The Oklahoma Legislature has approved a bill that would ban online casino-style games and crack down on sweepstakes platforms using dual-currency systems, sending the measure to Governor Kevin Stitt for consideration.
The House passed Senate Bill 1589 by a 65–21 vote, while the Senate had earlier approved it unanimously. The bill has now been sent to the governor’s desk.
The legislation expands Oklahoma’s gambling statute to explicitly cover online casino games, defining them as internet-based wagering on games such as slots, lottery-style products, and bingo via computers, mobile phones, or tablets.
A key provision targets dual-currency payment systems commonly used by sweepstakes casinos, where players purchase one form of virtual currency and receive another that can be redeemed for prizes or cash equivalents.
The bill defines a “representative of value” as “Any and all currency used as part of a dual-currency system of payment that allows a person to exchange such currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent.”
The measure also broadens liability beyond operators to include “geolocation provider, gaming supplier, platform provider, promoter, or media affiliate” that support such activities. Violations would be classified as a Class C2 felony, carrying fines of $500 to $2,000 and potential imprisonment.
If enacted, the law would take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
Oklahoma would become the fourth U.S. state this year to move against sweepstakes casinos, following Indiana and Maine, which have already enacted bans effective in July. Lawmakers in Tennessee have also passed similar legislation that is awaiting the governor’s signature, while Iowa has advanced an enforcement-focused measure targeting unlicensed operators.
Other states are considering comparable actions. Louisiana has passed a bill expanding racketeering laws to include sweepstakes gambling and is weighing additional legislation targeting dual-currency systems.
Minnesota is reviewing a similar proposal after Senate approval, while lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are discussing online casino legalization that includes a provision to ban sweepstakes platforms.
Under Oklahoma law, Stitt has five days, excluding Sunday, to sign or veto the bill once it reaches his desk, or allow it to become law without his signature.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/05/07/119715-oklahoma-passes-bill-targeting-sweepstakes-casinos-sends-measure-to-governor
