Could Oklahoma Be 2025’s Lone Sports Betting Star?
Oklahoma’s push to legalize sports betting in 2025 via tribal compacts or a voter referendum could make it the only state to get it done this year, but chances seems to be pretty slim.
A Tight Race to Legalize
Oklahoma’s got a shot at being the only state to legalize sports betting in 2025, but it’s facing a big hurdle named Governor Kevin Stitt.
Two bills, House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101, are barreling toward a May 8, 2025, Senate deadline. HB 1047, which cleared the House 62-31 on March 26 and the Senate Business and Commerce Committee 8-1 on April 24, would let tribes add sports betting to their gaming compacts, with a 10% revenue share to the state.
HB 1101, passing the House 66-29 and the committee 6-3, sets up a 2026 voter referendum if Stitt vetoes HB 1047. Both need Senate floor votes by Thursday, or it’s game over for 2025.
Stitt’s not budging. “I would absolutely veto any of the bills that hit my desk that are exclusively giving a monopoly to the tribes,” he said, pushing a free-market model with commercial operators.
If HB 1047 passes, it’d need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override his veto, a tall order. HB 1101’s referendum path could dodge Stitt’s pen, letting voters decide, much like Oklahoma’s 2003 lottery vote.
Why Oklahoma Stands Out
Most states eyeing sports betting in 2025, like Hawaii, Mississippi, or Texas, are stalled or banking on 2026 ballot measures. Oklahoma’s bills are further along, with House approval and Senate committee nods, giving it a head start.
The tribal-exclusive model, backed by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, taps into existing compacts, avoiding new negotiations that could spook tribes.
“Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sense for everyone involved,” said OIGA Chairman Matthew Morgan. Tribes would run retail and online betting, potentially with partners, and pay 10% of adjusted revenue, with some funds earmarked for problem gambling programs.
If HB 1047 passes and survives Stitt, or if HB 1101 triggers a referendum, Oklahoma could launch sports betting by late 2025 or 2026, outpacing neighbors like Texas, where gambling talks are stuck.
Oklahoma’s got a chance, but it’s no slam dunk. The Senate’s gotta act by May 8, and Stitt’s veto threat looms large. Overriding a veto needs 68 House and 32 Senate votes, tough with HB 1047’s 62-31 House tally. HB 1101’s referendum is a clever backup, but it delays legalization to 2026, missing the 2025 window.
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