Oklahoma sports betting
The legalization of sports betting has hit a stalemate in Oklahoma after lawmakers failed to approve the legalization bill (HB 3008). The bill had passed the House Appropriations and Budget Committee with a landslide vote but missed the March 24 deadline after the House failed to take a vote. As a result, Oklahomans can only look forward to 2023.
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- Oklahoma sports betting
- Are sports betting legal in Oklahoma?
- The roadmap to sports betting in Oklahoma
- Legal betting options in Oklahoma
- Is betting in off-shore casinos legal?
- Most likely Oklahoma sportsbooks
- Oklahoma sports teams to bet on
- How Oklahoma sports betting compares to its neighbors
- How to bet on sports in Oklahoma
- FAQ O, sports betting sites
Are sports betting legal in Oklahoma?
No, state lawmakers are yet to decriminalize sports betting in Oklahoma. In fact, the state has no retail or online sportsbooks offering sports wagering. Initially, the state had legalized sports betting and even allowed the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria, OK tribes to commence. However, that was short-lived as the Attorney General overturned that ruling.
History of betting in Oklahoma
Betting in Oklahoma dates back to 1982 when horse racing was first legalized. This led to the establishment of three racetracks and later the addition of slots and video machines. Later, the racetracks adopted the name racinos.
In 2004, Oklahoma approved tribal casinos that allowed poker and table games. More casinos have opened up since then. Currently, Oklahoma has over 100 tribal casinos. Shortly after, the state lottery was decriminalized and established.
Oklahoma tribes first attempt to introduce online gambling was in 2013. The tribes reached an agreement with Gov Mary Fallin to introduce online poker and online casino games. However, that venture was shut down in 2014 after the US Department of Interior overturned the State government.
The roadmap to sports betting in Oklahoma
The legalization of OK sports betting began when the Federal Court overturned PASPA in 2018, a Federal ban on sports betting. This gave individual State Governments a mandate to determine whether to legalize sports betting and draw a working framework for the same.
Two years later, no sportsbooks were operating in Oklahoma. However, this changed when two tribes sought approval from the State Governor to commence operations in their casinos.
In April 2020, the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria reached an agreement with Governor Kevin Stitt to introduce sports betting. However, the State Attorney General later struck down, halting legal sports betting in the state.
Together with a group of bipartisan lawmakers, the Attorney General opposed the possibility of expanding sports betting. In addition, there was an argument on the need for state intervention in tribal sports betting activities before legalization. Clearly, there was a need for a clear working arrangement.
Sports betting bill(HB 3008)
Under the sponsorship of State Representative Ken Luttrell, a bill proposing the legalization of retail sports betting under tribal casinos was introduced. This was the closest Oklahomans had gotten to finally having in-person sports wagering.
The proposed bill would only allow in-person sports wagering. In a state with 131 operational casinos, that bill would see increased revenue for the tribe. The House of Appropriations and Budget Committee approved the bill with a remarkable 28-3 vote.
Despite being a step closer, the House did not take a floor vote rendering the bill dead this year as the March 24 deadline had passed. This was mainly contributed by the lack of interest among the lawmakers in expanding sports betting. Therefore, the House and Senate would have to vote for the bill to pass.
This will then be passed to Governor Kevin Stitt. He has constantly had a reservation on renewing sports betting compacts with the tribe. This has been mainly contributed by the revenue sharing with the state.
In spite of this major setback, State Representative Luttrell expressed his intention to resurrect the bill in 2023, hoping for better luck. According to him, his main goal is to ensure that Oklahoma benefits from sports betting that is already happening.
In addition, the massive expansion of sports betting in neighboring states is a reason for concern. The state will start to lose valuable income as people travel to neighboring states for a taste of online sports betting. As it is, Oklahoma loses a major revenue stream to off-shore sites.
Oklahoma sports betting timeline
- March 2022: The House fails to take a vote on the Oklahoma sports betting bill introduced by State Representative Luttrell. Consequently, the bill fails to meet the set deadline of March 24.
