Legislators in Oklahoma have endorsed two measures pertaining to sports betting.

Catchin' Up with Oklahoma's Bet on Sports Gambling

Oklahoma's quest to legalize sports betting just got a shot of adrenaline this week. Two contenders, HB 1047 and HB 1011, have ascended to the Senate floor. These contenders aim to bring regulated sports gambling to the state, unleashing new income streams and beefing up gaming options for locals.

HB 1047, under the sponsorship of Rep. Ken Luttrell, envisions sports gambling through tribal gaming compacts, both online and in-person. With support pouring in from tribal leaders and legislators alike, it sailed through the House with an impressive majority earlier this month. Now, it's the Senate's turn to weigh in.

On the other hand, HB 1011 presents a unique regulatory approach for sports gambling. It permits sports gambling solely at licensed racetracks and approved online platforms. Despite the distinct nature of these bills, they share the same ultimate objective: legal sports gambling in Oklahoma.

This advancement carries significant implications for Oklahoma. For years, lawmakers have wrestled with sports betting legislation, with minimal success. But with neighbors jumping on the bandwagon, it seems the pressure is mounting.

The Case for and Against Oklahoma's Gambling Bills

Supporters make a strong case. They argue that legal sports gambling will keep Oklahoma competitive and pummel the black market gambling scene. Furthermore, they predict millions in annual tax revenue generated from online gambling. Experts estimate a bare minimum of $10 million each year from regulated betting.

Yet, not everyone's on board. Concerns about the social repercussions of widespread gambling and the distribution of revenue hover over some legislators. After collaborating with tribes and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, these bills could net the state between $14 million and $42 million in revenue.

Despite their advancement, these bills face hurdles, especially from Governor Kevin Stitt, who's bitter about being sidelined from the process. And he's not a fan of granting gambling rights solely to tribes with state compacts. Expect these issues to dominate the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

Both Oklahoma's sports gambling bills pursue the same desired end: a slice of the booming sports gambling market. Kansas, Arkansas, and Colorado have already jumped in, throwing down the gauntlet for Oklahoma to follow suit.

Keeping a sharp eye on the Senate's decision are all parties involved. The outcome could strategize the future of sports gambling in Oklahoma and decide if the state will join the ranks of gambling enthusiasts.

Enrichment Data:

The current status of sports betting legalization in Oklahoma is in a state of flux, but is progressing. As of late April 2025, both HB 1047 and HB 1011 have moved forward by passing through the Oklahoma Senate's Business and Insurance Committee.[1][4][5]
These bills permit Native American tribes in Oklahoma to amend their gaming compacts to include in-person and online sports betting on tribal lands. However, HB 1101 includes a provision that if HB 1047 is vetoed, the issue will be sent to state voters in 2026.[4]
Despite progress, significant opposition remains, notably from Governor Kevin Stitt, which poses a risk to the bills' passage.[4] Previous attempts at legalization have failed due to disagreements between state and tribal governments.[2][3]
As of now, sports betting remains illegal in Oklahoma, but these ongoing legislative efforts continue to push for legalization.[2][5]
Despite entering the Senate floor, the fate of Oklahoma's sports-betting regulations, specifically HB 1047 and HB 1011, remains uncertain due to opposition from Governor Kevin Stitt.
Regardless, both bills aim to adhere to a similar objective, which is to legalize sports-betting in Oklahoma, joining states such as Kansas, Arkansas, and Colorado that have already legalized it.
If approved, HB 1011 would permit sports-betting at licensed racetracks and approved online platforms, potentially generating millions in tax revenue and enhancing gaming options for locals, as predicted by experts.