Oklahoma’s ongoing struggle to legalize sports betting has taken a new turn as the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder becomes the latest stakeholder in the debate. The franchise has proposed a shared statewide betting licence that could allow both tribal and non-tribal entities to participate, potentially redefining the market structure.
Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s tribal leaders have been locked in disagreement over sports betting rights for years. While tribes currently hold gaming exclusivity, Stitt opposes any legislation granting them sole control of sports betting, promising to veto such bills. The tribes, on the other hand, argue that any inclusion of non-tribal operators violates existing compacts agreements that delivered $210 million in state revenue in 2024.
The Thunder’s proposal, discussed during a recent legislative study, suggests one statewide retail and mobile sports betting licence, with 0.25% of total betting handle allocated to the NBA team. Supporters claim this shared model could balance commercial and tribal interests while unlocking new economic opportunities.
However, lawmakers remain cautious. Representative Ken Luttrell warned that altering compacts could destabilize Oklahoma’s casino industry, triggering costly legal disputes. Stitt’s previous efforts to legalize sports betting through selective tribal agreements failed in court, further complicating the issue.
With tribal, state, and now professional sports interests at play, Oklahoma’s path toward sports betting legalization is more complex than ever. The Thunder’s involvement may mark the start of a broader conversation about how professional sports teams fit into the future of regulated betting in the United States.
