Former University of Tulsa head football coach and now Senator David Rader wants Oklahoma to legalize sports betting in 2025. He proposed doing so alongside tribes, suggesting it would be a win for all parties.
The 67-year-old believes sports betting revenue can offset the significant tax increases citizens in the state received in recent years. The senator emphasized the importance of legalizing wagering before neighboring Texas does, saying that many people drive across state lines to gamble at Oklahoma’s tribal casinos.
failures to agree on state-tribe compacts
Previous attempts to legalize sports betting have been unsuccessful in Oklahoma; Rader chalks them up to failures to agree on state-tribe compacts.
Senate Bill 125 (SB 125) would require a total of four tribes to agree to compact amendments before legalization. The progressive tax structure starts at as little as 5% and goes as high as 7% for betting revenue greater than $10m, which would be among the lowest rates in the country.
88% of the money would go toward public education programs, with the remainder going to the general fund and a small percentage to gambling addiction programs.
The 2025 legislative session begins on February 3, and SB 125 will be up for debate.
