Yesterday we reported how the Governor of Oklahoma had vetoed state lawmakers’ attempt to ban sweepstakes casinos via SB 1589, but the legislature has now overridden this decision in a surprising turn of events.
It means a new sweepstakes casino ban will come into effect on November 1, 2026 in OK.
The Senate voted 34-10, while the House voted 68-19 to override, and the House number is particularly notable because 68 is the exact two-thirds threshold required to override a veto in the 101-member chamber. Essentially, the measure passed by the narrowest possible margin allowed under the Oklahoma Constitution.
What SB 1589 Actually Does
The bill adds to 21 O.S. 2021, Section 941 of current state law, creating a new definition of “online casino games” where any gambling that risks a “representative of value” is deemed illegal.
It goes on to define “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, or any chance to win any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent.”
This will cover popular sweepstakes casinos such McLuck, Chumba, and Stake.us. In fact, hundreds of sweeps brands currently operate in OK – it’s seen as one of the least restricted jurisdictions with basically all operators doing business there.
Now, however, operation of a dual-currency casino will become a Class C2 felony offense. The financial deterrent is one of the weaker ones we’ve seen in an anti-sweeps bill at up to $2,000, but imprisonment is also an option in terms of enforcement.
SB 1589 implicates the supply chain too, naming geolocation providers, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and media affiliates as eligible for the same punishments.
This is the kind of thing that Governor Kevin Stitt wanted to avoid according to his official veto message:
“Oklahoma’s gaming laws must be clear, targeted, and fair. Senate Bill 1589 does not accomplish that end. This bill is so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun. It also unnecessarily creates a new felony and extends criminal liability to businesses and service providers.”
Stitt’s veto briefly gave the industry hope, but the override has been successful.
Overrides are relatively rare, but so are vetoes on anti-sweeps bills – this was the first one since Governor Landry’s veto in Louisiana last year.
What Happens Next
It’s likely many operators will pull out of Oklahoma well before the effective date due to the explicit felony language. We’ll probably see exits start with the more cautious brands, while others will remain until closer to November to maximize revenue. Overall, it points to a staggered exodus over the coming months.
If you’re an Oklahoma-based resident who plays at sweepstakes casinos, it’s important to be aware of the November 1 date, and you should start to make preparations for redeeming balances and eventually winding down sweeps gameplay. Unfortunately, the vertical will be off limits from the bill’s effective date for legitimate operators.
This new law is the third to take direct action against sweeps casinos in 2026, and it joins bills in Indiana (effective July 1) and Maine (likely effective July 14). Eyes are also on Tennessee and Louisiana where similar bills are waiting for their respective Governors’ decisions.
Author: Michael Fatouros
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