- January 2022: State Representative Lutrell introduces a sports betting bill that will allow in-person sports betting at tribes casinos. The bill doesn’t cover online sports betting.
- 2021: The tribes join forces in pursuit of legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma
- April 2020: Two tribes, Otoe-Missouria and Comanche Nation tribes, meet up with Governor Kevin Stitt to allow sports betting. Sports wagering is allowed but later illegalized by the State’s Attorney General.
- 2013: The tribes request to offer online betting, which is later denied
- 2004: Tribal compact is upgraded, allowing casinos
- 1992: OK, tribes are allowed to offer bingo, lotteries and gambling machines
- 1982: The state legalizes horse racing betting
- 1916: All real money wagering activities are banned from Oklahoma to curb crime.
Legal betting options in Oklahoma
As mentioned, Oklahoma has no retail nor online sportsbooks. So, currently, there is no legal way to place a sports wager. However, here is a list of legal betting options.
Horse racing betting in OK
Betting on horse racing in Oklahoma was authorized in 1982. This was followed by the formation of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission to regulate horse racing betting. The rules governing this type of betting allow placing a wager at terminals and through the phone.
There are no laws to dictate online horse racing betting. However, the same is not frowned upon by authorities nor criminalized. For online betting, punters can wager only through Twinspire and AmWager.
Other locations to place your wager include;
Oklahoma racetracks
- Fair Meadows Tulsa
- Remington Park
- Will Rogers Downs
Off-track betting terminals
- Cherokee Casino Sallisaw
- Riverwind Casino
- Thunder Roadhouse Café
- Will Rogers Downs Simulcasting
- Racers OTB at WinStar Casino
- Newcastle Casino
- Choctaw Casino Durant
- Choctaw Casino Pocola
Daily Fantasy Sports Betting in Oklahoma
DFS is now legal in most states, but it remains in a legal gray area in Oklahoma. DFS betting has not been legalized in the state, but at the same time, it’s not illegal. A bill to legalize the same was introduced in 2016, but tribal interest in the venture led to the shutdown.
Mainly because tribal communities did not stand to gain from the revenue generated, this was contrary to the compacts that existed between the state and tribes.
Nonetheless, fantasy sites continue to offer betting services to bettors 18 years of age. Sites offering DFS betting include;
- FanDuel Fantasy
- DraftKings Fantasy
- Monkey Knife Fight
- Parlay Play
- Outlast Daily Fantasy Sports
- Ownersbox Fantasy Sports.
Casino gambling in Oklahoma
The state is home to more than 100 casinos that are operated and managed by tribal communities in OK. These casinos are located on tribal lands. While some are backed by major corporations such as Harrah’s, most of them are fully owned by the tribes.
The establishments offer slots, video poker and table games. Games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker are a staple here. Like most states, these casinos are a source of revenue. A ten percent tax rate is imposed on table games. Slots pay a four percent tax rate for revenues below $10 million and six percent for revenues above that amount.
Other legal betting options include bingo and raffle tickets.
Is betting in off-shore casinos legal?
As Oklahoma sports betting is illegal, most residents have no options for sports betting. Despite domestic casinos being illegal, off-shore sites are not prohibited. Even so, these sites don’t offer player protection nor fund protection.
Therefore, it is not advisable to wager on these sites lest you risk losing all your money.
Most likely Oklahoma sportsbooks
While Oklahomans await better luck in 2023, several sportsbooks remain optimistic that they will launch operations. Likewise, while OK online sports betting remains in oblivion, most sportsbooks hope to secure a working arrangement with the tribes in their casinos.
The most likely to launch sportsbooks when the green light is given include;
Caesars Sportsbook
Ever since Caesars acquired William Hill, the sportsbook has rapidly expanded across most states. Having made major strides through partnerships with professional teams, Caesars has become valuable in sports betting.
Known for Caesars Rewards, Caesars sportsbook will provide Oklahomans with a much-needed loyalty program. The bookmaker also offers a variety of other offers and promotions on its promotions page. A notable example is a welcome bonus.
