Oklahoma Governor Vetoes Bill to Expand Online Gambling
Governor Stitt Rejects Online Gambling Expansion
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has vetoed Senate Bill 1589, which aimed to broaden the state’s gambling regulations to include online casino-style gaming and sweepstakes platforms utilizing dual currencies. This decision halts efforts to expand gambling options within the state.
Legislative Journey and Veto Details
The bill was introduced by Senator Todd Gollihare and Representative Scott Fetgatter in February. It passed the Oklahoma Senate unanimously with a 48-0 vote in March and later received approval from the House by a vote of 65-21 in early May. Despite this support, Governor Stitt vetoed the bill on May 7, alongside several other pieces of legislation. The Governor has not provided a public explanation for his decision to veto the measure.
Related Sports Betting Legislation Also Fails
Prior to this veto, the Oklahoma Senate had also rejected House Bill 1047, which sought to legalize sports betting through tribal operators. This bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Coleman and Representative Ken Luttrell, was supported by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. It aimed to allow tribal nations to offer retail and mobile sports betting under the state’s tribal gaming regulations as a regulated alternative to existing sports betting options. However, it was defeated with a 21-27 vote on April 22.
Provisions of Senate Bill 1589
Senate Bill 1589 targeted online gambling games that simulated slots, lottery, bingo, and other activities currently banned in Oklahoma. It proposed a new definition for “representative of value” to include the dual-currency system common in sweepstakes casinos, where one type of coin is used for gameplay and another for prize redemption.
The bill also imposed responsibilities not only on casino operators but also on geolocation service owners, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and affiliates. Activities compliant with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and gaming allowed under the Oklahoma Charity Games Act were exempt from these provisions.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
Oklahoma lawmakers have until May 29 to attempt to override Governor Stitt’s veto. Without an override, the state will continue to stay out of the growing group of states that have recently chosen to ban sweepstakes casino models entirely.
Additional Incident in Oklahoma
In unrelated news, a recent incident took place in Thackerville where a man was fatally shot by police in a casino parking lot after allegedly drawing a gun when confronted by officers.
