When it comes to land-based and online casino gambling, Oklahoma is a peculiar state. On one side, it is as conservative as Georgia and Virginia. It does not allow for commercially operated brick-and-mortar casinos and therefore, there are no virtual lobbies regulated by the state.
On the other hand, the state collaborates with the local tribes, allows tribal casinos, of which there are plenty, and has an Exclusive Deal with the tribal leaders. Based on this deal, the tribes agree to a fairly high tax on slot machines. In exchange, Oklahoma’s legislators provide for an environment free of commercially operated competition — land-based and virtual gambling lobbies managed by private companies.
It is this agreement between the tribes and the states that will most likely keep commercial, and therefore, online gambling from being legalized for years to come. On the other hand, can the residents and visitors of the state complain? No. There are plenty of games of chance, as well as other forms of gambling to choose from.
For starters, all of the tribal casinos are packed with slot machines, video lottery terminals, and video keno devices. Some also have live table games. Plus, the state allows charitable gambling, lotteries, sports betting, and ownership of slot machines at home. Regarding the latter, the devices need to be at least 25 years old and serve decorative and recreational purposes.
The official age for gambling ranges between 18 to 21, depending on the activity. Taxes depend on the type of gambling activity. They are established between 10% to 30% on gross gaming revenues for commercially operated locations, and the rate is progressive. A further 9% tax is payable to the Oklahoma Home Racing Commission.