Oklahoma Sports Betting Faces Doubt Despite Senate Approval

• SB 585 passed the Oklahoma Senate but faces uncertainty in the House due to political and tribal tensions.
• Governor Kevin Stitt opposes the bill, arguing it favors tribes over the broader state economy and has threatened a veto.
• The bill’s fate depends on negotiations between lawmakers, tribes, and the Thunder, but a lack of consensus could stall its progress.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Despite clearing a major hurdle in the Senate on Wednesday, the latest push to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma faces an uphill battle as it moves to the House. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 585, has exposed deep political and tribal tensions that could ultimately derail its passage.

The bill, which narrowly passed the Senate 25-21 after an initial failed vote, would allow the Oklahoma City Thunder to obtain a legal sports betting license while granting Oklahoma’s tribal nations control over retail and online wagering on their lands. However, Governor Kevin Stitt has made it clear he does not support the current proposals, calling them tribal-driven initiatives that do not benefit the broader state economy.

A History of Conflict

Governor Stitt’s opposition to the bill stems from his long-standing disputes with Oklahoma’s gaming tribes. He has consistently pushed for a more open-market approach to sports betting, one that allows commercial operators to compete rather than granting exclusivity to tribal nations.

• In 2020, Stitt attempted to amend tribal gaming compacts to legalize sports betting. But the move was ruled illegal by the state’s attorney general.
• His 2023 proposal to issue statewide commercial licenses also failed to gain traction.

Now, with SB 585 advancing through the Legislature without his input, Stitt has doubled down on his veto threats.

“None of those bills that have moved off the floor of the House or Senate have got my input on them. In fact, they have excluded the governor of the state of Oklahoma from these discussions,” Stitt said during a press conference Wednesday. “These are tribal-pushed bills that are only going to benefit the tribes and not the citizens of Oklahoma.”

Tribal Negotiations and Uncertain House Prospects

The bill’s success hinges on negotiations between the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) and the Thunder, but conflicting reports suggest those talks may not be progressing as smoothly as needed. While lawmakers claim discussions are ongoing, an OIGA spokesperson denied that a scheduled meeting with the Thunder is even on the books.

Without a clear consensus, the bill’s fate in the House remains uncertain. Representative Ken Luttrell, a key advocate for tribal gaming interests, has backed similar legislation in the past, but the lack of unity between tribes and lawmakers could slow momentum.

If SB 585 does pass the House, it would still require either Stitt’s approval or a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override his expected veto—an outcome that appears unlikely given the close Senate vote.

What’s Next For Oklahoma Sports Betting?

As the House begins its review, lawmakers face mounting pressure from both the governor’s office and tribal representatives.

Supporters argue that SB 585 represents a necessary compromise that allows for both tribal participation and limited non-tribal involvement through the Thunder. Opponents, including Stitt, believe it still falls short of a truly open and competitive sports betting market.

For now, the future of Oklahoma sports betting remains in limbo. If history is any indication, the battle between the governor and the state’s powerful tribal gaming entities is far from over—and SB 585 may be just another chapter in the long-running dispute over gambling rights in the Sooner State.

News tags: Ken Luttrell | Kevin Stitt | OK SB 585 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City Thunder