Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt opted to veto Senate Bill 1589, even though the measure passed through the House by a 65-21 vote and through the Senate 48-0. This was surprising news, as there were hopes that Gov. Stitt would sign the bill.
Gov. Stitt appears to have vetoed Oklahoma’s sweepstakes casino ban for both political and policy reasons. While he did not issue a formal explanation about the veto, several factors stand out from broader context around Senate Bill 1589.
First, the bill strongly reinforced tribal gaming protections by carving out exceptions for gaming conducted under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Because Stitt has repeatedly opposed gambling legislation that strengthens tribal exclusivity, the measure likely conflicted with his broader stance against what he views as tribal monopolies in Oklahoma gaming.
On top of that, SB 1589 dramatically expanded criminal liability around sweepstakes casinos. The legislation would not only have targeted operators, but also affiliates, suppliers, platform providers, geolocation vendors, and promoters, exposing them to felony penalties. That broad enforcement framework may have raised concerns about overreach or unintended consequences.
Additionally, Stitt has consistently pushed for a more open commercial gaming market rather than legislation negotiated primarily through tribal interests. The governor may have viewed the bill as indirectly strengthening tribal control over online gambling in the state.
With this veto, Oklahoma is another state to decline to push forth an anti-sweeps bill, joining Louisiana.
What’s next for a potential ban on sweepstakes casinos in Oklahoma is a legislative override attempt. Oklahoma lawmakers passed SB 1589 with overwhelming bipartisan support, so they may choose this option. The Legislature has until May 29 to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto. With that said, the House vote margin was reportedly just one vote short of the threshold needed for an override, making the outcome uncertain.
If the veto stands, sweepstakes casinos will continue operating in Oklahoma for now. But that likely will not end the debate. Lawmakers could reintroduce a revised version of the bill in the 2027 legislative session, potentially narrowing the language that may have been viewed as too broad.
Regulators and tribal gaming interests could also pursue enforcement through existing gambling laws rather than new legislation. Other states have already used cease-and-desist orders and attorney general actions to pressure sweepstakes operators without passing new bans.
At the same time, Oklahoma remains part of a much larger national crackdown on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos. Multiple states passed or advanced anti-sweepstakes bills in 2025 and 2026, suggesting the industry will continue facing legal and political pressure even in states where bans temporarily stall, like in Oklahoma.
Another longer-term possibility is broader gambling reform. Gov. Stitt has previously supported expanded sports betting and a more open commercial gaming market, which could eventually lead to renewed discussions around regulated online gaming instead of outright sweepstakes bans.
With that said, this is still a ways away, so it would be further down the line. For now, sweepstakes casinos continue to be available in Oklahoma.
