Oklahoma lawmakers have advanced three significant bills aimed at legalizing sports betting in the state, including provisions that could allow the Oklahoma City Thunder to obtain a gaming license. This move comes amid concerns regarding the potential violation of existing tribal gaming compacts.
Key Takeaways
- Three sports betting bills advanced from a Senate committee.
- Concerns raised about tribal exclusivity rights and existing compacts.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder could gain a gaming license for sports betting.
Overview of the Bills
The Senate Business and Insurance Committee approved three bills on February 13, 2025, signaling a serious intent to introduce sports betting in Oklahoma. The bills are expected to undergo significant changes as negotiations continue between state lawmakers and tribal representatives.
Sen. Bill Coleman, the committee chairman, emphasized that these bills serve as negotiation tools between the tribes and the Oklahoma City Thunder, a professional basketball team seeking to enter the sports betting market.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
- Senate Bill 125: This bill, authored by Sen. Dave Rader, would permit tribes with existing gaming compacts to offer sports pools, which include mobile betting on various sports events. The bill mandates that tribes execute supplements to their compacts, with exclusivity fees ranging from 5% to 7%. It passed with a vote of 9-2 and will move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- Senate Bill 164: This measure would authorize the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to regulate sports betting, imposing an annual license fee of $100,000 and an initial fee of $500,000. It also requires 15% of adjusted gross revenue from sports pools to be paid to the Lottery Commission. Concerns have been raised that this bill may violate tribal exclusivity provisions, potentially costing the state revenue. It narrowly passed with a 6-5 vote.
- Senate Bill 585: This bill would allow the Oklahoma City Thunder to obtain a gaming license for sports betting. It proposes that tribes can accept in-person bets at casinos and conduct mobile sports betting on tribal land, while the Thunder would manage mobile betting on non-tribal land. The state is projected to receive 10% of net sportsbook revenues, estimated at $20 million annually. This bill passed with an 8-2 vote and will also head to the Senate floor.
Concerns and Future Negotiations
Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, expressed concerns about the state lagging behind other states in legalizing sports betting. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new legislation does not violate existing tribal compacts and makes economic sense for all parties involved.
Sen. Mark Mann raised alarms about Senate Bill 164, suggesting it could breach the terms of tribal compacts, leading to financial losses for the state. The ongoing negotiations between the tribes and the Thunder are crucial for the successful implementation of these bills.
Conclusion
The advancement of these sports betting bills marks a pivotal moment for Oklahoma as it seeks to join the growing number of states that have legalized sports betting. However, the path forward will require careful negotiation and consideration of the rights and agreements established with tribal entities. The outcome of these discussions will ultimately shape the future of sports betting in Oklahoma.