Oklahoma could be the next domino to fall in a string of states that have legalized sports betting over the last two years. What could send that domino to the ground? State Rep. Ken Luttrell (R-Ponca City) to make sports betting legal within the Sooner State.

Oklahoma Sports Betting Opportunities Abound

By this point, Oklahoma has undoubtedly seen the revenue and tax numbers the 30 states plus the District of Columbia with already-operational sportsbooks are posting each month. Now, Luttrell has decided it’s time to take advantage of those opportunities in his home state, and his bill looks to create over 3,000 new jobs and bring an estimated $240 million in additional annual funds to the state, its tribes, and its public education system.

According to Luttrell, Oklahoma itself is already in a good position financially, contributing to a lack of urgency to begin accepting sports wagers. There have also been previous objections to the matter simply because Oklahoma is a “Bible Belt State.” However, it has found itself well behind the national curve since the start of the year as one of 12 (now 11) states nationwide yet to have introduced legislation to legalize sports betting.

“My feeling on it is it is the right time to do it,” Luttrell said. “It’s a win-win both for the tribes, for the state of Oklahoma (and) for education funding in particular since that’s one of the dedicated uses of the state’s gambling income.”

The Oklahoma Sports Betting Economy is Already There

Rep. Luttrell also highlighted that Oklahoma sports betting is already a multi-million-dollar industry within the state. The problem is, wagers are either being placed underground or in neighboring states like Arkansas, where its sportsbooks will happily accept Oklahomans’ money. Other border states like Missouri and Kansas could also be legalizing sports betting in 2022, further incentivizing Oklahoma to do the same if it wants to keep its action within state lines.

Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoman Indian Gaming Association, weighed in on the subject. “I think we’d be kidding ourselves if we did not think the illegal gaming market is not here in Oklahoma,” Morgan said. “People that want to participate in this find ways to participate whether it’s legal or not.”

Morgan also stated, “You’re not creating a new form of gaming and hoping people come to take you up on your offering. It’s taking people that are illegally betting now and moving them into a form of gambling that would be legalized.”

That doesn’t mean Morgan is a blanket supporter of Oklahoma sports betting, however. He ultimately said that despite Oklahoma’s history in the gaming industry, the decision needs to come down to whether or not it makes economic sense for all parties involved.

Will This Time Be Different?

The current effort is not the first time Oklahoma has entertained the idea of legalizing sports betting, with initial agreements two years ago faltering before the finish line. So, what is different this time around?

Of course, the culture and momentum around Oklahoma sports betting top that list. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association and its members are well aware of this too. According to Morgan, who added, “Our patrons are always asking us, what is on the forefront, we’re in the entertainment business, and they’re always looking for offerings, so we hear that quite regularly.”

The state legislative session begins February 7, and it appears that the bill would only need legislative action (voting) to pass. Gov. Stitt (R) would have the power to veto still, but a spokesperson for the Governor said he is “open to any compact as long as it is a fair deal, enforceable, and provides the transparency and accountability all 4 million Oklahomans deserve.”

If legalized, tribes are expected to retain exclusive rights to sportsbooks (or sportsbook partnerships) within the state. From there, it would be up to the tribes on an individual basis to determine if they wanted to take part.