OKC Thunder pushes to legalise sports betting in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s attempt to legalise sports betting has been hindered by prolonged political disagreements and disputes over tribal gaming compacts, leaving the state behind neighbouring Kansas and Arkansas. Recently, the Oklahoma City Thunder has entered the conversation, proposing a plan to lawmakers that includes a single statewide license for both retail and online betting, as reported by The Oklahoman.
Overview of Oklahoma’s sports betting battle
Oklahoma remains one of 11 states where sports betting is still illegal, as efforts to reach a consensus among legislators, the governor, tribal nations, and industry stakeholders have stalled. The dispute between Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s tribal nations has been central to the sports betting debate. Stitt supports a system that allows broader participation beyond tribal casinos, arguing for modernisation and increased competition. Tribal leaders oppose this, saying it would violate existing compacts and undermine tribal sovereignty.
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association argues that expanding sports betting beyond tribal control breaches current agreements. Chairman Matthew Morgan emphasises that exclusive gaming rights are vital to the tribes’ economic stability and must be preserved.
Oklahoma City Thunder proposal
In October 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder joined the ongoing discussion around sports betting legislation. The team proposed a single-license model to state lawmakers, aiming to bridge the divide between tribal interests and state goals.
The Thunder’s plan suggests a unified statewide license, managed either by the team or a tribal consortium. Under this model, all betting operators, including companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, would operate under one system, allowing for centralised oversight and revenue sharing.
Under the proposed model, tribes would continue receiving payments as outlined in their existing gaming compacts. The Oklahoma City Thunder would earn 0.25 percent of the total betting handle in designated markets. Meanwhile, the state would benefit from new tax revenue generated through regulated sports betting activity, according to reports from KOSU.
Legislative study session
On 23 October 2025, lawmakers held a study session to revisit Oklahoma’s stalled sports betting efforts. Participants included representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Oklahoma Lottery Commission, and tribal groups. The session was led by Senator Bill Coleman, who stressed the importance of considering all perspectives, tribal, commercial, and governmental, before shaping future policy.
Will Syring, vice president of corporate sponsorships for the Oklahoma City Thunder, stated that any proposed license would include revenue-sharing with tribal entities.
Syring explained, “In other markets, teams are getting direct licenses. If they’re getting licenses, they are getting paid off those bets. The league also only allows you to take a percentage off the top. At the end of the day, all Oklahomans will now have the ability to safely place bets on their phones or at retail locations anywhere in Oklahoma. We would be thrilled to support the solutions moving forward.”
However, Matthew Morgan emphasised that under the State-Tribal Gaming Act, licenses cannot be issued to non-tribal operators. He added that while the tribes are open to collaboration, any agreement must respect existing legal frameworks.
Morgan noted, “If we can find a way forward and work with the Oklahoma City Thunder, that’s what we want to keep in mind as we move forward. They’re a big part of the discussion and someone we want to ensure that we listen to their voice and their thoughts.”
Jay Finks, executive director of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission, stated during the hearing that mobile sports betting does not align with the commission’s approach to managing risk and maximising revenue.
Finks stated, “As we’re looking at this expansion into gaming and as we look at Oklahoma evolving that, don’t forget about us, because [with] the addition of sports betting, forgetting about the Oklahoma Lottery does have the opposite effect, and that could take away the revenue that we’re driving for Oklahoma education.”
Senator Bill Coleman acknowledged the Thunder’s recognition of tribal exclusivity in Oklahoma’s gaming market. He stated that the study session was intended to bring all stakeholders together to explore a path toward legalising sports betting in the next legislative session.
Coleman said, “This study was about getting everyone in a room to figure out how we can come together to legalise sports betting next session. This is a real chance to create new economic opportunities and revenue streams for our state and our tribes while supporting local sports teams like the Thunder. I’m ready to do my part to get it done.”
Pressure for regulation
As Oklahoma lawmakers met to discuss sports betting, news surfaced of FBI indictments involving over 30 individuals connected to illegal betting schemes, including NBA figures. Among those indicted were Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, both placed on immediate leave by the NBA.
One incident under investigation involves a January 2024 Thunder-Lakers game. A federal grand jury alleges that Marves Fairley placed a $100,000 bet against the Lakers after receiving insider information from former NBA player Damon Jones about an injury to a key Lakers player.
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