Oklahoma Bans Sweepstakes Casinos: What You Need to Know

Oklahoma has joined several other states in banning sweepstakes casinos, following a legislative override of Governor Kevin Stitt's veto. The state's Senate voted 34-10 and the House approved the override 68-19, achieving the required two-thirds supermajority in each chamber to override a veto. SB 1589, which prohibits dual-currency gaming platforms, is now in effect.

Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed the legislation on May 7, arguing that the bill was unnecessarily broad and “criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun.” He also opposed language in the bill aimed at companies that may do business with sweepstakes operators. Stitt expressed concerns about the bill's overreach, stating that “Oklahoma can protect consumers without adopting criminal penalties that reach beyond the problem they are intended to solve.”

Several other states have also banned these platforms in recent months. Maine enacted a ban in April, and California passed a law last year prohibiting the sites. The action in Oklahoma may leave online poker players who use sites like ClubWPT Gold, Global Poker, and Clubs Poker with no options. Sweepstakes operators claim their platforms are completely free to play and that no one is required to purchase anything. The industry has favored regulating and taxing the industry rather than outright bans.