Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has proposed a plan to legalize sports betting in the state, but his plan has met with resistance from both tribal and legislative leaders. The plan would allow in-person sports betting at tribal gaming sites, as well as online sports betting through the state lottery. However, the tribes argue that the plan violates their gaming compacts and exclusivity rights, while some lawmakers question the governor’s authority and approach.
Governor Stitt’s Plan for Sports Betting in Oklahoma
Governor Stitt announced his plan to bring sports betting to Oklahoma on November 2, 2023. According to his plan, Oklahomans would be able to place in-person bets at gaming sites operated by federally recognized tribes, which would protect tribal investments in brick-and-mortar facilities. The plan would also allow Oklahomans to place bets on their mobile devices on a sportsbook licensed by the state. Additionally, the plan protects Oklahoma’s student-athletes by prohibiting prop betting and bets on individual student-athlete performance.
The governor said that his plan would generate a new revenue stream for the state, as 35 states have already legalized sports betting. He also said that he was open to working with the tribes and the legislature on the issue.
Tribal Leaders Reject the Governor’s Plan
However, the governor’s plan did not sit well with the tribal leaders, who have a long-standing dispute with him over gaming compacts and exclusivity fees. The tribes claim that they have the sole right to offer sports betting in the state, as part of their gaming compacts that were renewed in 2019. They also argue that the governor’s plan would allow commercial entities to compete with them, which would violate their exclusivity rights.
The tribes have also expressed their frustration with the governor’s lack of consultation and communication with them on the issue. They said that they were not informed of his plan before he announced it to the public, and that they have not been invited to any negotiations or discussions since then.
The tribes have also challenged the governor’s attempt to legalize sports betting through compact negotiations with two tribes in 2020, which were rejected by the Oklahoma Supreme Court as invalid.
Lawmakers Question the Governor’s Authority and Approach
The governor’s plan has also faced opposition from some lawmakers, who have questioned his authority and approach to legalize sports betting in the state. Some legislators have said that the governor does not have the power to authorize sports betting without legislative approval, and that his plan would require a constitutional amendment or a referendum.
Some lawmakers have also criticized the governor’s unilateral and secretive actions, and his failure to build consensus and trust with the stakeholders. They have said that the governor has alienated the tribes and the legislature, and that he has not shown any willingness to compromise or collaborate on the issue.
Some lawmakers have also proposed alternative bills to legalize sports betting in the state, which would involve more input and participation from the tribes and the legislature. For example, House Bill 1027, which passed the House in March 2023, would allow tribes to add sports betting to their existing gaming compacts, and offer both in-person and online sports betting. Senate Bill 1434, which was introduced in February 2024, would implement the governor’s plan, but with some modifications and concessions to the tribes.
The Future of Sports Betting in Oklahoma Remains Uncertain
As of now, the future of sports betting in Oklahoma remains uncertain, as the governor’s plan faces tribal and legislative opposition, and alternative bills await further action. The issue is likely to remain contentious and complex, as it involves multiple interests and perspectives, and requires legal and political solutions. The stakeholders will have to find a way to resolve their differences and reach a common ground, if they want to make sports betting a reality in Oklahoma.
