Sports Betting Legislation Failed Due To Lack Of Coordination, Says Sen. Coleman

Oklahoma Senator Bill Coleman said on Tuesday that the demise of legislation on sports betting in Oklahoma was due to a lack of coordination between the executive branch and tribal leadership.

Sen. Coleman released a statement on Tuesday, calling on Governor Kevin Stitt to collaborate with tribal leaders so sports betting can advance in the future.

Related: Oklahoma Senators Discuss Bill To Legalize Sports Betting

HB 1027, which was authored by Sen. Coleman, would’ve legalized sports betting in Oklahoma. The bill passed the Oklahoma House earlier this year before moving to the Senate.

Related: Sports Betting Bill Passes In The House

“I continue to believe that sports betting would be a good thing for our state,” Sen. Coleman said. “The majority of my constituents who have reached out were overwhelmingly supportive of sports betting. However, it became clear during the process that there are too many unresolved issues that ultimately killed it this year.

“This legislation will take more than just passing a bill through the Legislature. When dealing with our tribal partners, compacting, and all the nuances that come with exclusivity and future gaming negotiations, we must get the governor in the same room with tribal leaders to build upon the conversation started this year by the Legislature.

“Our Native American tribes are part of the fabric of our state and what makes Oklahoma unique. We must view them as a vital partner in any negotiations that involve sports betting moving forward.

“I thank House principal author Rep. Ken Luttrell for all his hard work on this legislation and helping further the conversation. By pausing this legislation for now and having more conversations in the interim with the tribes and governor, we will be in a stronger position in the future to get this across the finish line.”

Oklahoma Rep. Ken Luttrell released the following statement on Tuesday after the bill failed to advance in the Senate:

"While I'm disappointed we didn't hit a jackpot this year on sports betting, I look forward to continued open dialogue with our tribal partners and the Governor's office, which I plan to facilitate with Senator Coleman," Luttrell said. "The 66-26 vote in the House demonstrates that legislators fully understand the economic impact, the need for improved regulation of the betting industry, the desire our citizens have for this and the importance of ensuring a level, competitive playing field for the tribes."