Online Sports Betting in Oklahoma 2024
How is the Sooner State’s current situation on gambling? Both online and in-person sports betting are not legal in Oklahoma. Recent legislative efforts, including a 2024 proposal, offer hope, but progress faces challenges from tribal officials and lawmakers.
In this guide, we’ll cover Oklahoma’s betting laws and highlight the top social sportsbooks to safely enjoy betting in the OK state.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- See where Oklahoma stands on sports betting, DFS, and horse racing.
- Explore your top alternatives to traditional sports betting in Oklahoma.
- Get familiar with Oklahoma’s gambling scene for a safe betting experience.
Top Social Bookmakers in Oklahoma
While real-money sports betting isn’t yet legal in Oklahoma, you can still enjoy the thrill through sweepstakes sports betting sites. These platforms let you make sports picks and join sweepstakes contests for cash prizes—perfect for OK bettors seeking legal alternatives.
Here are our top choices for sweepstakes sportsbooks in Oklahoma:
Online Gambling in Oklahoma: An Overview
Oklahoma has repeatedly attempted to legalize sports betting, with a recent proposal from Governor Kevin Stitt in November 2023. If passed, it would allow retail betting at tribal facilities, but strong opposition suggests that legalization could still be a while away.
Despite restrictions on sports betting, Oklahomans can still enjoy legal gambling through tribal casinos, horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and the state lottery. Sweepstakes sportsbooks also offer a legal way to make sports picks.
Here’s a detailed table on Oklahoma’s current status for each type of gambling:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sportsbooks | No | Online sports betting is prohibited. Efforts to legalize face significant opposition. | — |
| Retail Sportsbooks | No | In-person sports betting remains illegal. Recent legislative attempts have stalled due to opposition. | — |
| Social Sportsbooks | Yes | Sweepstakes sportsbooks are allowed, offering a legal alternative for making picks with the use of virtual currencies and winning prizes. | 18 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Legal, with both in-person and pari-mutuel online betting options available at authorized racetracks. | 18 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | DFS is allowed, permitting players to create fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes. | 18 |
| Casino Gambling | Yes | Available at numerous tribal casinos offering slots, table games, and poker. | 18 or 21 (varies by casino) |
| Lottery | Yes | Created in 2005, the State lottery includes games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and other draw games. | 18 |
Popular Sports and Teams in the OK Betting Scene
Even though sports betting is currently restricted in Oklahoma, the state’s dedicated fan base and prominent teams have a major influence on local betting interests.
What sport can you bet on as an OK bettor? Here’s a look at the most popular sports and teams shaping Oklahoma’s betting scene:
Basketball
→ NBA betting is an option.
The Oklahoma City Thunder team is Oklahoma’s NBA pride, competing in the Western Conference Northwest Division. As the state’s only major pro team, they draw immense fan engagement and drive interest from bettors in nearby states.
College Football
→ NCAAF betting is an option.
The Oklahoma Sooners are a powerhouse in NCAA football, playing home games at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to crowds averaging over 80,000 fans. The Sooners’ legacy of success makes them a major focus for college football fans and bettors alike.
College Athletics
The Oklahoma State University Cowboys compete in NCAA sports like football, basketball, and golf, attracting significant attention for their strong performances. Known for its competitive athletic programs, Oklahoma State is another top choice for out-of-state bettors.
Soccer
→ Soccer betting is an option.
As the state’s USL Championship soccer team, FC Tulsa has a dedicated following, especially in matchups against regional rivals. The team’s consistent fan turnout and high-energy games help drive soccer interest in Oklahoma.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Oklahoma
Whether from casinos, horse racing, or other legal gambling activities, gambling winnings in Oklahoma are taxable income subject to both state and federal taxes.
Here’s a quick guide on how to report these winnings:
- Federal Taxes: Report gambling income over $600 to the IRS. Most casinos will issue a W-2G form for large winnings to include with your tax filing.
- Oklahoma Reporting: The state requires reporting winnings over $1,200 from slots, bingo, or horse racing, aligning with federal standards.
- Record-Keeping: Keep a log of each session, noting date, location, game type, and amounts won or lost.
For more information on how taxes work in sports betting, we invite you to check our dedicated guide.
So, What’s Next for Oklahoma Online Sportsbooks?
Oklahoma’s journey toward legal sports betting has faced repeated setbacks:
In 2024, Sen. Murdock’s SB 1434 and Rep. Luttrell’s HB 1027 both aimed to push sports betting forward, but neither passed.
In 2023, HB 1027 initially gained momentum but ultimately failed in the Senate. Governor Stitt’s plan to retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos also stalled due to opposition from tribal leaders and legal challenges.
For now, Oklahoma bettors can explore other legal gambling options, such as tribal casinos, horse racing, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and sweepstakes sportsbooks. These alternatives offer safe ways to engage in gambling while awaiting potential changes in sports betting legislation.
While the timeline for legal sports betting in Oklahoma remains unclear, we’ll keep you updated on the latest developments. Meanwhile, check out our guide on state gambling regulations to stay informed and be ready for what may come in the Sooner State.
References
- Gaming Compliance Unit — Retrieved Nov 11, 2024
- Oklahoma Office of Management & Enterprises — Retrieved Nov 11, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No. At this time, no legal online betting sites are available in Oklahoma. Any online sportsbook site or app claiming to offer legal online betting in Oklahoma is likely offshore and unregulated, which can pose risks to users.
By registering at one of our recommended sweepstakes sportsbooks, you can make online sports picks.
As an Oklahoman, you can’t legally bet on sports (online and in-person), online casinos, or online poker, as these are currently prohibited in the state.
