Oklahoma Lawmakers Approve Sweeps Ban, Bill Sent to Governor’s Desk

Oklahoma’s legislature has advanced Senate Bill 1589, a measure that would outlaw online sweepstakes‑style casinos and classify them under the state’s gambling crimes. 

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The bill, authored by Senator Gollihare and carried in the House by Representatives Hilbert and Fetgatter, was approved in the Senate unanimously on March 2, while the House followed with a 65–21 vote on Monday (May 4). 

With both chambers signing off, the bill was enrolled and formally transmitted to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk on May 5. If signed, the law will take effect on November 1, 2026, making sweepstakes gaming a felony offence in Oklahoma.

Violators to be charged with Class C2 felony

SB 1589 updates Section 941 of Oklahoma’s criminal code by broadening the definition of gambling to include “online casino games” accessed through computers, mobile phones, tablets, or even smart watches. 

It also defines “representative of value” to cover dual‑currency systems where tokens or credits can be exchanged for prizes or cash equivalents. 

Under the bill, anyone who opens, conducts, or supports such games, whether as an operator, employee, geolocation provider, platform supplier, promoter, or media affiliate, would be guilty of a Class C2 felony. Convictions carry fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 and imprisonment under the state’s felony sentencing guidelines.

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The measure makes clear that only charity games authorized under state law or tribal gaming regulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act are exempt.

States continue to target sweeps casinos in 2026

Oklahoma would become the seventh state, and the fourth this year, to pass a ban on sweepstakes casinos if Governor Stitt signs SB 1589. This comes as state regulators continue to crack down on dual‑currency platforms that mimic gambling.

Indiana and Maine have already enacted bans, both scheduled to take effect in July, while Tennessee’s legislature approved SB 2136 but still awaits the governor’s decision.

The push is not limited to these four. California, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and New York already have laws on the books banning sweepstakes casinos outright. Other states, such as Maryland, Virginia, and Mississippi, introduced bills this year, though efforts in Virginia and Mississippi stalled and are expected to return in 2027. Iowa took a different path, passing legislation that strengthens regulators’ ability to pursue unlicensed operators without directly banning sweepstakes platforms.

Stitt now has five days to either sign, veto, or leave the bill untouched. Lawmakers have until May 29 to decide whether to override a veto. If Stitt takes no action, SB 1589 will automatically become law.

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