By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — A deal has been reached at the State Capitol to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma, and votes on the agreement are expected within days.
Ponca City lawmakers, Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell, announced the agreement between state lawmakers, tribal leaders and the National Basketball Association to allow both in-casino sports betting and online wagering through mobile apps.
“This is a big day for Oklahoma,” Coleman said. “We’re closer than we’ve ever been to legalizing sports betting. This new legislation is the product of thousands of hours of negotiations over many years. This agreement respects our tribal partners and reflects collaboration and cooperation with our NBA franchise to create a legal, above-board system that can compete with the unregulated black market and legally questionable prediction markets. Oklahomans are already placing bets through other platforms or driving out of state to make legal wagers. It’s time for all of us to come together to get behind this proposal that protects consumers and keeps those dollars here in Oklahoma to benefit our state.”
Under the proposal, the state would receive 8% of revenue generated from sports betting. Additional funds would go toward programs supporting childhood literacy, as well as mental health and substance abuse services.
Sports betting would only be offered through tribal entities, making platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket illegal in Oklahoma.
Thirty-eight other states and Washington, D.C., have already legalized sports betting. Oklahoma would become the 39th.
Our news partners at FOX23 reached out to the office of Gov. Kevin Stitt for comment. He has previously said he would not sign any measure that exclusively benefits tribes.
Lawmakers say that if he vetoes the agreement, they are prepared to attempt an override.
To look at the full legislation, click here.
