Oklahoma Rep. Ken Luntrell Files Sports Betting Bill

• Oklahoma Representative Ken Luntrell filed HB 3008 – a bill that would allow for sports betting at the state’s tribal facilities – on Monday.
• Rep. Luntrell reports that there were several recent illegal sportsbook busts in Oklahoma, and that legalizing sports betting in the state could create an additional $240 million per year.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma may be the next state to legalize and regulate sports betting after Rep. Ken Luntrell announced his filing of HB 3008 – a sports betting bill – on Monday.

What Is HB 3008?

HB 3008 would allow for in-person, legal sports betting in Oklahoma; however, sports betting would only be authorized at the state’s tribal casinos. The bill would legalize and regulate sports betting by altering the state-tribal gaming compact.

“I have had conversations with our gaming tribes during the interim to gauge their interest on this topic,” Luntrell told KOCO-5. “I feel the time is right for Oklahoma to partner with the tribes and ensure a level, competitive gaming playing field with the surrounding states.”

Why Now?

As Luntrell alludes to, one of the primary motivations for regulating and legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma is the expansion of regulated sports betting to nearby states. Arkansas allows legal sports betting in their casinos, while Kansas is currently working on their own legislation to bring sports betting to their state.

Both of Oklahoma’s other neighbors – New Mexico and Missouri – have either legalized sports betting in some fashion or are currently working on their own legislation.

According to Luntrell, Oklahoma is leaving a huge chunk of change on the table by not regulating sports betting.

“Illegal sports betting occurs throughout Oklahoma, and figures I obtained from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation show 11 offenses recently with tens of thousands of dollars seized,” Luntrell said. “This reflects only a fraction of what actually occurs in our state. The Oxford Economics Group estimates that legal sports betting would generate $240 million in revenue for Oklahoma and create over 3000 direct and indirect jobs. This legislation just makes sense.”

The upcoming legislative session in Oklahoma begins on February 7. Lawmakers will have until January 20 to introduce bills or joint resolutions.

News tags: Arkansas | HB 3008 | Kansas | Ken Luntrell | KOCO-5 | Missouri | New Mexico | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Bureau Of Investigation | Oxford Economics Group