Oklahoma Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto, Enacts Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos

(AsiaGameHub) –   Oklahoma lawmakers have voted to overturn an earlier veto by Gov. Kevin Stitt concerning Senate Bill 1589, thereby formally implementing a prohibition on “online casino games,” including sweepstakes casinos.

Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto on SB1589

While SB 1589 addresses various aspects of gambling, sweepstakes casinos are its central focus. These platforms utilize dual-currency systems to offer casino-style games under the guise of promotional contests. On the morning of May 14, the Senate voted 34–10 to override the governor’s objections, with the House quickly following suit with a 68–19 vote.

Governor Stitt vetoed the bill last week, asserting that it “criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun.” Furthermore, he criticized the bill’s “overbroad approach,” which, in his view, created uncertainty for businesses operating in good faith and discouraged innovation and investment within the state.

However, the legislature strongly rejected this position, with supporters arguing the bill was essential to safeguard Oklahoma’s existing gaming system and uphold commitments to tribal gaming partners. The legislation aims to further control sweepstakes and other similar forms of gambling that employ a dual-currency system. Oklahoma law now explicitly categorizes these operations as unauthorized gambling activities, eliminating previously existing definitional loopholes that allowed them to operate.

Significance of This Development

Critics of sweepstakes gaming platforms have long contended that these operators exploit legal ambiguities to avoid state taxes and bypass consumer protection regulations.

Nevertheless, the overriding of the veto represents a notable victory for tribal nations and established gaming stakeholders. They have consistently maintained that sweepstakes platforms operate in a regulatory grey zone that distorts competition and weakens the safeguards embedded in Oklahoma’s gaming compacts.

With the Secretary of State now moving the legislation into implementation, enforcement is anticipated to commence shortly. The Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit is expected to work to identify and shut down active sweepstakes operations across the state.

The issue surrounding the status of sweepstakes casinos, and who and how they should be regulated, has been vehemently discussed in other states throughout 2026 so far. In accepting SB1589, Oklahoma actually aligns with other states that are further expanding their control over sweepstakes. For example, back in March, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1052 into law, which effectively banned any games based on the dual-currency model in that state.