Oklahoma state Rep. Ken Luttrell recently filed House Bill 3008, which would add legalized sports betting to the state’s tribal gaming compact, with the state receiving 10 percent of net winnings.
Luttrell said, “I have had conversations with our gaming tribes during the interim to gauge their interest on this topic. I feel the time is right for Oklahoma to partner with the tribes and ensure a level, competitive gaming playing field with the surrounding states.”
Luttrell, a Cherokee citizen who has lobbied on tribal matters, said Oklahoma is losing revenue to other neighboring states or to illegal wagering operations.
He stated, “Illegal sports betting occurs throughout Oklahoma, and figures I obtained from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation show 11 offenses recently with tens of thousands of dollars seized. This reflects only a fraction of what actually occurs in our state.” He added the Oxford Economics Group estimated legal sports betting would generate $240 million in revenue for Oklahoma and create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Sources said it’s uncertain if Governor Kevin Stitt would sign Luttrell’s bill if it passed. Soon after he was elected, Stitt unsuccessfully attempted to have tribal gaming compacts invalidated. As a result, negotiations between Stitt’s administration and tribal nations have been “virtually non-existent.” Last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt vs. Oklahoma further solidified claims of tribal sovereignty, much to Stitt’s displeasure.
Nearly all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribes operate gaming with 132 active casinos. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association announced 2021was one of their most profitable years, as revenue resurged following mandated closures in 2020. Casinos’ exclusivity fees paid to the state rose nearly 6.5 percent from January through August 2021 compared to the same period in 2019, according to state figures. Fees rose nearly 35.4 percent compared to 2020 when tribal operators were forced to close operations.
