The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations and Budget Committee has brought the step one step closer to legalizing sports betting by passing House Bill 3375. The bill would allow the 70 tribal casinos in Oklahoma to offer sports betting on their premises.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Wallace, received a vote of 17 – 8 and it now heads to the full House.
Under the terms of the new bill, the tribal state compact held between Oklahoma and its native tribes, will allow gambling facilities to offer betting to their customers “on the outcome of sporting events or other events, other than horse or other animal races.”
It is not only sports betting which will be getting attention by the House. The bill also calls for the expansion of gambling in tribal casinos; more specifically the introduction of roulette games and crap games.
Other headlines of HB 3375 are as follows:
- The state will be allowed to claim 10% of the proceeds from casino games.
- Tribal casinos may choose to begin offering non-house banked table games and sports pool. This will require that they submit a written supplement to their existing pact with the state.
- The bill could bring in around $28 million to the state, according to a study issued by Oklahoma House staff.
Oklahoma is just one of many states that are rallying to get their foot into the legal sports betting door, should the US Supreme Court strike down the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision on the fate of PASPA later this year. At the moment, only Nevada offers single game sports betting.
Around 20 other states are considering the legalization of sports betting or have legalized it. New Jersey is the closest state to unveiling sports betting, and has begun the application process for sports books in casinos.
“The Division of Gaming Enforcement recognizes it needs to be prepared to investigate and license businesses and individuals seeking to enter the New Jersey gaming market should the Supreme Court issue a favorable decision authorizing the state to legalize and regulate sports wagering,” said David Rebuck, the director of the authority. “Under existing law, any business or individual anticipating entering into a commercial transaction with a casino must be licensed or approved by the Division. Many companies have inquired as to the State’s licensing requirements in the event they are able to engage in sports wagering operations with our casino industry. The Division has encouraged these companies to commence the application process.”
