Senator Coleman Brings Stakeholders Together for Sports Betting Study

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, today hosted the Oklahoma Legislature’s first-ever interim study on sports betting.

Senator Coleman hosted the study in the Senate Business and Insurance Committee, which he chairs, to bring stakeholders to the table to discuss reaching a consensus on a framework for legalized sports betting in Oklahoma.

“Oklahomans are already placing bets by crossing state lines or turning to illegal platforms,” Senator Coleman said. “Right now, none of that activity is happening in a safe, regulated environment that generates tax revenue for the state. Legalizing sports betting would eliminate the black market and give the state and its partners the resources to identify and help problem gamblers.”

Coleman thanked Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, for participating in the study and for leading on this issue over the past four years.

Oklahoma is among 11 states without legalized sportsbooks. All neighboring states, except Texas, have approved the practice, and states that have legalized sports betting levy an average tax of 16%.

Sports Betting Alliance Chief Operating Officer Frank Sizemore estimated Oklahoma’s illegal sports betting market is as high as $150 million and said legalization is the best way to curb black-market activity.

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan said his member tribes want to see sports betting legalized in a manner that respects Oklahoma’s state-tribal gaming compacts. He added that his members have been discussing a framework for mobile sports betting, including potential revenue-sharing models and partnerships with platform operators.

Most states offer both in-person and online sports betting, but Coleman said he was surprised by how little tax revenue states with retail-only options generate.

Oklahoma City Thunder Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Will Syring said the team supports legalizing sports betting because it promotes safe betting, elevates fan engagement and creates new revenue opportunities.

Coleman said he appreciates that Thunder leadership acknowledges and supports that Oklahoma’s tribes maintain the exclusive right to offer gaming in this state.

“This study was about getting everyone in a room to figure out how we can come together to legalize sports betting next session,” Coleman said. “This is a real chance to create new economic opportunities and revenue streams for our state and our tribes while supporting local sports teams like the Thunder. I’m ready to do my part to get it done.”

Coleman’s Senate Bill 585 and Luttrell’s House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101 to legalize sports betting are still eligible to be heard when the next legislative session begins in February.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Bill Coleman at (405) 521-55 or email Bill.Coleman@oksenate.gov