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Sports betting is still not legal in Oklahoma, even after several years of legislative attempts to change that. Despite multiple efforts by lawmakers, the ongoing disagreement between Governor Kevin Stitt and tribal nations continues to delay progress. The latest bills also failed to pass before the 2025 legislative session ended, meaning residents may need to wait until 2026 for another opportunity at legalization.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Oklahoma?
No, sports betting remains illegal in Oklahoma. Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports wagering in 2018, lawmakers in the state have introduced several bills to legalize it. However, none have made it into law so far.
Key figures like Senator Casey Murdock and Representative Ken Luttrell have tried multiple times to bring legal sports betting to Oklahoma, but the bills faced repeated roadblocks.
Currently, residents have no legal way to place sports bets in the state. Any offshore sites or apps claiming to accept bets from Oklahoma are unlicensed and unsafe, as they don’t follow U.S. consumer protection laws. If players face problems or fraud, they have no legal support.
The main challenge comes from the state’s 39 federally recognized tribes, which run 143 tribal casinos—the most in the U.S. The state’s conflict with these tribes over control and revenue sharing remains the biggest obstacle to legalization.
When Could Sports Betting Become Legal?
As of October 2025, sports betting is still banned. Earlier this year, two House-approved bills HB 1047 and HB 1101 aimed to legalize it, but the Senate failed to act before the deadline. This delay means that the next possible chance for legalization will likely be in 2026.
Senator Bill Coleman, one of the leading supporters of legalization, has promised to continue the push next year. He pointed out that Oklahoma is losing millions in revenue to nearby states that already allow sports betting.
However, Coleman also acknowledged a deeper issue the strained relationship between Governor Stitt and tribal nations. Their ongoing disagreement over gaming rights has made collaboration difficult.
Legislative Efforts Toward Reform
In March 2025, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives passed two major sports betting bills:
- House Bill 1047: Proposed to legalize sports betting while maintaining funds for gambling addiction treatment.
- House Bill 1101: Suggested a voter referendum, giving residents the chance to decide on legalization directly.
Both bills also aimed to include tribal gaming compacts, allowing tribes to offer sports betting and pay 10% of their revenue to the state. But Governor Stitt has already said he will veto any bill giving tribes exclusive rights, which remains a sticking point.
Meanwhile, the Senate Business and Insurance Committee advanced three more sports betting bills earlier in 2025:
- Senate Bill 125: Would allow tribes with gaming compacts to operate sports pools.
- Senate Bill 164: Proposed regulation under the Oklahoma Lottery Commission, with license fees up to $500,000 and 15% of revenue taxed.
- Senate Bill 585: Would allow the Oklahoma City Thunder to hold a sports betting license, potentially earning the state about $20 million a year.
What Apps Are Legal in Oklahoma?
Right now, no legal sports betting apps are available in Oklahoma. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and social sportsbook platforms still operate legally in the state.
Popular platforms include:
- PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy: Offer daily fantasy contests.
- DraftKings and FanDuel: Operate DFS services but not sportsbooks.
- Thrillzz: A new free-to-play DFS app.
- Novig: A social betting platform where users can make free picks.
- Kalshi: A U.S.-regulated prediction market that includes sports, politics, and entertainment events.
Legal Sports Betting Alternative: Horse Racing
While sports betting is banned, horse race betting is still legal in Oklahoma. The state has three licensed race tracks offering live and simulcast betting:
- Remington Park: Operated by the Chickasaw Nation.
- Will Rogers Downs: Managed by the Cherokee Nation.
- Fair Meadows: Located in Tulsa.
These tracks allow wagering under regulated laws, giving residents a limited but legal form of sports-related betting.
Also Read: Minnesota Sports Betting: When Will Legalization Happen?
