Statewide Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos Awaits Governor’s Decision in Oklahoma

An Oklahoma sweepstakes casino ban seems poised to become law — but Gov. Kevin Stitt could upset the entire process by issuing a veto.

The Oklahoma State House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 1589, sending it through to Stitt’s desk for signature. However, the vote was far from the unanimous approval SB 1589 enjoyed in the Oklahoma State Senate in April. The Oklahoma House passed the bill 65-21, with 13 members opting not to vote.

Notably, that’s one vote short of the ⅔ majority that the lower chamber would need to override a veto. The Oklahoma House currently consists of 99 members, as two seats are vacant. That means 66 “ayes” are required to override a veto, so Stitt wields a lot of power in this situation.

If Stitt signs the legislation, or takes no action, an Oklahoma sweepstakes casino ban would become reality on Nov. 1, 2026. If he vetoes the legislation, the Oklahoma legislature would have until May 29 to decide whether it can override him.

Would Kevin Stitt Veto an Oklahoma Sweepstakes Casino Ban?

Stitt has been one of the biggest wild cards related to gambling legislation of any state governor. He has come out in favor of expanding legal sports betting in Oklahoma, but wanted to do it without working with the state’s Native American tribes. Oklahoma’s tribes control all forms of casino gambling in the state, and any betting legislation that didn’t involve them proved a non-starter with the Oklahoma legislature.

In turn, that set Stitt, a Republican, at odds with his own party. Oklahoma Republicans wield a veto-proof majority in both chambers of the legislature, but that’s normally rarely used to override a member of the same party. But in Stitt’s case, his relationship with the state’s tribes has gotten so sour that the legislature has repeatedly chosen to cut him out of the process.

That’s made his decision on SB 1589 a true question mark. When the tribes came to an agreement with the Oklahoma House on legalized sports betting in Oklahoma, Stitt said he would veto the legislation if it reached his desk. That bill, House Bill 1047, ultimately died in the Oklahoma Senate.

What Is the Process From This Point?

Under Oklahoma law, Stitt has five days (not counting Sundays) from the passage of the second chamber to either sign the legislation, veto it or take no action. If he takes no action, the bill becomes law without his signature.

As Stitt is term-limited and cannot run in November, he does not need to worry about voter or tribal approval. That has raised concerns he could veto the bill as another stand against the state’s tribes.

If Stitt does veto the bill, it would return to the Oklahoma legislature. Getting a ⅔ vote in the state Senate seems a formality, given its unanimous approval. But the House would have to find an additional vote to override a veto. That’s not impossible among 13 abstentions. However, that many members opting not to vote says the House is uneasy about the bill.

What Does SB 1589 Include?

The bill bans any form of dual-currency gambling, including casino-style gambling, bingo and online lotteries. That would cover all sweepstakes casinos, which have increasingly found themselves targeted by several states in 2026.

Notably, Sen. Todd Gollihare (R-Kellyville) and Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee) wrote the bill with tribal input. The bill includes an exemption for games that originate on tribal lands, protecting their control of Oklahoma’s gaming market.

When Might a Decision Come?

Stitt must make his decision by May 9. If he sends it back to the legislature, an override must take place by May 29. Most likely, a decision to override would come by May 17. The Oklahoma legislature wants to adjourn for the year as soon as possible, resulting in the sooner timeline.