Why Oklahoma Tribes Backed the Sweepstakes Casino Ban

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By lines

May 16, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only. Terms and eligibility vary by state.

Sweepstakes casinos in Oklahoma will shut down on November 1, 2026. Oklahoma lawmakers voted on May 15 to override Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 1589. The override passed the Oklahoma Senate 34 to 10 and the Oklahoma House 68 to 19. Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry treated sweepstakes platforms as an existential competitive threat.

Why Oklahoma Tribal Casinos Pushed for the Ban

Oklahoma tribes hold exclusive rights to casino gaming in the state under tribal-state compacts. Oklahoma tribes generated gross gaming revenue above $3.6 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The State of Oklahoma collected $221 million from tribal gaming operations. The $221 million in compact revenue funds education, elder services, and community infrastructure.

Margo Gray, executive director of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, publicly backed Senate Bill 1589. Gray described sweepstakes platforms as a direct economic threat. Gray stated: “Oklahoma tribal gaming is under attack.” Gray continued: “These platforms bypass tribal-state compacts and directly compete with our brick-and-mortar operations.” Gray added that sweepstakes competition threatened “revenues that fund education, elder services, and economic development.”

Senate Bill 1589 prohibits online games using dual-currency exchange systems. The bill text directly defines what currency qualifies as restricted.

“Any and all currency used as part of dual-currency system of payment that allows a person to exchange such currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent, or any chance to win any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent.”
Oklahoma SB 1589 bill text, via Casino.org

Violations of Senate Bill 1589 carry a Class C2 felony charge under Oklahoma law. Several sweepstakes operators remain active in Oklahoma as of May 16, 2026. Casino.org confirmed Chumba Casino, Stake, and FunzCity currently accept Oklahoma players. Oklahoma players holding redeemable sweepstakes coin balances should withdraw funds before November 1, 2026.