House Passes Bills for Sports Betting and Gaming Compact Supplements
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two significant bills aimed at legalizing sports betting and enhancing the state's gaming compact with tribal partners. House Bill 1047 , authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, authorizes sports betting in Oklahoma. The bill also maintains the existing funding for the treatment of compulsive gambling, ensuring the monthly allocation to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services remains at $20,833. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for tribes interested in entering into gaming compact supplements to accept the state's offer for sports betting. House Bill 1101 , also authored by Luttrell, establishes a voter referendum for the approval of sports wagering in the state. It mirrors many of the provisions in HB1047 and provides a path for tribes to adopt the state’s gaming compact supplements. However, HB1101 specifies that it will only take effect if HB1047 does not become law. Should HB1101 go into effect, sports betting would need to be approved by a vote of the people. “These bills represent a balanced approach, ensuring both tribal and public interests are served,” Luttrell said. “By legalizing sports betting, we’re not only creating new opportunities but also capturing revenue from millions of dollars that are currently being bet illegally or out of state. This means Oklahoma will benefit from those funds, which will help strengthen our economy and provide additional resources for critical services. At the same time, we’re securing existing funding for mental health services and addressing the challenges of compulsive gambling. This benefits all Oklahomans.” Both bills passed the House and now move to the Senate for further consideration.