Is Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
As far as professional sports go in the state of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team sums things up. They also have a few good college programs to speak of as well. We have covered some of those schools in our guide to betting on Oklahoma college football and our guide to betting on Oklahoma basketball. We created this website to assist OK residents in identifying and locating reputable sports betting options, and help them develop a clear understanding of the legal status of betting on sports in the Sooner state. Our team of trained professionals worked diligently to complete comprehensive reviews of potential gambling destinations, and compile information regarding the legality of this type of entertainment. The results created a helpful resource guide that is fact based to support players and their efforts in making informed decisions.
- Oklahoma Sports Betting Bill
- Oklahoma Gambling Bill
- Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
- Is Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
- Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sports Betting Bill
- Oklahoma has no domestic sports gambling opportunities. The state has not considered domestic sports betting legalization and may not for a long time. However, no American federal gambling law directly prohibits US players from accessing and gambling on international online sportsbooks.
- NFL betting is 100% legal in Oklahoma. In fact, betting on NFL games is the most popular way to wager on sports in the entire state. And why wouldn’t it be? NFL games are some of the most-watched games in the entire country and people love throwing down money on football games.
- There are currently no legal sports betting options for residents of the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has some of the harshest laws against bookmakers in the country. Bookmaking falls under “Commercial Gambling” in Oklahoma's laws, and comes with a potential.
- In Oklahoma, the legal entrance age for casinos is either 18 or 21 years old, depending on if the casino serves alcohol or not. Who is allowed to offer Oklahoma sports betting? The only tangible progress towards legalized sports betting was its inclusion in a proposed new tribal gaming compact, which was rejected by Oklahoma tribes.
Featured Online Sports Betting Site
Oklahoma sports betting only gets more popular each year and now is the perfect time to start taking advantage of what online sportsbooks have to offer. We will first give you background information on online sports betting in OK that includes the legal age to bet on sports.
Bovada is our premium recommendation for Oklahoma residents. They offer new players a 50% match bonus up to $250 on your first deposit, and are known for fast payouts, competitive betting lines and odds, and one of the most comprehensive list of sports events to bet on. They also offer live betting and mobile sports betting as well.
Top Online Sportsbooks That Accept Oklahoma Players
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Is Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma?
If you are careful about where you place your bets, then yes, there are numerous opportunities to legally bet on sports in Oklahoma. The bookmaker that you use to place your bets determines the legality of your participation. The Federal Wire Act and PASPA law strictly prohibit US based sports gambling operations with the exception of a few states, including Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. This means that you will not find any sportsbooks online or offline that are licensed by the state of Oklahoma.
While this makes the Oklahoma sports betting situation look bleak, there are legal options via licensed offshore sportsbooks. These offshore operators are outside the jurisdiction of US federal laws and Oklahoma state laws, and neither of which have any mention of it being illegal to place a wager with a licensed offshore brand. As long as the brand is legally sanctioned and regulated, Oklahoma residents are within their legal rights. All of the sportsbooks suggested in this guide meet the criteria required to ensure their legal status. You can find more information on the state’s gambling laws at the Oklahoma state legislature website.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is gambling ‘friendly’. US federal law makes sure they cannot offer sports betting, however they do offer multiple land based destinations for casino gambling. The state imposes a minimum gambling age requirement of 21 years of age. Anyone attempting to participate in any type of gambling venue below the age of 21 is breaking the law. Underage gambling is strictly enforced and they do not mind penalizing violators. We strongly urge you not to engage in any underage gambling. Please keep in mind that if you see an online sportsbook recommended on this page that accepts players as young as 18 years of age, this policy does not supersede or bypass state law that requires players to be 21.
Is it Likely that Oklahoma Will Offer State Based Sports Betting in the Future?
Possibly. For sports betting to become legal in Oklahoma, PASPA must be repealed. New Jersey is currently engaged in a case against the major sports leagues arguing for the right to host sports betting in their state. The case has made it all the way up to the US Supreme Court. Many sports betting analysts believe that NJ has a strong chance of winning their case. If this happens, expect PASPA to be repealed soon after and other states file pro-sports betting legislation. Oklahoma has made no such efforts thus far, but they are one of many states keeping a close eye on the NJ sports betting case.
Another possible route for sports betting legalization is through a Congressional bill known as the GAME Act. The Game Accountability and Modernization Enhancement Act is the product of Rep. Frank Pallone out of New Jersey. The bill calls for the immediate repeal of PASPA and would grant the authority of hosting sports betting to individual states. As things stand now, the NJ sports betting case appears to be the more realistic option, however the GAME Act provides a contingency plan in case things do not work out.
