(AsiaGameHub) –   Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has vetoed Senate Bill 1589, blocking a proposal that aimed to substantially expand the state’s gambling laws by introducing online casino-style games and dual-currency sweepstakes platforms.

Governor Vetoes Bill

The bill, introduced by Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Scott Fetgatter, was first presented in the Senate in February. It passed the Senate unanimously, 48-0, in March and was subsequently sent to the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. In early May, the House approved the measure with a vote of 65-21 before forwarding it to Governor Stitt, who vetoed it on May 7 along with several other bills. The governor has not yet provided an explanation for his veto.

Notably, this veto came after the Oklahoma Senate had earlier rejected a separate initiative, House Bill 1047, which would have legalized sports betting through tribal operators. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell, both Republicans from Ponca City, the legislation was supported by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.

The bill would have allowed tribal nations to offer both retail and mobile sports betting under Oklahoma’s existing tribal gaming framework. Supporters argued it provided a regulated alternative to sports betting services already available through other means. However, on April 22, it was defeated by a 21-27 vote.

What Did the Bill Aim At?

Regarding Senate Bill 1589, it sought to legalize online games resembling slots, lottery, bingo, or other forms of gambling currently prohibited in the state. It also updated the definition of a “representative of value” to include the dual-currency system used by sweepstakes casinos—where one type of coin is mainly used for gameplay, and another is associated with prize redemption.

The bill further broadened liability provisions beyond traditional casino operators to cover owners of geolocation services, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and affiliates. Activities conducted on Indian lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act were exempt, and gaming activities under Oklahoma’s Charity Games Act remained protected.

State lawmakers now have until May 29 to attempt to override Governor Stitt’s veto. If no override occurs, Oklahoma will continue to be excluded from the growing number of states that have recently moved to ban sweepstakes casino models entirely.

In other recent developments from Oklahoma, police shot and killed a man at a casino in Thackerville several weeks ago after he allegedly drew a gun when approached by officers.