Oklahoma Senate Approves Bill Amending Gambling Statute to Target Sweepstakes-Style Casino Games

Oklahoma joins the rush of states drafting and passing bills targeting sweepstakes casinos. Last March 2nd, the state’s Senate approved Senate Bill 1859 or “Crimes and punishments; modifying scope of certain offense related to gambling”, a month after Senator Gollihare filed it in the chamber.

SB1859 aims to amend Oklahoma’s gambling statute, particularly Section 941 of Title 21, which highlights online casino-style games like slots and online gambling platforms.

The bill passed on the third reading, with 48 ayes and 0 nays, reflecting a bi-partisan support for the campaign to regulate the state’s sweepstakes casino industry.

SB1589 Clarifies Oklahoma’s Gambling Statute

Filed on February 2nd by Senator Gollihare, SB 1589 introduces clear legal definitions of online casino games and specifies penalties for violations. 

SB1859 defines “online casino games” as “Any gambling game that allows a person to access the Internet… that, upon risking any representative of value, simulates any gambling game described in this section or any other form of gambling”. A popular type of casino-style game that falls within the definition is slot machine.

The bill also explains “representative of value”, as currency that’s used as part of  the dual-currency model of payment that allows a player to exchange such currency for a prize, cash equivalent, or any real-world prizes.

Typically, sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency model of Gold Coins (GCs) and Sweeps Coins (SCs), where the latter can be redeemed for cash, at 1:1 exchange rate.

New Bill Extends Liability to Other Stakeholders

The bill’s language could potentially impact other stakeholders and industry suppliers. As indicated on the bill, liability also extends to a “geolocation provider” platform and gaming supplier, promoter, or a media affiliate that support these casino-style games.

Violations are punished as Class C2 felonies, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, with the possibility of jail time. The bill is now with the House, and scheduled for its first reading.

In addition to SB1859, the Oklahoma House is also exploring HB4130, a similar gaming measure that has hurdled two committees. 

If approved, SB1859 will take effect on November 1st, 2026.

REFERENCES

• HB1859