Oklahoma Sports Betting Bill Takes Step Back, Withdrawn From Committee

• A House subcommittee removed a Senate-approved sports betting bill
• The action does not preclude the bill frin moving forward, but it’s not a good sign for its chances
• The “Thunder Bill” allows for the legalization of online and in-person sports betting in the Sooner State

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A Senate-approved Oklahoma sports betting bill has been withdrawn from a House subcommittee, which is not a good sign for the legislation’s chances of moving forward to a full House vote.

Sen. Bill Coleman’s (R-10) bill, SB 585, the “Thunder Bill,” which allows for the legalization of online and in-person sports betting in the Sooner State, was scheduled for discussion in House appropriations and budget subcommittee.

The subcommittee yesterday, however, withdrew the bill without discussion and referred it back to rules.

Oklahoma’s Sports Betting Chances a Muddled Mess

As discussion on the bill was delayed, it further illustrates the difficulty of getting any Oklahoma sports betting bill across the finish line in 2025.

There is a disconnect between Oklahoma Tribes, Oklahoma lawmakers, and the Oklahoma Governor as to the best structure for legalized sports betting. The tribes and a majority of lawmakers favor tribal exclusivity over sports betting, while the governor has touted the benefits of an open market.

Coleman’s bill, SB 585, is the only sports betting bill introduced this session to allow for an outside license holder. His legislation allows the 38 recognized Oklahoma tribes to offer retail sports betting at tribal casinos and online sports betting on tribal lands, but also allows the Oklahoma City Thunder to acquire a sports betting license as well.

His legislation sets the state tax rate at 10% of net sportsbook revenues, which he estimates would see an additional $20 million annual in revenue for the state.

According to the legislation, the Thunder will “have the right to sublicense the event wagering license to one tribal-approved operator for mobile and in-person event wagering on nontribal land.”

The “Thunder Bill” came in front of the Senate in late March and was initially defeated by a 24-22 vote, as the legislation needed 25 votes to move forward. Coleman, however, called for a motion to reconsider later in the day’s hearing and another vote was approved.

The Senate then approved the bill by a 25-21 result.

However, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) has opposed the bill, and the other approved state sports betting bills, for catering far too much to the tribes. He recently spoke out against the three approved sports betting bills that he says do not provide a “free market solution” for Oklahoma.

“None of the bills that have moved off the floors of the House or Senate have gotten my input on them. As a matter of fact, they’ve excluded the Governor of the state of Oklahoma from these discussions. When they say that all stakeholders have come to the table and agreed on something, the taxpayers that are represented by the Oklahoma Governor has not weighed in on those things,” Stitt said during his weekly press conference.

Gov. Stitt has said he will veto any approved bills that provide sports betting exclusivity for state tribes.

Two Other Bills Remain

Additionally, the Oklahoma House of Representatives recently approved two sports betting bills, both authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell (R-37), to legalize sports betting and provide exclusivity to state tribes.

His bills, HB 1047 and HB 1101, allow Oklahoma tribes to amend their gaming compacts to allow in-person and online sports betting on tribal lands only. HB 1047 was approved in the House by a 62-31 vote, while HB 1101 was approved 66-29.

The only difference between the two pieces of legislation is HB 1101 calls for a voter referendum in 2026 to allow residents to decide on the state’s sports betting fate once and for all. This would only be necessary if HB 1047 is not approved or is vetoed by Stitt.

Both bills are currently in the Senate business and insurance committee. Neither have been discussed.