Oklahoma Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto, Banning Sweepstakes Casinos

(AsiaGameHub) –   A prohibition on sweepstakes casinos is set to become law in Oklahoma starting November 1, following the legislature’s override of Governor Kevin Stitt‘s veto.

Stitt rejected SB1589 earlier this week, but the Senate voted 34-10 to overturn the Governor’s decision. The House then did the same with a 68-19 vote, resulting in the bill being officially filed.

Dual-Currency Gambling to Be Prohibited

Once effective in November, the law will forbid operators from employing dual-currency systems to provide online casino games.

The legislation describes online casino games as “any gambling game accessible via the internet or a device like a computer, phone, or tablet that, upon risking any representative of value, simulates any gambling game.”

It further defines “representative of value” as “any and all currency within a dual-currency payment system that can be exchanged for a prize, cash, or a chance to win such items.”

Currently, most major sweepstakes casinos still operate in Oklahoma. Continuing after November could result in Class C2 felony charges, carrying fines from $500 to $2,000 and possible jail time.

Governor Objects to Vague Definitions

Gov. Stitt issued a statement detailing his reasons for vetoing the bill.

“Oklahoma’s gaming laws need to be clear, targeted, and fair. Senate Bill 1589 fails to meet that standard,” the Governor wrote.

“This bill is so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun. It also unnecessarily establishes a new felony and broadens criminal liability to businesses and service providers,” Stitt added.

“Such a vague and overreaching method creates uncertainty for legitimate businesses and hinders innovation and investment. Oklahoma can safeguard consumers without imposing criminal penalties that go further than necessary.”

Will Louisiana Governor Also Veto Approved Ban?

Louisiana legislators also forwarded a bill to the Governor on Thursday aiming to ban dual-currency gambling platforms.

HB883 contains wording similar to Oklahoma’s bill. It expands the definition of illegal gambling to include: “Any internet or device-accessible game using a dual-currency system where the currency can be exchanged for prizes or cash, simulating gambling, constitutes gambling by computer.”

Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a comparable bill last year, noting the existing enforcement tools against illegal gambling. The state then issued cease-and-desist orders to 40 offshore and sweepstakes operators.

Many have obeyed, with at least 57 platforms now blocking Louisiana users. Consequently, Gov. Landry might veto this bill as well.

Echoing Gov. Stitt’s concerns, Gov. Landry stated last year that “some of the language in this bill is overly broad and could be interpreted negatively, potentially harming our ongoing enforcement efforts against these bad actors.”

If he approves the ban, Louisiana would be the fifth state this year to outlaw sweepstakes casinos. Besides Oklahoma, Tennessee, Indiana, and Maine have all enacted bans on these platforms.