Oklahoma Senate Panel Advances Tribal Sports Betting Bills
Oklahoma Senate panel greenlit two sports betting bills, House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101, marking the first time such measures cleared a Senate committee
A Historic Step Forward
“The OIGA members are going to decide to do what they want to do with their mobile component to look like, fiscal impact is expected to be a benefit of the state of $14 million to $42 million,” said Senator Bill Coleman, the bills’ Senate author.
HB 1047 grants tribes exclusive sports betting rights with a 10% state fee, needing a Model Tribal Gaming Compact amendment. HB 1101, a backup, sends the issue to voters if HB 1047 fails or faces a veto from Governor Kevin Stitt
“This procedure was last used in 2003 when members didn’t want to vote on the lottery,” Coleman said. The 2003 referendum created the Oklahoma Lottery, raising $1.3 billion for education.
Tribal Focus and Governor’s Pushback
HB 1047, crafted with the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, could generate $14 million to $142 million, rivaling Kansas’ $165 million 2024 sports betting revenue.
“These bills represent a balanced approach, ensuring both tribal and public interests are served,” said Representative Ken Luttrell, the bills’ House author.
The measure passed the Senate Business and Commerce Committee 8-1, while HB 1101 cleared 6-3. Both maintain $20,833 monthly for gambling addiction treatment.
Governor Stitt, however, opposes tribal exclusivity. “These are tribal-pushed bills that are only going to benefit the tribes and not the citizens of Oklahoma,” he said, vowing to veto such measures.
Stitt’s 2023 plan for commercial betting clashes with the bills’ tribal focus. “And since it is happening anyway, we should figure out a way to put out the regulatory framework,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, supporting a tribal partnership.
Challenges and Opportunities
Critics fear a rise in gambling addiction, with 5% of Oklahomans at risk. The Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling recommends revenue for mental health services. Yet, with all neighboring states except Texas legalizing sports betting, Oklahoma loses $50 million yearly to cross-border wagers.
The bills, backed by 38 tribes, face hurdles. Stitt’s veto threat looms, and full Senate and House votes are needed. HB 1101’s referendum path, likened to Missouri’s 2024 vote, could bypass Stitt.
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