Oklahoma Senators Discuss Bill To Legalize Sports Betting

Oklahoma Senators Discuss Bill To Legalize Sports Betting

We heard from the leader of the state senate about a proposed bill that would legalize sports betting in Oklahoma, just days after the house passed a bill that would allow tribes to offer it.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat said the issue is a lot more complicated than the public may realize when it comes to tribal exclusivity.

He said the senate is open to having the conversation but sees it as leverage for the state to get a better deal with the tribes.

"The question becomes does it violate exclusivity? The tribes would say absolutely it violates exclusivity. There's some in the administration that don't believe it does. I believe it opens us up for litigation if we pass it without some understanding with the tribes," Senator Treat said.

The bill passed the house 66 to 26. It will now get assigned to a senate committee to be discussed further.