Oklahoma tribal leaders pressed Congress and federal regulators to crack down on online prediction markets, saying the platforms effectively offer sports betting outside tribal gaming rules.
The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes and gaming officials argue those operators exploit legal loopholes, bypass consumer protections and tribal-state regulatory systems, and weaken tribal sovereignty.
Matthew Morgan of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association said Oklahomans are already wagering through unregulated channels, sending economic activity, tax revenue and tribal exclusivity payments out of state and sometimes overseas.
The push comes after House Bill 1047—backed by tribes, the Oklahoma City Thunder and major public universities—failed in the state Capitol, leaving sports betting illegal in Oklahoma while demand persists.