Ongoing Push for Legalization of Sports Gambling in Oklahoma Remains Intense
Oklahoma, a state with nearly 4 million residents, is currently attempting to join its neighbouring states in legalizing sports betting. Governor Kevin Stitt unveiled a plan to legalize sports betting in November, following the footsteps of Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico, all of which border Oklahoma and offer sports betting.
If the plan is approved, retail betting would be subject to a 15% tax and would be offered by the state's federally recognized Tribes. The proposed plan sets a tax rate of 20% for mobile sports betting. Operators interested in offering legal wagering would pay an initial fee of $500,000 and an annual fee of $100,000.
The border between Oklahoma and states that offer sports betting could serve as a significant market for illegal betting operations if Oklahoma does not legalize the activity. Bettors from states that do not offer legal sports betting, such as Oklahoma, often cross borders to place wagers in neighboring states.
The legalization of sports betting in neighboring states could potentially increase pressure on Oklahoma to legalize the activity. Missouri, a neighboring state of Oklahoma, is also considering the legalization of sports betting. The legalization of sports betting in states such as Missouri, Hawaii, and Georgia could impact the overall sports betting market in the United States, according to the American Gaming Association.
However, the proposed plan faces criticism from the Tribes because it doesn't grant exclusive rights to tribal operators over mobile betting. The draft of SB 1434 from December last year proposed the authorization of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to develop sports betting pools across the state. The bill, Senate Bill 1434 (SB 1434), was filed earlier this month, proposing the legalization of sports betting for Oklahoma customers. SB 1434 calls for changes to the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act to pave the way for legal sports wagering.
As of now, there are no specific search results addressing the current status of Senator Casey Murdock's efforts on Senate Bill 1434 regarding the legalization of sports betting in Oklahoma. The Super Bowl wrapped up this weekend, and bettors in Oklahoma will have to wait until next year's big game to place their first legal wagers if the bill is passed.
It's worth noting that Texas, another neighbor of Oklahoma, does not permit any form of wagering on sports. Hawaii and Georgia are among the states where lawmakers are making efforts toward the legalization of sports betting. The American Gaming Association provides data on the efforts of states to legalize sports betting.
In conclusion, Oklahoma is working towards joining the list of states that have legalized sports betting, aiming to curb illegal betting activities and generate revenue for the state. The progress of SB 1434 and its potential impact on the sports betting market in the United States are topics of ongoing interest and discussion.
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