Oklahoma sports fans may soon be able to participate in in-person sports betting through existing tribes. Ken Luttrell, a Ponca City Republican, recently introduced House Bill 3008 to include Oklahoma among the 30 states that have already legalised sports betting.

Oklahoma's annual revenue would be $240 million.

Luttrell has stated his support for the Bill, noting that numerous tribes have already expressed their appreciation for the initiative's possible outcomes. The Republican also stated that the state will enjoy a clear advantage over neighbouring states that currently allow in-person sports betting.

Oklahoma residents would no longer be obliged to cross state lines to place wagers on their favourite sporting events, thereby surrendering a portion of their money to a state government other than their own in the form of taxes.

Matthew Morgan, Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, believes that if the Bill passes, the current tribes should oversee any future activities.

The Indian Gaming Association is a significant voice for state tribes. In preparation of sports betting becoming legal later this year, the tribes have already begun a series of consultative conversations and educational seminars.

As with other types of gambling, a portion of the money generated by sports betting in Oklahoma would go up in the state's coffers. Luttrell has estimated a yearly budget of $200 million to $400 million, although the Bill's exact features are still being debated and negotiated.

Gaming pacts would have to be open and honest.

Morgan went on to say that sports betting should be legalised in Oklahoma if it is the people's will, as well as something that would benefit both the state and the tribes financially. These factors alone should compel serious discussions and planning to legalise in-person sports betting in tribal casinos. However, there have been significant public confrontations between the tribes and state Governor Kevin Stitt about the function of gaming compacts.

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