Sports Betting May Soon Be a Slam Dunk in Oklahoma
Oklahoma just made a game-changing move. The state Senate narrowly passed Senate Bill 585, a sports betting measure that not only legalizes in-person and mobile wagering through tribal casinos but also gives the Oklahoma City Thunder a unique opportunity to enter the sports betting market. This dual pathway could reshape the future of gaming in the Sooner State.
What Senate Bill 585 Means for Oklahoma
This landmark bill enables Oklahoma’s 38 federally recognized tribes to offer sports betting at brick-and-mortar casinos and via mobile apps within tribal jurisdictions. Oversight of this burgeoning industry would fall to the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, setting the stage for a regulated and potentially lucrative sports betting ecosystem.
However, the bill’s real curveball? A provision that allows the OKC Thunder to acquire a license to operate a mobile sportsbook outside tribal lands — including throughout the Oklahoma City metro. If enacted, this would make the Thunder the first NBA team with such a direct stake in state-regulated sports wagering.
Thunder’s Potential Playbook in the Betting Arena
Under this legislation, the Thunder could partner with major sportsbook platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel. These partnerships would be limited to non-tribal land, expanding betting access beyond the tribal casino network.
To keep things fair, the bill outlines revenue sharing agreements, ensuring that tribal entities receive a cut of the Thunder’s sportsbook earnings, in line with existing tribal-state compacts. This inclusion was likely a strategic move to foster cooperation and political goodwill among stakeholders.
A $20 Million Revenue Boost? That’s the Goal
Senator Bill Coleman, co-sponsor of SB 585, predicts the state could rake in $20 million annually from online sports betting — driven by a 10% tax rate on digital wagers. This figure positions sports betting as a promising economic engine for Oklahoma, particularly amid ongoing budget challenges.
Still, the path to legalization isn’t a fast break just yet. The bill faces scrutiny in the House, where tribal sovereignty, fair market competition, and regulatory logistics remain hot topics.
Tribal Leaders and the Thunder Talk Strategy
While the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) hasn’t publicly endorsed the bill, there’s a growing openness to dialogue. OIGA Chair Matthew Morgan emphasized the tribes’ intent to be inclusive of other stakeholders, signaling possible cooperation if terms are favorable.
In fact, the Thunder and OIGA officials are reportedly set to meet next week, a move that could bring a unified front to the negotiation table. This collaboration could be essential for overcoming Governor Kevin Stitt’s resistance, as he has previously criticized tribal exclusivity in gaming matters.
Technology May Hold the Key
Experts point out that geo-fencing technology can manage the complexities of wagering within different jurisdictions — tribal vs. non-tribal land. Users would be able to bet through different apps depending on their exact location, similar to models already used in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Final Whistle: Will the Bill Pass the House?
The ball is now in the Oklahoma House of Representatives’ court. If they approve SB 585, Oklahoma could join the growing list of U.S. states with legalized sports betting — and do so with an innovative, hybrid model involving both tribal casinos and an NBA franchise.
Should this bill pass, the Thunder may soon not just win games, but also bets.
