Gambling Laws In Oklahoma
There are a number of laws across the nation which impact gambling. Both the laws on the federal level, and Oklahoma gambling laws primarily make it highly illegal to engage in the business of running an unregulated gambling establishment or any situation where one party makes a profit by facilitating wagers. Many of the laws, especially those passed by the U.S. government, are meant to stunt organized crime and corruption while leaving social and recreational bettors largely alone. Nowhere is it written in these laws that it is unlawful for the average citizen to place a bet or make a wager. It is only the conducting of gambling which is illegal.
Need more help? We don't blame you and we're here to make sure that you find the answers you're looking for, as we've assembled this guide to the gaming laws in Oklahoma with easy-to-read, real world interpretations of the most important statutes. Even though we wholeheartedly believe that the information provided within is accurate, we always want readers to consult with a paid legal professional should they have doubts. The info on this page is meant purely for reference and shouldn't be interpreted as legal advice.
Gambling in the state of Oklahoma is not looked upon too favorably even though there are a great many gambling facilities in the state. "Betting or bargaining that, dependent upon chance, one stands to lose or win something of value specified in an agreement between parties." is how gambling is defined in the state's legislation and it is considered a misdemeanor and punishable of a fine of up to $100 and/or 30 days in jail. What is a far more serious crime is the act of commercial gambling, or conducting a gambling operation where profit is being generated. This is a felony in Oklahoma and can garner up to a $2,000 fine and up to one year in a state penitentiary.
There are very few exceptions to the laws in place however there is very little, if any, enforcement of misdemeanor gambling. Social games kept in a private residence are technically illegal but there are no records of Oklahoma law enforcement busting in to break up a family card game with Grandma. As is the case everywhere in the United States, not taking a cut or turning a profit on such an event is usually the key to being left alone. Gambling is legally available by other means in the Sooner State, so is it really worth the risk?
The State of Oklahoma does run a lottery and provides regulated pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing as well as casino-style games at a couple of the race tracks. While this may not be much in betting options for those in Oklahoma, the restrictions and lack of state licensed casinos is more than made up for by the massive tribal casino presence in the state which is exempt from state gambling laws.
Land-Based Gambling In Oklahoma
Aside from the few state licensed options for gambling such as pari-mutuel betting, the lottery or charitable gaming venues, Oklahoma has one of the largest concentrations of Native American tribes in the entire country which operate outside of state gambling laws. In fact, the Oklahoma Indian gaming industry is the second largest industry in the state, generating an impressive $3.7 billion in revenue. There are 99 casinos which are owned by over 30 different tribes. With State-Tribal pacts in place, these casinos are able to offer all of the major forms of gambling including classic Las Vegas styled casino games featuring blackjack or even live poker with massive Texas Hold'em tournaments. Oklahoma is indeed a strange place for gambling as state laws forbid it but the region hosts some of the largest numbers of gambling facilities in the country.
Online Gambling In Oklahoma
In all of Oklahoma's expansive legislation on gambling, there is not one mention of the internet. This spells good news for those who wish to place a wager at Oklahoma gambling sites as the state has not one record of investigating any internet gambling nor is there any legislation in the works by lawmakers to explore any furthering of the gambling laws into the World Wide Web. What this means for those living in the Sooner State is that they may look to the federal laws mentioned at the top of this page as to what they can and cannot do when it comes to gambling online. Oklahoma gambling code states that it is a major offense to conduct a gambling scheme or business on U.S. soil but do not hinder the average citizen from the simple act of placing a bet. Those who live in Oklahoma may then, exercise their right to make a wager online so long as it is with a source that is located outside of both Oklahoma and U.S. federal jurisdiction.
Many popular online gambling sites for residents in Oklahoma are located throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, South and Central America and even Canada. Often times, these sites are even specifically dedicated to hosting American citizens as they know full well of the potential and legality of the market. What's more for gambling online is that every form of gambling under the Sun is available including sports betting which can be quite hard to legally come by outside of the shining lights of Las Vegas. The sites which we recommend have stood the test of time with millions of happy members collecting safe, secure and reliable payouts.
Popular Gambling Options In Oklahoma:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
One of our favorite online gambling sites is a former American company which only picked up and moved to neighboring Canada after changing federal laws pushed them to continue on outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Bovada has been in business for decades with exemplary customer support and top-notch security for quick and easy deposits and withdrawals. This online gambling network boasts every betting opportunity that one can imagine through a wide range of casino games like slots, video poker, blackjack and baccarat. Bovada also harbors one of the most cutting edge online poker rooms in the entire industry with many of the best players in the country frequenting the server for loads of winnings and high stakes pots.
Among the most popular offerings by Bovada is their online sportsbook which holds wagering options through every player, sport and league all across the globe. One can bet on single games or even future bets such as next year's Super Bowl. Bovada can be accessed either by desktop, laptop or even a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device which allows you to take the action anywhere. In fact, we were quite impressed with this online gambling site's mobile interface for live betting which allowed us to bet on game props while we were in the crowd watching the action unfold before our very eyes. Whether you are a Cowboy or a Sooner, this online sportsbook is a score for everyone in Oklahoma.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
In order to participate in any form of gaming, Oklahoma gaming regulations say that residents need to be at least 18 years old, or older. This age holds true even when using the internet to be with one of our recommended gambling sites that welcome Oklahoma residents.
Best For All Gaming Types
