Oklahoma Governor Proposes Sports Betting Proposal for 2024

Oklahoma Governor Kenny Stitt released his new proposal to legalize sports betting in the state late last week. Stitt has been a strong supporter of the legalization of the industry and is looking to prioritize it in 2024. The new proposal would legalize both retail and online betting to take place, with online operators required to partner with the state’s federally recognized tribes.

“I promised Oklahomans if we pursued sports betting, we would do it right— and this plan does just that,” Stitt said in a press release. “Thirty-five states have already legalized sports betting, and it’ll be a great revenue stream for the state. Tribes will be able to add it onto their existing infrastructure, and Oklahomans can access it right from their phone.”

Oklahoma saw sports betting bill HB 1027 falter in 2023, failing to even get to a vote. Rep. Ken Luttrell introduced the bill. The proposal would grant sports betting rights exclusively to the state’s tribes, meaning up to 143 tribal casinos would be able to open sportsbooks.

While the announcement of the new proposal has sports betting proponents excited, they still have a long way to go. The fact that they could not even get a proposal this year shows that the two sides are still far apart.

Details of the Oklahoma’s New Proposal

While many details of the proposal are still unknown, Governor Stitt did share some of the critical parts. The most significant change between the 2023 bill and this proposal is that it would allow for third-party online operators to enter the state. All online operators would be taxed at 20%, while retail locations would be taxed at 15%.

There are two major themes in the proposal. The first is the protection of student-athletes, leading to prop bets on college sports being prohibited. The second is the protection of the state’s tribes and their currency gaming compacts. The state has been working with over 30 of Oklahoma’s federally recognized tribes to create a proposal that works for both sides.