Lawmakers in the Sooner State have taken a big step towards allowing local sportsbooks. On March 26, the Oklahoma Senate passed SB 585 with 25 votes after initially falling by just one vote.
Dubbed the Thunder Bill, the new gambling regulations allow professional sports franchises and tribal entities to share in a new revenue stream. Each of Oklahoma’s 38 federally recognized tribes can have a retail sportsbook at their casino properties.
However, tension between state officials and tribal nations has made industry news headlines before. Governor Kevin Stitt has always opposed any sports betting proposal that gives tribes a monopoly.
Oklahoma lawmakers advanced a bill that would allow 1 major sportsbook brand such as FanDuel/DraftKings to take mobile bets in/near Oklahoma City but not most of the rest of the state. Interesting potential market shaping up as OK tribes work with lawmakers on a ((possible)) deal
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) March 26, 2025
Oklahoma Senate & SB 585
Senator Bill Coleman, the lead author of SB 585, estimates the plan could bring in up to $20 million a year. The 10% tax on online revenue would be one of the lowest rates in the country.
Unlike previous attempts, this doesn’t limit revenue to one tribe or commercial entity. SB 585 has a system that distributes a portion of the Thunder’s sports betting revenue to all tribal entities in Oklahoma’s Model Tribal Gaming Compact.
Proponents think a flexible revenue split could encourage more partnerships if the final bill aligns with tribal interests. However, critics are unsure if 10% is enough to justify the added regulation.
Governor Stitt’s Role
Ultimately, it’s up to Governor Stitt. He’s previously said he’ll veto a sports betting bill if it doesn’t create what he considers a fair market.
Supporters of SB 585 think they’ve created a collaborative plan. The Thunder can have a mobile app outside of tribal lands which might win over critics who worry about exclusivity.
Governor Stitt gives his opinion on sports betting bills being considered by Oklahoma lawmakers.
— David Chasanov (@DavidChasanov) March 27, 2025
Why he says he's not a fan of the legislation, and how he would do things differently: https://t.co/oTgxUGK8Km@OKCFOX @AdamKing_News @wsuares #okleg pic.twitter.com/UqyfP0q7TX
Tribal Cooperation
Another key point is that, so far, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association hasn’t officially endorsed SB 585 yet. Although, its leaders have said they’ll review the bill.
Past attempts to expand sports betting in Oklahoma struggled with exclusivity and statewide uniformity.
Reinventing the Wheel?
Unlike most states where online sportsbooks operate statewide under one regulatory umbrella, Oklahoma could carve the state into different zones.
Tribal lands would have casino-based retail sportsbooks and mobile apps. The Thunder’s platform would cover areas outside of tribal territories, including metropolitan areas in and around Oklahoma City.
This raises questions about how geolocation software would work and if bettors would switch apps when crossing boundaries. Advocates say current geofencing tools already handle similar complexities in states like New Jersey.
Next Steps for SB 585
SB 585 now heads to the Oklahoma House which has other sports betting bills. One bill would give exclusive rights to the tribes, another would put it to a public vote in 2026.
Oklahoma has a rich sports culture with the Sooners, Cowboys and the Thunder.
Many observers also note that with no local platforms available, Oklahomans currently rely on the best offshore sportsbooks for their wagers. Lawmakers see that as lost revenue and an opportunity to implement better protections.
Whether SB 585 has enough momentum to pass the House and get the governor’s signature is unknown but advocates of sports betting finally have reason to believe Oklahoma will be part of the national conversation soon.
Currently, other states such as Alaska and Hawaii are discussing the potential expansion of sports betting withing their jurisdictions while others, like Georgia, have already turned their backs on the matter.
