An Oklahoma Senate panel advanced two sports wagering bills on 25 April, taking a step toward legalizing sports betting in the state following years of failed attempts.
Sen. Bill Coleman, the measure’s author, reported that House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1101 passed the Senate Business and Commerce Committee by votes of 8-1 and 6-3, respectively. This is the first Senate committee to advance sports betting legislation.
House Bill 1047 would grant Oklahoma’s tribes exclusive rights to offer sports betting, with a 10% fee paid to the state. The measure requires a supplement to the Model Tribal Gaming Compact, which gives tribes sole authority over certain Class III gaming, such as slots and roulette.
