Sports Betting

Sports Betting in Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Sports betting is a form of gambling that has captured the heart of many gamblers and sports enthusiasts worldwide. While for many states in the United States, their stand on sports betting is clear, Oklahoma’s own is clouded. If you are a sports enthusiast wondering where Oklahoma stands regarding sports betting, we are here to help. 

This review explores sports betting in Oklahoma, the state’s regulations, and the future of this form of gambling. Keep reading to peer into the present and future of sports betting in Oklahoma. 

History of Sports Betting Oklahoma 

The history of sports betting in Oklahoma dates back several decades. We can start tracing sports betting back to 1983. Up until 1983, all forms of gambling were illegal in the state. However, the year brought horse racing, closely accompanied by betting and wagering. A while after that, other forms of gambling started to take root. 

In 2004, Oklahoma approved tribal casinos, and shortly after, in 2005, Oklahoma established a state lottery. These events set the grounds for the first online sports betting in 2013. The tribe was permitted to offer international online gambling, but the state residents couldn’t play it. 

Fortunately, there has been growing interest in legalizing online sports books in Oklahoma legislators. Several bills have been made, and many of them have followed through. The bone of contention arises from the fact that the tribes can’t seem to agree on sports betting. Until the tribes can agree, sports betting will remain illegal in the state. 

Nonetheless, a proposed sports legalization started to gain traction in 2023. However, it eventually got the boot. Oklahoma will try again in 2024 to legalize sports betting. On the bright side, horse race betting is legal. 

By Oklahoma’s laws in August 2023, sports betting is illegal. It’s illegal for anyone to operate a sportsbook within the state’s borders. Also, the efforts of lawmakers to turn the tides have proven abortive. 

While Oklahoma doesn’t allow sports betting, it does not restrict its residents from finding the services elsewhere. Gamblers can access legal online sportsbooks operating outside of Oklahoma. These offshore gambling sites don’t have any restrictions, so Oklahoma residents can enjoy sports betting on any offshore site they choose. 

Sport Betting Regulations in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma doesn’t allow sports betting within its territory; hence, the regulations around it are restrictive. While they have been positive moves to change it, as of August 2023, nothing has changed. Players within the borders of Oklahoma are not allowed to engage in sports betting. However, players can engage in offshore online casino sites if they must play. 

Offshore online sportsbooks are the closest to legal sports betting options in Oklahoma. These options have served several sports enthusiasts and punters within the state’s borders. 

Facts About Sports Betting in Oklahoma: Understanding the Current Landscape

This section discusses some fascinating facts about sports betting in Oklahoma to understand the current landscape. Here are some poignant facts: 

  • Possible Revenue Generation: Sports betting holds the potential to be a significant source of revenue generation for the state. However, some sides believe it will come with social and economic costs. 
  • Competition with Nearby States: Oklahoma’s careful approach has led to neighbouring states capitalizing on the opportunity. Arkansas and New Mexico often have many Oklahoma sports enthusiasts coming over to place bets in their states. 
  • Public Opinion: There are mixed opinions on legalizing sports betting or not. While some people in Oklahoma see sports betting as a personal choice and an excellent source of entertainment, many are worried about the possibility of addiction and other negative impacts. 
  • Tribe Gaming Influence: In Oklahoma, the various native tribes have crucial roles in the gaming industry. More so, there have been actively involved in the conversation to legalize sports betting. Many tribes that operate casinos have sought to include sports betting. But it has yet to be conclusive. 
  • Uncertainty Around Its Regulations: The state and tribal factions of Oklahoma keep pulling at both ends of the rope. The contention within the state has led to an air of uncertainty regarding the regulations of art betting and if it will hold. Sports betting will remain illegal until a mutual consensus on rules and other aspects is met. 

The Future of Sports Betting in Oklahoma

The future of sports betting in Oklahoma is littered with uncertainties. It is hard to tell if the state is en route to legalizing sports betting and other forms of online gambling. However, there are several factors to consider, such as neighbouring states legalizing sports betting and the apparent revenue benefits. 

Moreover, legalization bills have been drafted severally, so maybe the future is not so bleak. The pressure in favour of sports betting keeps mounting, and it is only a matter of time before the government in Oklahoma folds and legalizes it. 

Fantasy Sports in Oklahoma

Although sports betting is illegal in Oklahoma, Daily Fantasy Sports are legal. DFS players can bet on Fantasy Draft, Fan Duel, DraftKings, and Yahoo! While other states are hesitant to legalize Daily fantasy sports, Oklahoma has grown a sustainable base around it. 

Daily fantasy sports in Oklahoma are overseen and regulated by the US Gaming Commission and Fantasy Sports Trade Association. Hence, players in Oklahoma can partake in Daily Fantasy Sports knowing that their deposits and wins are safe and legal. 

Biggest Sports in Oklahoma 

Aside from Daily Fantasy Sports, you can’t legally bet online or physically on any sport in Oklahoma. The Sooner state doesn’t have a rich sports atmosphere. Most sports fans in Oklahoma get their action from the Oklahoma Sooner football games.  

However, when sports betting becomes legal in Oklahoma, here are some of the sports you can bet on: 

  • NFL
  • MMA
  • Soccer
  • CFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • Golf
  • NHL
  • NAS
  • Tennis

Other Closeby States with Sportbetting

While Oklahoma hesitates to legalize sports betting within its borders, its neighbouring states have been much more forward. The closeby states of Oklahoma, such as New Mexico, Kansas, and Arkansas, all have a healthy sports betting landscape. In adddition, many of the closeby states also accommodate sports enthusiasts from Oklahoma. 

Pros and Cons of Sports Betting in Oklahoma: Weighing the Potential Benefits and Downsides

Sports betting is a heated topic of debate in Oklahoma, with both sides coming up with reasons why its inclusion can be beneficial or harmful. Here are a few pros and cons of sports betting on Oklahoma: 

Pros: 

  • Revenue Generation
  • Entertainment and Engagement
  • Job Creation
  • Boost to Tourism
  • Consumer Protection

On the other side, here are the Cons: 

  • Youth Vulnerability
  • Social Costs
  • Risk of Addiction

Let’s Wrap it Up 

Sports betting remains fiercely debated in Oklahoma; both sides have something to say about legalizing this form of gambling. Predicting the future of sports betting in Oklahoma is hard with divided sides. Nonetheless, we can be optimistic that it will be soon. For now, Oklahoma’s residents can enjoy sports betting on offshore sites.