Popular Betting Trends in Oklahoma
Which Teams Should I Bet On In Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the state’s professional representation. OKC has been a strong team in the NBA’s Western Conference for years, especially when they had All-Star Kevin Durant in the lineup. Durant and teammate Russell Westbrook were one of the strongest duos for a while, but after several Playoff mishaps, Durant decided to sign with rivals the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook was left to captain the team himself, but the front office decided to add some talent to help him by signing Paul George from the Indiana Pacers in the offseason. Expect the Thunder to make a case for the Playoffs in the upcoming season, possibly acquiring a top-4 seed. In any case, they will be a solid bet in most matchups, especially against Eastern Conference teams.
Oklahoma Sooners
The University of Oklahoma Sooners are a Big 12 powerhouse in college football. They have been one of the strongest teams in the NCAA for years, but have disappointingly missed the CFP year after year. The Sooners are projected to start the season in the Top 10 rankings, and it is easy to see why. They have won the Big 12 conference the last 3 years in a row, and have most of their lineup returning for another season. This includes potential Heisman Trophy-winner QB Baker Mayfield. They did lose some key players in Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Dede Westbrook, but Mayfield is confident the team can produce—this is expected given he has his entire offense line returning. Their starting RB position will be tough competition, and their defense is on the younger side save for a few players. For the Sooners, the Big 12 Championship is all but wrapped up, which is more of a problem for them than a benefit.
The Sooners want to push for a CFP berth and a National Championship, but the CFP Selection Committee takes overall difficulty into account, and the Sooners could potentially be overstepped by a strong SEC or ACC team depending on how the season goes. From a betting standpoint, the Sooners are a great bet. They lost 2 of their first 3 last season, but went on to win 10 straight, capping off the run with a 35-19 Sugar Bowl win against Auburn. If last season is an indicator of their winning status, expect the Sooners to be in contention. But, be wary of the CFP hopes, as it is more likely they will be shelved to make room for another team. Gain more insight about the Sooners’ chances for for a championship in our 2017-2018 OK football preview.
The tides are turning in favor of Oklahoma being able to offer legalized sports betting very soon.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned on May 14, 2018. On that day, courts voted to allow each state to propose and create their own laws and regulations for sports betting.
While Oklahoma did not immediately move to implement sports betting, a recent agreement with the two local tribes in the state on a new gaming compact could mean legal wagering is on the way. However, opposition from both lawmakers and some tribes have the topic tied up by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Oklahoma has over 100 casinos that are owned and operated by 33 federally-recognized tribes in the state. There is strong potential for the tribes to support the motion and offer sports betting at their casinos.
Until then, Oklahomans can get their gambling fix with things like multi-state lottery drawings, bingo and raffles, electronic gaming, horse racing, daily fantasy games, and casino-style table games at one of the many tribal casinos. Craps and roulette are not offered at these locations because existing compacts and state laws only allow for games of chance played with cards.
Oklahoma is also home to the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville. Boasting 600,000 square feet, the Winstar is the world’s largest casino.
When it comes to sports betting, until the current tribal compact situation is worked out, Oklahomans can travel to nearby states like Colorado, New Mexico, or Arkansas to get their sports betting fix where wagering is already legal.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Oklahoma?
The roadblock to allowing legal sports betting in Oklahoma has often come from negotiating with the state’s tribes. However, in April 2020, the state and two local tribes (the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation) were able to come to an agreement where they would be able to offer sports betting at their casino properties.
The renegotiated compacts also permit the state to open up to five non-tribal retail locations for sports betting as well. Mobile wagering would be allowed, but only while physically inside the casino. But there is an issue.
The compacts were renegotiated by Governor Kevin Stitt and almost immediately after doing so, his authority was called into question. Attorney General Mike Hunter has launched an appeal saying Stitt can only authorize games outlined in the Tribal Gaming Act, of which sports betting is not listed.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will review the compacts in July and rule on the outcome. If the new compacts are allowed to remain, the next step would be to publish the compacts in the Federal Registrar, though that could take some time.
Moreover, the two tribes who signed into the new compacts did so on their own and have now more or less been outcast by the remaining tribes in the state. They even got a one-year suspension from their statewide organization.
The coming months will play a big role in what the sports betting landscape will look like in Oklahoma. We could see legal sports betting within a year, or we could be in for months of legal entanglements.
Oklahoma Gambling Bill
Oklahoma Sports Betting FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
Is sports betting legal in Oklahoma?
No, sports betting has yet to be approved in Oklahoma.
Are there casinos in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is home to over 100 casinos that are owned and operated by the state’s 33 local tribes.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
Who are the top sports team in Oklahoma?
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA and also boasts several popular collegiate sports teams in the NCAA and NCAAF.