Oklahoma’s Sports Betting Delayed for Another Year
Oklahoma’s Sports Betting Delayed for Another Year
Oklahoma’s sports betting industry has been delayed for another year due to a legal dispute between the state and its tribal casinos. The dispute centers around the interpretation of the state’s gaming compact, which allows tribal casinos to operate certain types of gambling, including slot machines and table games.
The issue arose when the state attempted to negotiate a new compact with the tribes that would allow for sports betting. The tribes argued that the existing compact already allowed for sports betting, while the state disagreed.
The dispute led to a lawsuit, which is currently pending in federal court. In the meantime, the state has agreed to delay the implementation of sports betting until the legal issues are resolved.
This delay is a disappointment for sports fans and industry stakeholders who were hoping to see Oklahoma join the growing number of states that have legalized sports betting. According to a report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, a research firm that tracks the gambling industry, Oklahoma could generate up to $100 million in annual revenue from sports betting.
The delay also puts Oklahoma at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states like Arkansas and Kansas, which have already legalized sports betting. This could lead to a loss of revenue as Oklahoma residents travel across state lines to place their bets.
Despite the delay, there is still hope for sports betting in Oklahoma. The state’s governor, Kevin Stitt, has expressed support for legalizing sports betting and has indicated that he is open to negotiating a new compact with the tribes.
In addition, a bill was introduced in the state legislature earlier this year that would have legalized sports betting. However, the bill failed to gain traction and did not make it out of committee.
It remains to be seen when Oklahoma’s sports betting industry will finally launch. Until then, sports fans will have to continue placing their bets through illegal offshore websites or by traveling to neighboring states.