Oklahoma Sports Betting
- Legality of sports betting being debated
- Native American Casinos vs the State
Introducing your Oklahoma Sports Betting Guide! Here, we offer insights into the present state of gambling, explore the challenges associated with making sports betting legal in Oklahoma, outline what needs to happen for it to be legalized, and suggest where you can engage in betting activities for the time being.
Latest News: Jan 2020 – The battle between native American tribes and the State is heating up! The three largest tribes in Oklahoma have filed a joint lawsuit against Gov. Kevin Stitt. The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw tribes are fighting against Gov Kevin Stitt’s insertion that tribal compact agreements have ended after 15 years. If Gov Stitt is correct, then all efforts to offer sports betting by native American casinos in Oklahoma must cease and desist.
Oklahoma has one of the best betting scenes in the US. With over 140 native American casino, it has the most of any US State. The casinos vary in size and gambling options. Most are mid sized with a couple the Las Vegas mega style.
In addition to the native American casinos there are two commercially run racinos. They do not offer any casino games, but mostly accept horse racing bets.
Unfortunately sports betting remains technically in limbo until the Oklahoma tribes and the State sort out their difference in opinion of a tribal compact that has been in place for 15 years.
If you are looking to join in on the sports betting action then read on!
Top 3 Oklahoma Sportsbook Online
With the overturning of the PASPA in May 2018, there was much hope that Oklahoma would move quickly with legalizing sports betting. With a strong history of gambling and the many tribal casinos already in operation it seemed relatively easy to allow pre existing casinos and radios to offer betting terminals. And to perhaps even offer online and mobile sports betting channels.
Easy it has not been. Acrimonious is more apt to describe the current environment. The tribes argue that a current tribal compact allows them to proceed and offer sports betting legally. Within the compact are the three categories of gambling, Class I, Class II and Class III. The Class in contention is Class III which permits sports betting.
Gov. Stitt asserts that the tribal Compact has expired and therefore until a new Compact or an extension has been agreed upon, sports betting cannot be made available to the public.
The tribal casinos have repeatedly commented that the existing compact automatically renews and therefore a formal extension is not necessary.
It appears the only path way for resolution is via a Federal Court showdown, indicated by both parties engaging with legal representation.Stitt said has engaged with a law firm with previous experience in dealing with “these exact issues in New Mexico and other states.”
Oklahoma Online Sports Betting
Unbeknownst to many, online sports betting has been occurring for many years. Oklahoma sports betting turnover for 2019 was $61 million, wagered via online sport betting sites. These online sport betting sites are located offshore and are open to accepting US players.
Is this illegal?
It is a gray area. The current state laws do not clearly articulate whether gambling offshore online is illegal or not. Therefore, you will find many online sports books (and online casinos) accepting US players from states that have ambiguous gambling laws – Oklahoma is one of those states.
Is it dangerous?
There are two aspects to this question.
Firstly, will you get caught or fined?
I highly doubt it. Till this day, there has been no precedence of anyone being charged with breaking the law for playing at offshore online sports betting books or offshore online casinos.
Secondly, are offshore sports betting books trustworthy and reliable?
Very much so. They have been operating in the market for many years and sports betting is a clear cut outcome (when compared to online casino games). It’s therefore extremely difficult to argue that an outcome of a sports bet is wrong.
How can I find an online Sports Book?
The most popular offshore sports book is Bovada. It is the largest and has a long standing history of operating a sports book for US citizens.
Do NOT place a bet at an unlicensed sports book operating offshore. Unlicensed sportsbooks may not be reliable. Although they may offer great Welcome Bonuses, their promise to pay any winnings may be empty. Keep with the trusted, big brand names.
How can I place a Sports Bet onshore?
It is illegal to run a sports book or place a sports bet within the borders of Oklahoma. Other than placing a sports bet at an offshore online sports book the only other option is to travel interstate to where sports betting has been legalized.
Popular Oklahoma Sport Bets
Sports Betting Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA. Being in the Western Conference, which is touted as more competitive than the East, the Thunder has always managed to make it to the play offs with the exception of 2015 when Kevin Durant suffered a season ending injury.
Decade’s best NBA win percentage:
- Spurs – 68.7% (553-252)
- Thunder – 63.9% (514-290)
- Warriors – 62.6% (505-302)
This decade the team has evolved. What was thought to be a rebuilding stage, the OKC Thunder have performed surprisingly well. KD has left as too Russell Westbrook. The stalwart Steve Adams is flourishing and Chris Paul still has the magic within him to close out games.
Bet on OKC Thunder to make it to the play offs. They are a well coached team and have players without the baggage that superstars bring.
Sports Betting Oklahoma Sooners (College Football)
The University of Oklahoma Sooners are a solid team in the Big 12 of college football. Winning the Big 12 championship several times in the last decade. Similar to the OKC Thunder, each year they have made deep runs into the playoffs and lack that firepower to reach the CFP. Always just missing out. Nevertheless, betting on the Sooners is a good value bet. They are consistent, strong and will beat the lower ranked team’s as expected.
Oklahoma Bordering States
Missouri | New Mexico | Texas | Arkansas | Colorado | Kansas
