Oklahoma Bans Sweepstakes Casinos, Overrides Veto

Casino

By lines

May 17, 2026

The Oklahoma sweepstakes casino ban became law on May 14. Oklahoma’s legislature overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 1589 that day. Senate Bill 1589 makes dual-currency online gaming platforms a Class C2 felony offense in Oklahoma. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

What SB 1589 Does and Who It Affects

Senate Bill 1589 expands Oklahoma’s gambling statute to cover online casino games with dual-currency coin systems. The bill creates a Class C2 felony for anyone who “deals or provides support” to those platforms. That definition covers operators, employees, geolocation providers, gaming suppliers, and media affiliates. Penalties include fines from $500 to $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed Senate Bill 1589 on May 13. Stitt called the bill “so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun.” The Oklahoma House voted 68 to 19 to override Stitt’s veto on May 14. The Oklahoma Senate voted 34 to 10 on the same day. Both chambers cleared the two-thirds threshold required by Oklahoma law.

Oklahoma tribal gaming operators supported Senate Bill 1589 throughout the legislative session. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association argued that sweepstakes casinos divert players from regulated tribal floors. Tribal venues pay licensing fees and return revenue to Oklahoma’s state budget. Sweepstakes platforms carry none of those obligations.

Oklahoma joins Indiana and Maine in enacting outright sweepstakes bans in 2026. More than five states restricted or banned the model in 2025, including California, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and New York. Players in Oklahoma have until November 1, 2026 to redeem outstanding coin balances. After that date, continued operation of a sweepstakes casino in Oklahoma is a Class C2 felony.