Oklahoma tribes that operate casinos are eager to launch sports betting, said Jason Giles, executive director at the National Indian Gaming Association. “Oklahoma is a big opportunity for sports betting,” Giles said, noting it would draw business from neighboring states like Texas.
But Oklahoma tribal officials are not ready to accept the sports wagering plan recommended by Governor Kevin Stitt. His proposal includes an initial licensing fee of $500,000 with an annual renewal of $100,000, plus a 20 percent tax rate on online sports wagering operators. Stitt’s plan also covers retail sports betting, which would be taxed at 15 percent and managed exclusively by federally recognized tribes.
Tribal leaders object to the proposal due to its high tax rate and the additional sports betting fee for tribal casinos. They said the casinos already share a portion of revenue with the state and high licensing fees could have a negative impact.
Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association board, said tribal casinos play a significant role in rural Oklahoma’s economic stability. “You wouldn’t see the success of rural Oklahoma without tribes,” Morgan said in a recent podcast interview.
He added tribes will push for a sports betting framework that makes practical sense for their communities. “Tribes are in no hurry to get this done. We are not going to go forward in a manner that doesn’t make sense for us. We will remain hopeful and will continue to sit at the table with people who know how to move the process forward,” Morgan said.
Oklahoma gaming leaders also have expressed concern about other sports betting regulations proposed by Stitt, like prohibiting wagering on college sports and restricting betting on player props, injuries and coaches.
More than 30 tribes have gaming compacts and operate more than 100 casinos in Oklahoma.
