Oklahoma has earned a reputation for maintaining a common-sense approach to regulation, favoring limited government over heavy-handed bureaucracy. However, a piece of legislation that was passed by the legislature, and recently vetoed by Gov. Stitt, SB 1589, threatens to flip that script.
The bill targets “online casino games,” but its reach would also crush a different, federally regulated industry. The stated goal is to rein in online gambling, but the bill also covers “sweepstakes” or “social plus” games. These aren’t just minor regulatory changes, the bill attaches stiff criminal penalties to these activities, meaning people could face felony charges for operating platforms that many consider standard entertainment.
These apps are not “skirting the rules.” Sweepstakes have existed for decades with a legal status distinct from traditional casino gaming. These modern platforms are the digital evolution of those contests, not an attempt to bypass gambling laws.
Far from operating in a “Wild West” environment, many of these companies have already implemented robust safeguards. They utilize age verification to protect minors and geolocation technology to ensure they stay within proper boundaries. Many industry leaders have expressed a clear openness to working with the state to establish even more legal clarity—provided it doesn’t involve an outright ban.
Of course, far-left, Democrat-dominated California has chosen to ban these platforms. That heavy-handed, thinly considered move is not the example any red state should follow.
Presumably, Gov. Stitt vetoed the bill due to these challenges are perhaps others.
Pressure from the tribes, in particular due to the casino games aspect of the bill is happening already. If the legislature is determined to move forward, it likely will require the time between sessions to make needed changes. The language banning sweepstakes and social games should be stripped out entirely. A more deliberate approach—one that respects existing federal law and works with companies willing to follow the rules—would serve the state best.
