Oklahoma Legislature Overrides Veto to Ban Online Sweepstakes Casinos

(AsiaGameHub) –   Oklahoma’s Legislature has overturned Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 1589.

Online sweepstakes casinos are now prohibited in Oklahoma, following the Legislature’s successful override of Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 1589. This proposal had already passed both legislative chambers earlier this year.

Governor Stitt had argued that the bill was “so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun” and “unnecessarily creates a new felony and extends criminal liability to businesses and service providers.” Nevertheless, the Senate passed it with a 34-10 vote, and the House followed with a 68-19 vote, both surpassing the two-thirds majority needed to override Stitt’s veto.

The measure, introduced by Senator Gollihare, expands Oklahoma’s definition of gambling to encompass “online casino games” played via computers, mobile phones, or tablets. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of a “representative of value” to include dual-currency systems convertible into cash, prizes, or their cash equivalent.

Under the bill, any individual involved in opening, conducting, or supporting these games—including operators, employees, geolocation providers, platform suppliers, promoters, or media affiliates—will face charges for a Class C2 felony. Penalties for this offense will include fines ranging from $500 to $2,000.