Oklahoma lawmakers Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell have reached an agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association to advance House Bill 1047 for Oklahoma sports betting. The proposal would allow both in-person wagering at tribal casinos and statewide mobile betting through tribal partnerships. It is expected to be voted on in the Senate within a week.
Coleman filed updated bill language through an amendment to HB 1047, which enabled the bill to get support from tribal nations.
Under the amendment, sports wagering would be authorized through a supplement to Oklahoma’s Model Gaming Compact. Tribal nations would retain exclusive gaming rights and could partner with national sportsbook operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings to offer mobile betting platforms.
Coleman characterized the measure as a significant step forward after years of negotiations, emphasizing that it preserves tribal gaming rights while creating a regulated market capable of competing with offshore and out-of-state betting. He also pointed to existing demand, noting many residents already wager through other channels.
Legalizing Oklahoma sports betting would create a safer environment for users, since offshore platforms don’t have the same consumer safeguards in place.
If approved by the Senate, the bill would return to the House for further consideration.
Under the proposal, tribal operators would contribute 8% of sports betting revenue to the state through exclusivity fees, based on terms outlined in the gaming compact. A portion of that funding, specifically revenue tied to NBA and WNBA wagers, would be directed to early literacy initiatives through the Strong Readers Fund.
Funds generated from other sports betting activity would support higher education while also contributing to tourism efforts connected to the Thunder’s broader reach.
The plan also includes dedicated funding for responsible gambling, with monthly funds allocated to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to support treatment and education programs.
The agreement marks a notable shift in momentum for sports betting legislation in Oklahoma, where previous efforts have stalled.
Securing support from tribal nations and a major professional franchise like the Thunder represents a significant breakthrough. It brings together two of the most influential voices in the state’s gaming landscape.
This level of support could strengthen the bill’s chances as it moves through the legislature, which bodes well for Oklahoma sports betting.
