Can you legally bet on sports in Oklahoma? This million-dollar question is usually on the minds of sports enthusiasts visiting the Sooner State and wanting to engage in legal sports betting.
With the increasing popularity and legalization of sports betting across several US states, some jurisdictions still frown upon the activity, and Oklahoma is one of them.
On this page, we will guide you through the legal status of Oklahoma sports betting and the top alternative betting options available in the state.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover if online sports betting is legal or not in Oklahoma.
- Find out gambling alternatives to sports betting sites in Oklahoma.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Oklahoma?
Sports betting, in general, online or retail, is currently illegal in Oklahoma. While there have been several attempts to pass bills that would legalize sports betting in the state, none of them have made it past the legislature.
For instance, House Bill 1207, proposed by Governor Kevin Stitt to authorize sports wagering in the jurisdiction, failed in the Senate, even after getting approval from the House.
In November 2023, Governor Stitt unveiled a new sports betting plan that would enable Oklahoma residents to bet in person at gaming facilities operated by federally recognized tribes. If passed, the proposal would place Oklahoma on the list of US states with legal sports betting.
Although the plan awaits approval, many tribal officials and lawmakers have openly opposed it. This indicates a tough road ahead for the implementation of the plan.
Our Alternative to Online Sportsbooks in Oklahoma: Sweepstakes Bookmakers
For now, the door to sports betting in Oklahoma is shut. But does that mean you can’t enjoy the thrill of sports betting? Absolutely not! The solution: sweepstakes sports betting apps.Â
Sweepstake sportsbooks are the ultimate alternative to online sportsbooks in Oklahoma. They allow you to make sportsbook picks for fun and participate in sweepstakes contests to win cash rewards.
Here are our top two available sweepstakes bookmakers in Oklahoma.
Fliff
Fliff gives you the look and feel of a US-regulated online sportsbook. It features various sports that you can make picks on including the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, UFC, tennis, soccer, golf, and even esports.
Furthermore, the sweepstakes bookie offers several popular betting markets like point spreads, moneylines, props, and in-play wagering.
As you make your predictions and engage in sports betting contests on the platform, you gain XP that gives you Fliff Cash which can be redeemed for money. You can also earn Fliff Coins which have no cash value but can be used to enter free contests on the app.
Rebet
Rebet is also another top free-to-play sportsbook you should consider if you seek a sports wagering experience in Oklahoma.
Launched in 2024 by a team of Dartmouth College students, Rebet offers a nice selection of exciting features for users. These include diverse sports leagues like MLB, NFL, and NHL as well as peer-to-peer contests.
You will particularly fall in love with the generous and simple-to-enter promotions on the site. For instance, the platform offers a daily reward bonus where you can earn 100 Rebet coins every time you log in.
While you can’t convert the coins into cash, you can use them to participate in various contests and games on the site. The sweepstakes sportsbook also awards you with Rebet Cash that you can actually redeem for real money at a ratio of 1:1.
How to Bet on Sports in Oklahoma?
As stated earlier, the state of Oklahoma has not yet legalized sports betting of any form. So, you cannot wager on online sports betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel or engage in retail sports betting within the state.
However, with the constant introduction of sports betting bills and initiatives in the Oklahoma legislature, it is just a matter of time before the Sooner State tows the path of jurisdictions with sports betting.
You can be sure that we will keep you posted and update this section when it happens.
Popular Sports and Teams in Oklahoma Betting Scene
Oklahoma is known for its rich sports heritage and passionate fanbase. The Sooner State boasts a diverse range of professional sports and college teams that attract significant attention from bettors in other states.
Let’s look at some of them below:
| Sports | Team | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball (NBA) | Oklahoma City Thunder | Based in Oklahoma City, the Thunders compete in the Western Conference NorthWest Division of the NBA and are the most popular sports team in the state. |
| Baseball | Oklahoma City Baseball Club | Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, this minor league baseball team has won five divisional titles in the past decade. |
| Soccer | Energy FC | Energy FC usually sells out their home games at Taft Stadium, especially when they are playing against their biggest rival, Tulsa Roughnecks FC |
| (NCAA) Baseball Basketball Football Tennis | University of Oklahoma Sooners | The Oklahoma Sooners have a large and dedicated fan base, with an average attendance of over 80,000 fans at their home ground, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. |
| (NCAA) Baseball Basketball Football Golf | Oklahoma State University Cowboys | Go Pokes! The Cowboys are famous for their competitive athletics and are often considered for wagering by bettors. |
| (NCAA) Football Basketball Soccer | University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane | The Golden Hurricanes have a strong presence in Oklahoma, with their games drawing in attention and huge betting interest. |
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Despite a bustling sports industry and passionate fans, OK residents cannot legally bet on their local teams due to the existing regulations prohibiting sports betting in the jurisdiction.
