Oklahoma – one of 11 states that has not legalized sports betting – could put the controversial topic back on the docket in the near future.
Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, said while speaking at the group’s annual conference in Oklahoma City that he believed there was a positive future for the group. However, he also said it wasn't a secret that tribes and state officials haven’t always seen eye-to-eye.
“It's not unknown that we've struggled with our relationship with the current governor.”
The good news for sports betting is, with Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) entering his final year in office, the possibility exists that a pro-gaming administration could be in power in the near future.
At odds
Oklahoma reviewed several bills to legalize sports betting during the most recent legislative session. Though, even the most favored pieces of legislation, House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101, did not make it out of the Legislature.
Even had the bills reached his desk, Stitt has said he would veto any bill that granted tribal exclusivity in a gaming agreement. That greatly limited the possible paths for legalization and hurt his relationship with native groups.
Two prominent gubernatorial candidates appear to have different mindsets regarding their connection to the tribes.
Charles McCall (R) said he planned to work closely with the tribes if he took the governor’s seat.
"I've seen firsthand what the tribal nations do for our communities throughout the state of Oklahoma. We should be working together a lot better than we have been.”
Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R), another popular candidate, echoed those sentiments.
“I know that we have been out of step with our current governor, but 17 months from now, you're going to have an opportunity to have a governor that recognizes and appreciates the value of all of Oklahoma's 38 sovereign tribes.”
A new attitude
Morgan confirmed that he plans to collaborate with the future Oklahoma governor to determine the best course for the state and its tribes. That includes its sports betting and gaming future, he said.
“We will work hard with whoever sits in the chair coming forward to make sure we continue to put our best foot forward, not only from the gaming industry, but tribal governments in general.”
Looking back at the pair of bills that made the most progress, HB 1047 gave federally recognized tribes that had compacts with the state the right to exclusively offer sports betting in Oklahoma. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ken Luttrell (R-37), called for a 10% tax rate.
HB 1101, also sponsored by Luttrell, was filed as a replacement in the event HB 1047 was rejected. It called for a ballot referendum on sports betting, so voters could determine if they wanted sports betting legalized in the state.
Sports betting is a lucrative industry not just for betting operators but also for state governments.
Kansas, which imposes a 10% tax on online sports betting revenue, generated $21.6 million in 2024. Estimates indicate the state could collect up to $30 million annually by the end of 2026.