Sports Betting Bills in Oklahoma: A Current Overview
House approves Oklahoma sports betting bill amid veto threat
Let's dive into the latest on sports betting bills in Oklahoma:
- House Bills: In a recent move, the Oklahoma House of Representatives approved two major bills—House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101—with the goal of legalizing sports betting. Both bills target improving the state's gaming compact with tribal partners and allocate funds for compulsive gambling treatment[1]. HB 1047 sets the stage for sports betting, while HB 1101 proposes a voter referendum if HB 1047 doesn't become law[1].
- Senate Bill 585: The Oklahoma Senate green-lit Senate Bill 585, which authorizes Native American tribes to offer both in-person and mobile bets on tribal land. The bill also includes an amendment that permits the Oklahoma City Thunder to strike deals with a tribal-approved mobile sportsbook for bets outside of tribal territory[2][3].
The Veto Threat and Override Challenges
However, the road ahead is fraught with hurdles:- Governor's Stance: Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly voiced his opposition to the bills[3]. This could result in a veto.- Veto Override Demands: To overturn a veto, a two-thirds majority vote is needed in both the House and Senate—a tall order[3]. With significant opposition, securing the necessary votes for a veto override may prove difficult.- Tribal Involvement and Negotiations: Although some tribal leaders show a willingness to engage, opposition from Oklahoma gaming tribes could impact the political landscape and negotiations[3][4].
In essence, despite broad political backing for sports betting, overcoming Governor Stitt's opposition and achieving the necessary votes for a veto override won't be a walk in the park.
Michael Savio, an expert in the US online casino industry, shares his insights on these developments and more at casinos.com. Stay tuned for his latest articles!
References:[1] Oklahoma House Bills 1047 and 1101. [Link][2] Senate Bill 585. [Link][3] Governor Kevin Stitt's Public Stance on Sports Betting Bills. [Link][4] Tribal Leaders' Attitudes towards Sports Betting Bills. [Link]
- Michael Savio, an authority on the US online casino industry, discusses the latest developments on sports betting bills in Oklahoma at casinos.com, providing insights beyond the current overview.
- Despite the House's approval of House Bills 1047 and 1101, increasing tribal involvement and negotiations, as well as Governor Kevin Stitt's public veto threat, pose challenges for the sports betting bills to become law.
- In the face of Governor Stitt's veto threat, securing the necessary two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to override a veto may face significant opposition and prove difficult.
- Senate Bill 585, which allows Native American tribes to offer in-person and mobile bets on tribal land and permits the Oklahoma City Thunder to negotiate with a tribal-approved mobile sportsbook for bets outside of tribal territory, is now law in Oklahoma following the Senate's green light.
- The sports betting landscape in Las Vegas might view these developments in Oklahoma as an opportunity to run sports betting businesses, as the fate of sports betting bills in the state remains uncertain, potentially attracting customers to their casinos from the region.
