Oklahoma’s ongoing debate over legalizing sports wagering has gained a high-profile participant: the Oklahoma City Thunder. With state lawmakers still unable to reach consensus, the NBA franchise is advocating for a framework allowing either the team or a tribal consortium to hold a single sports betting license and earn a small percentage of statewide wagers.
Oklahoma remains one of 11 states without legal sports betting, even as surrounding states—excluding Texas—permit regulated wagering.
Thunder Proposes Shared License Model
During a legislative study session on sports betting, Will Syring, the Thunder’s vice president of corporate sponsorships, presented a plan granting either the franchise or a tribal-led partnership the ability to operate one state-issued retail and mobile license. National platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel could operate under this license, with revenue split between tribes and the Thunder receiving 0.25% of the total handle.
“In other markets, teams are getting direct licenses,” Syring told lawmakers. “If they’re getting licenses, they are getting paid off of those bets. The league also only allows you to take a percentage off the top.” He described the 0.25% allocation as a fair way to maintain market balance and competitiveness.
The proposed license would be geofenced, covering only non-tribal areas. Tribal territories would remain under individual tribal agreements, allowing each tribe to operate sportsbooks. Exclusivity fees would continue to flow to the state, which collected more than $210 million last year, primarily funding education.
Tribal Interests Remain Central
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association has consistently maintained that legalized sports betting must respect tribal compacts. Chair Matthew Morgan expressed willingness to collaborate with the Thunder: “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.”
Morgan emphasized compliance with the State-Tribal Gaming Act and the federal Indian Gaming Regulation Act, noting that eligibility varies among tribes depending on treaty and reservation status.
Governor Stitt has reiterated opposition to proposals granting tribes exclusive control, advocating instead for a hybrid model where commercial operators manage online betting while tribal casinos retain in-person sportsbooks.
Lawmakers Eye Revenue and Regulation
Sen. Bill Coleman, a longtime advocate of legalization, highlighted the benefits of regulating sports betting: “Oklahomans are already placing bets by crossing state lines or turning to illegal platforms. Right now, none of that activity is happening in a safe, regulated environment that generates tax revenue for the state. Legalizing sports betting would eliminate the black market and give the state and its partners the resources to identify and help problem gamblers.”
The Thunder’s proposal comes amid national scrutiny of sports wagering after federal indictments against NBA figures, including Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, raised concerns over gambling-related misconduct. Although the Oklahoma study session did not discuss these cases, they have intensified focus on the need for regulation.
The next legislative session will likely determine whether Oklahoma joins the expanding legal sports betting market or remains on the sidelines.
Source:
“OKC Thunder advances plan to help shape sports betting legalization in Oklahoma”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, October 30, 2025
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