Like other states, Caesars is likely to reward players with first bet insurance of up to $1,100. Moreover, there is an extensive list of payment methods, sports markets and bet variety to work with.
BetRivers Sportsbook
The Rush Street Interactive-owned sportsbook has been a reliable operator in the USA. It is one of the premier brands known for having the best bonuses and promotions. Establishing its operations in Oklahoma would offer players boosted odds, free bets and betting insurance.
In addition, the sportsbook has an extensive list of sports markets featuring major league teams across the USA. This offers diverse bet types to wager on. BetRivers is popular with its same-game parlays.
As a reputable brand, Oklahomans can expect reliable customer service that is available 24/7. Several payment methods are also available for players to fund and withdraw from their accounts.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Under the management of MGM Resorts, BetMGM has become an integral part of USA sports betting. The sportsbook has its online and retail operations in various states. As a trusted bookmaker, BetMGM offers some of the most competitive odds in the industry.
In addition, players will find it unlikely to miss out on bonuses and promotions. Oklahomans will be delighted to have this addition from boosted odds, match deposits, free bets, and parlay bonuses to welcome bonuses.
For sports lovers, the sportsbook offers live-streaming of sporting events that have no exclusivity with cable channels. Moreover, there is a wide array of sports markets, bet types and payment methods.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Already in full swing with DFS betting, FanDuel is a bookmaker that is sure to secure a license in Oklahoma. FanDuel gained popularity with daily fantasy sports betting but quickly diversified to encompass sports betting.
As a site with a remarkable bonus package, FanDuel is simply ideal for sports bettors. The site offers a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 for risk-free bets for newly registered players. A number of other offers, such as boosted odds and bet insurance.
Additionally, the site features exclusive live-streaming partnerships, offering viewing to some exclusive events.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Having also gained popularity through daily fantasy sports betting, Draftkings has also expanded its operations to offer the most appealing sportsbook. The sportsbook is already offering daily fantasy sports betting in Oklahoma hence will likely feature as an option in retail sportsbooks.
Marketed as the King of sportsbooks, DraftKings features a number of bet types, bonuses and sports markets. The sign-up bonus alone offers you a chance to claim free bets worth up to $1,000.
More to this, the site offers private and public betting pools, live betting on even the least popular sports, plus supportive customer care.
Oklahoma sports teams to bet on
Oklahoma sportsbooks will have various betting options for sports bettors who love to bet on their local teams. In addition, these sportsbooks will allow bettors to wager on major leagues and notable sporting events.
NFL betting in Oklahoma
While the state doesn’t have an NFL franchise team, Texas teams have a huge following in the state. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans enjoy massive support from Oklahoma. These two teams are based in Texas.
NBA betting in Oklahoma
Unlike football, Oklahoma is home to an NBA franchise team. Formerly known as Seattle SuperSonics, the NBA team relocated to Oklahoma in 2008. The team is now called Oklahoma City Thunder and enjoys massive support from its fan base.
Sports bettors can expect a lot of action from local sportsbooks in an attempt to ramp up support.
NCCA betting in Oklahoma
The compact prohibits betting on college sports. In spite of that, there is still a lot that happens with college sports around the state. College teams of interest include Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Sporting events to wager on.
While betting on local action is great, several sporting events take place around the world. Soccer for sporting events to bet on
For Oklahoma sports bettors, the list is not limited to MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA. There are other major sporting events around the world. In addition, these provide regular betting options for punters. These include;
- UEFA European Championship
- Olympics Games
- La Liga
- Wimbledon Tennis
- Bundesliga
- The UEFA Champions League
- Serie A
- Africa Cup of Nations
- Copa America
- FA Cup
- Tour De France Cycling
How Oklahoma sports betting compares to its neighbors
While Oklahoma remains in a stalemate on sports betting, some of its neighbors are already in full operation. For example, sports betting is now legal in Kansas after Gov. Laura put pen to paper on a bill legalizing betting in May 2022.
