Oklahoma Online Gambling Laws
Before engaging in online casino games in Oklahoma, it is vital to know about the legal stance regarding internet gambling in the state. The Sooner State is quite limiting when it comes to internet gambling, as this form of gambling is prohibited.
However, Oklahoma has various land-based casinos where gamblers can play games like slots and other traditional games such as roulette. The state also boasts various tribal casinos, with over 100 casinos on sovereign tribal lands.
Additionally, OK has no poker rooms as the substantial number of casinos renders the poker rooms inefficient. Sports betting is also illegal in the Sooner State, but horse race betting is legal.
Although OK has various casinos, the state may not legalize online gambling any time soon. Players will have to wait for a long time for the government to change the laws against internet gambling if changes are ever going to happen.
How Does Oklahoma Regulate Gambling?
Despite other states legalizing various forms of gambling, Oklahoma remains reluctant to make some forms of gambling legal, especially internet gambling. The Sooner State does regulate online gambling and traditional gambling through various statutes.
However, betting on horse races and in full-fledged casinos, which are under the Tribal-state compact, are legal. Additionally, charitable gambling, raffle prizes, and bingo are allowed in the state.
Gambling for profit is illegal in the state. Oklahoma’s legal definitions of commercial gaming are as follows:
- running a casino or keeping all or a portion of the profits from it
- receiving, documenting, or transmitting wagers or wager offers, or having the means to do so with the intention of receiving, documenting, or transmitting wagers or wager offers
- taking up the role of keeper of anything valuable that is being gambled on or offered for a bet in order to profit
- carrying out a lottery or intending to do so and having the necessary infrastructure
- setting up a gaming instrument for use or gathering its winnings
- owning, running, overseeing, or providing funding for a gaming enterprise, either alone or with others
As per the law, any person found guilty of commercial gambling shall be guilty of a felony and punished by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years or a fine of not more than $25,000.00, or by both such fine and imprisonment.