Oklahoma lawmakers are deadlocked on sports betting legislation, and it is costing the state millions in potential revenue.
The claim was aired at a Senate panel, and according to one of those who spoke at the hearing, Sports Betting Alliance member Frank Sizemore, neighboring states and illegal operators were cashing in on the absence of legal sports betting in the state.
“Sports betting is happening now in Oklahoma. It’s just on illegal platforms and with bookies down the street.”
Sports betting is legal in 39 states, supporting roughly 2 million jobs and generating around US$325 billion in national economic impact. Sizemore added that legal markets would provide transparency and tax revenue, with the average state betting levy around 16%.