Even though there were no sportsbooks at the time, Sports bettors can expect to wager soon. The state’s four casinos will be allowed to partner with up to 3 operators to bring online sports betting.
While Kansas celebrates this new breakthrough, New Mexico has always been in a legal gray area for sports betting. However, the not legal nor illegal situation allows the tribal casino to take up sports bets. Currently, six casinos are in full swing operation.
Online sports betting in New Mexico remains a far reality. For Arkansas, online sports betting comes in on February 2022. Some online sportsbooks have already launched operations. Sports bettors can expect eight more online sportsbooks.
Colorado is also among the states that have legal sports betting. However, the legal journey continues for Texas and Missouri. Like Oklahoma, both states have presented bills to legalize sports betting. Nonetheless, the bill has only edged a step closer but has not been fruitful.
Sports bettors from all these states hope for better in 2023.
How to bet on sports in Oklahoma
Placing your first wager shouldn’t be complicated once the go-ahead on sports betting is given. Per the law, sports betting should only be available for bettors above the age of 18 years.
The bettors must also be within Oklahoma state lines. Geo Comply verifies this to ensure you are within the state. As a sports bettor, Geo Comply will be essential. Nonetheless, GeoComply is available on iOS and Android.
For Oklahoma, retail sports betting will most likely come before online sports betting. Betting in a retail sportsbook is easy. In most cases, you have the option to bet through live tellers or betting kiosks.
The betting kiosks are equipped with bill acceptors for convenience. Shop through the odds and choose whether to place a money line, spread or total bet.
Online sports betting
Placing your wager online is also easy once you have chosen a legalized sportsbook in Oklahoma. Finding the right sportsbook entails checking out various features to ensure it suits you. The best online sportsbook should have diverse payment options, bonuses, reliable customer service, competitive odds, bet variety and markets.
Once you have chosen from the Oklahoma sportsbooks offering online betting, follow these steps.
Register
In order to place your wagers online, you will need to fill out an online registration form. This entails providing details such as email address, name, username, gender, date of birth and password.
Some sportsbooks might require verification at this point while others will need it when you are withdrawing funds. To verify an account, valid documentation is needed.
Deposit
Explore through the payment options and find out one that will suit you. Most of our recommended sportsbooks offer credit card options, e-wallets, pre-paid cards, and bank transfers.
Place your bet
Once you have funded your account, some sportsbooks will let you claim a welcome bonus. This may require a promo or bonus code. Finally, to place your bet, check through the list of available games and choose your preferred team.
There are various bet types available. Choose one that you are familiar with. Bet options include a prop, future, moneyline, totals, over/under or parlay bets. For winnings, withdrawals are made using the same method of depositing in most cases.
FAQ O, sports betting sites
No, the state is yet to lift a ban on sports betting. At the moment, there are no online or retail sportsbooks available. The only alternative sports bettors have daily fantasy sports betting or horse racing betting.
No, the road to legalizing online sports betting is still very far away. The most recently introduced bill only proposed in-person wagering in tribe casinos. Oklahoma is yet to draft any bill proposing online sports betting.
While sports betting is illegal, sports bettors can always enjoy DFS betting. It’s not legal, but most sites operate under the status quo. For DFS bettors, FanDuel Fantasy, DraftKings, Monkey Knife Fight, and Parlay Play are sites. In addition, horse racing betting is also legal. You can choose to wager on racetrack terminals, off-track locations or online through Twinspires and AmWager.
It is clear that sports betting will not launch anytime this year. However, the bill sponsor is quite optimistic that 2023 might yield better results. State representative Luttrell plans to reintroduce the bill back to the House.
In a statement, the representative is passionate about adding sports betting revenue to the state revenue that would have been lost to off-shore sites.
No, there is no law prohibiting betting on off-shore sites. However, this comes with various risks such as losing winning, account closure without any valid reason and lack of data integrity. This lead to sharing of private information that should be private and financial records that should be protected at whatever cost.