Oklahoma governor unveils sports betting plans
Kevin Stitt has set out proposals to legalise online and in-person sports betting in the state.
US.- Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt has announced plans to legalise sports betting in the state. The move would allow Oklahomans to place in-person bets at gaming sites operated by federally recognised tribes and on mobile sportsbooks licensed by the state.
The governor’s plan will prohibit wagers on the individual performance of student-athletes, coaches, referees, player injuries and prop bets at the college level. The governor is awaiting input from the NCAA and athletic conferences.
Mobile wagering will be conducted by organisations licensed by the state and will be taxed at a 20 per cent rate. The initial licensing fee would be $500,000 in addition to a $100,000 annual fee. Retail wagering would taxed at 15 per cent.
“I promised Oklahomans if we pursued sports betting, we would do it right— and this plan does just that,” Stitt said. “Thirty-five states have already legalised sports betting, and it’ll be a great revenue stream for the state. Tribes will be able to add it onto their existing infrastructure, and Oklahomans can access it right from their phone.”
Oklahoma is one of only 15 states yet to regulate sports wagering. Stitt’s proposal comes after a bill earlier this year failed to advance the Senate. The House passed House Bill 1027 in a 66-22 vote.