However, the presence of popular local teams like the Thunders, Sooners, and Golden Hurricane still significantly influences the sports betting landscape in Oklahoma.
For instance, it generates increased interest in mobile sports betting, with more residents demanding legal sports betting in the state.
The absence of legal sports betting options leads some fans to seek unregulated Oklahoma sports betting sites, highlighting the need for a safe and legal sports wagering market.
Furthermore, some Oklahomans travel to neighboring states where sports betting is legal to watch their local teams perform in away games and use the opportunity to wager on them.
To some extent, the performances of these teams also determine the betting trends and decisions of bettors, even in other states. As the teams’ fortunes rise and fall, so does their betting interest.
Upcoming Events
Oklahoma sports teams’ events are always a thrill, from the thunderous dunks of the Thunders to the pigskin pride of the Sooners. You don’t want to miss the action-packed sports games happening in the state in a couple of days. We have got you covered with the latest schedules from OK’s in-state teams.
Are There More Gambling Options in Oklahoma?
While you can’t engage in sports betting in Oklahoma, there are other legal gambling options you can look into in the Sooner State. They include:
Casino Gambling: Oklahoma has one of the highest numbers of tribal casinos in the US. Irrespective of your location, you will be able to find a tribal casino that offers games like slots, table games, and poker.
Some recommended gambling locations to visit are:
- WinStar World Casino and Resort
- Choctaw Durant
- Hard Rock Casino Tulsa
- River Spirit Casino
Horse Racing: In-person and online horse racing betting are legal in Oklahoma. You can enjoy live racing action and parimutuel wagering options across three racetracks in the state, including:
- Remington Park
- Will Rogers Downs
- Fair Meadows Tulsa
Daily Fantasy Sports: Create fantasy teams of famous players, even in Oklahoma college teams, and compete against other players for cash prizes! You can access daily fantasy sports platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel in the state.
Lottery: The Oklahoma Lottery has been existing since 2005. It allows you to purchase lottery tickets for various games like:
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- Lucky for Life
- Pick 3 and
- Cash 5
Maximizing Your Bets
Although sports betting is not currently legal in Oklahoma, you can still have an optimal wagering experience in the state’s casinos and horse racing venues. To achieve this, you need to utilize expert betting strategies like the ones detailed below.
Tips and Strategies for Oklahoma Bettors
While waiting for sports betting legalization in Oklahoma, you can hone your skills and learn how to become better at sports betting with these tips:
- Manage your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gambling activities and stick to it. Decide how much you are willing to spend or lose while betting. Make sure it’s an amount you are comfortable losing. This will help you avoid chasing losses.
- Research and Analyze Odds: Before wagering on that particular horse to win, ensure you have a good knowledge of the horse’s past performance and track record, current form, odds offered by bookmakers, and more. This also applies to sports betting, where you will consider team or player performances.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends regarding the games or events you want to wager on. Be the first to know when there is a change in Oklahoma’s sports betting landscape. Check here for updates.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
Like most states in the US, gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Oklahoma. As such, they are subject to federal and state taxes.
Generally, the IRS requires you to file gambling winnings of over $600 in your tax returns. You will be issued a form W2-G by the gambling establishment to report these winnings.
Sports betting taxes by state usually vary. The Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit requires casinos and horse racing venues to report payouts exceeding $1,200 from slot machines, bingo, and horse racing.
Whether you win or lose, it is crucial to keep records of your gambling activities. Keep a gambling diary that contains information like:
- Date and time of bets placed
- Name and address of the gambling establishment
- Amounts won or lost
- Types of sports or games you wagered onÂ
→ For more information about how taxes work on sports betting in the US, click here.
So, Will You Bet from Oklahoma Tonight?
Sports betting, in any form, is not yet legal in Oklahoma. However, you can access other legal gambling options like casinos, lottery, and horse racing betting in the state.
You can also participate in sweepstakes sportsbook or DFS contests and win real money. Remember to always bet responsibly and within your means.
Want to level up your betting skills? Start reading our Betting 101 guide for expert wagering tips and tricks!