Sen. Coleman issues statement on sports betting legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, today called on Gov. Kevin Stitt to collaborate with tribal leaders to advance sports betting in the future.

Sen. Coleman was the Senate principal author of HB 1027, which would have legalized sports betting in Oklahoma. He said the demise of the bill in part was the lack of coordination between the executive branch and tribal leadership.

“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.”

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For more information, contact: 

Sen. Coleman at 405-521-5581, or Bill.Coleman@oksenate.gov