklahoma was the first to blink.
In a new bill proposed by Rep. Ken Luttrell — who was responsible for HB 3008 — the fee split has been amended to favor the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The tribes have a lot of leverage and were aware that Oklahoma could do better than 10%.
Under the latest Oklahoma sports betting bill, the state has lowered its targets. In a friendlier bill for the tribes, the exclusivity fee split under HB 1027 would be staggered sliding fees with three tiers.
HB 1027 Fee Split Proposal:
- First $5 million in monthly net revenue – 4%
- Next $5 million in monthly net revenue – 5%
- Above $10 million in monthly net revenue – 6%
This is not the only win for tribal casinos. The new Oklahoma sports betting bill would authorize mobile betting in the state, as well. HB 1027 includes legal language that includes retail sports betting in-person and through mobile devices online.
If HB 1027 is passed, the measure would amend gaming compacts to give the tribal casinos an option to offer legal sports betting in Oklahoma. This is the biggest compromise that the state has made for the tribes since discussions regarding sports betting began.
ICYMI: We talked with Chief Hoskin Jr of the Cherokee Nation about the latest news surrounding sports betting. Just last week, the Governor said he’ll support it if what is set up is fair for Oklahoma.
Full report: https://t.co/pnpW8jwdxK pic.twitter.com/hrWkPIXlsY
— Andy Weber (@AndyWKOCO) January 11, 2023
According to the Oxford Economics Group, legal Oklahoma sports betting could generate more than $240 million in annual gaming revenue. It could also create an estimated 3,100 direct and indirect jobs from legal Oklahoma gambling.
HB 1027 has not gone through the legislature in Oklahoma thus far. Note that the Oklahoma legislative session officially opens on February 6. There is a crossover deadline of March 23 and adjournment is set for May 26.
Will There Be Legal Oklahoma Sports Betting in 2023?
Sports betting in Oklahoma is the closest it has ever been to being legalized. The most recent sports betting bill is the most promising one to date. The tribes wanted mobile sports betting and did not want to part with 10% of their net revenue.
Both of those issues were addressed in the latest bill drafted by Rep. Ken Luttrell. The exclusivity fee split looks fairer now. We are confident at TheSportsGeek that the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association will be more responsive and open to accepting this bill.
What could derail HB 1027 is if the tribes do not like plans for the state’s mobile betting blueprint. If the language does not favor what the tribal casinos want to do, then it could be a problem. However, at least the state is acknowledging mobile sports betting now.
Oklahoma Gambling Prediction For This Year
While there are still several variables in play, we believe that a sports betting bill will have traction in 2023. There is reason to believe that an Oklahoma sports betting bill reaches the Senate and passed this year.
This does not necessarily mean that sports bettors will be able to make bets yet. There will be some steps that need to be completed before the betting windows are open in Oklahoma. That being said, it will not take long after a bill is passed that the public will be able to bet on sports.
The largest and final hurdle is getting the state and tribes on the same page. Oklahoma voters have overwhelmingly been in favor of sports betting in Oklahoma, so that is clear. Our prediction for Oklahoma sports betting is that in late 2023 or early 2024 that a legal sports betting product will launch.
The state is doing its best to please the tribes while looking out for their own interests, as well. HB 1027 appears to satisfy both requirements. If they do not have something in place for the 2024 Super Bowl, then this will be a massive failure for the state.
Where Can Oklahoma Sports Bettors Wager On Sports Now?
All is not lost for sports bettors in Oklahoma in the short term. As we noted, there is legal sports betting in Arkansas. There are three casinos in Arkansas that offer in-person sports betting.
The three casinos are Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. The closest casino is Oaklawn in Hot Springs, which is home to Oaklawn Park horse racing.
That is not a quick drive, though, as Hot Springs is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes away from Oklahoma City. If driving to Arkansas is not in the plans, then betting from your own house is still possible. There are offshore sports betting sites that will accept your action today.
TheSportsGeek has personally selected the best Oklahoma online gambling websites for 2023. Check out the link and get started just in time for the Super Bowl. Getting a deposit sign-up bonus to bet on sports for free is easier than ever, too.
