Oklahoma’s bid to legalize sports betting has hit another roadblock as House Bill 1027, championed by state representative Ken Luttrell, failed to move beyond a Senate committee before the legislative deadline. This setback means that the prospects of sports betting in the state will need to wait for further discussions.
Senate’s Stance
Despite receiving approval from the House with a 66-22 vote, House Bill 1027 encountered resistance in the Senate due to a desire for additional negotiations between tribal representatives and the governor’s office. The Senate’s request for further tribal engagement halted the bill’s progression for the second consecutive year.
Key Provisions of HB 1027
The proposed legislation aimed to permit both in-person and retail sports betting, provided it was conducted by tribes with existing gaming compacts with the state. Oklahoma boasts a significant gaming presence, with approximately 35 tribes currently offering various forms of gambling within its borders.
The bill proposed the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing sports betting operations, subject to the tribal nations’ consent through a tribal-state compact. Under the terms of the proposed compact, tribal operators would be required to pay:
4% of gross gaming revenue on the first $5 million of annual revenue.
5% on the subsequent $5 million of gross revenue.
6% of revenue exceeding that threshold.
Tax Allocation
Of the tax revenue generated from sports betting activities, 12% would have been allocated to the general revenue fund, while the remaining 88% would have been directed towards the Education Reform Revolving Fund. Luttrell estimated that the legalization of sports betting could potentially contribute approximately $9 million annually to the state’s budget.
The Ongoing Pursuit of Sports Betting in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s journey towards legalizing sports betting appears to be a complex process, marked by the need for comprehensive discussions involving tribal representatives and government officials. The failure of House Bill 1027 to advance this year underscores the importance of finding common ground between all stakeholders to pave the way for the future of sports betting in the state. While the bill may have stalled for now, the discussions continue, leaving the door open for potential progress in the coming years.