Oklahoma’s Legislators Renew Efforts to Legalise the Sportsbook Sector

Two new bills have been introduced in the Oklahoma statehouse to launch the local sports betting vertical, and the debate on the issue has returned with renewed vigour.

Legalising the Bookmaker Niche: Discussions

The initiatives were introduced by 2 lawmakers:

1. Casey Murdock. The Republican from R-Felt filed SB 164.
2. Dave Rader. The Senator from R-Tulsa presented SB 125.

Both proposals would allow wagering throughout Oklahoma but differ dramatically on key regulatory details.

The main disagreements revolve around the following aspects:

• the economic viability of each bill;
• the exclusivity of the regional tribal people;
• the Governor’s uncertain position on legalising the niche.

All past initiatives to open the sportsbook market failed to pass a vote. They were rejected at the committee stage or withdrawn by the applicants.

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) remains neutral on the issue but insists that any regulation must consider the interests of tribal people. The indigenous population has exclusive rights to gambling, as stipulated in the current agreements with the government.

Matthew L. Morgan, the OIGA’s Chairman, noted that any new industry offers or changes to the current ones must be commercially beneficial for all market participants.

Many consider the sportsbook segment to be economically unprofitable due to low-gain margins compared to the slot and table entertainment sectors. Nevertheless, in Mr Murdock’s opinion, interest in wagering is high. He referred to the frequency of citizens crossing the state border to place bets at the country’s other territories.

Key Differences Between the 2 Bills

Distinctive features of the documents:

1. SB 164. The initiative includes a clause that says everyone can work in the market, not just Indian tribes. The provision is consistent with the Governor’s opinion.
2. SB 125. This draft law, on the contrary, calls for preserving the right to provide bookmaking services only for the indigenous population.

Oklahoma’s tribes, like the Cherokee Nation, are in no hurry to revise current gambling agreements. They expect to leave the situation as it is until the Governor resigns.

Another difference between the bills is the approach to overseeing bets. SB 164 promotes the local Lottery Commission as a supervisory body for the vertical. SB 125 proposes to transfer these functions to the state’s Horse Racing Commission. The choice in favour of one of the authorities will have a fundamental impact on the segment’s structure as a whole.

At the Casino Market studio, you can learn more about key events in the gambling industry and order a turnkey sportsbook and online betting software integration.

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