Oklahoma City is the largest city in Oklahoma, but it wasn’t until the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to OKC in 2008, that the city was really put on the sports map of the United States. The Thunder found immediate success in the NBA, reaching the finals in 2012, just four years after moving to OKC. The team made the playoffs in 10 of their first 12 seasons in the league, but they have missed the playoffs the last three years. That said, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way this Thunder team looks like they will be contenders for the foreseeable future.
The excitement of having an NBA team increased the popularity of sports betting among Oklahoma City residents. On this page I will address the legality of sports betting in OKC and also provide you with two popular sportsbooks that accept players from OKC.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Oklahoma City?
This question is easiest to answer in two parts:
#1. Operating a Sportsbook is Illegal
It is not legal to operate a sports betting operation in the state of Oklahoma. This includes both land based and online sportsbooks with operations in the state.
#2. It Is Legal for OKC Residents To Bet On Sports
While it’s illegal to operate a sportsbook in OKC, it is NOT illegal for OKC residents to sign up and bet on sports at offshore betting sites that accept American players. Betting sites that are regulated and licensed outside of the United States, like the two I outline below, are considered offshore betting sites which allows them to provide their betting services to American players.
**Oklahoma lawmakers have attempted to legalize sports betting many times in recent years. In 2023 a legalization attempt made it through the House, but failed in the Senate. More sports betting bills have been introduced in 2024 and there is optimism that a bill will pass in the near future.
Best Sportsbooks for OKC Residents
These two sportsbooks are easily the most popular and trusted betting sites targeting the United States sports betting market. I suggest using one of these two sites if you are interested in betting on sports while located in Oklahoma City.
- Built for American bettors
- Wide variety of competitive betting lines
- Easy to navigate betting platform
Bovada.lv is our top rated betting site for American residents. Bovada is primarily focused on the USA sports betting market, and has built a betting platform that is catered towards the American player. This means the bet offerings, bonuses/promotions, deposits/withdrawals and customer service are all focused on USA players.
Offline Sports Betting in Oklahoma City
Unfortunately, offline sports betting is not currently legal in the state of Oklahoma. That said, Oklahoma does allow you to bet on horse races at the tracks in the state, and OKC happens to have a quality track located right in the city.
Remington Park
Remington Park is located in the north of the city in the Adventure District. The track features live American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa races from March to June, and Thoroughbred racing from August to December. You can bet on the races live at the track, while park is open for simulcast racing betting on all top tracks from across the country year round.
The racetrack also hosts the $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity race in May, which is the richest race annually in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Derby also takes place at Remington Park in the fall.
***I should note that sports betting is not offered at the racetrack.
Major Pro Sports Teams in OKC
- Oklahoma City Thunder (Basketball – NBA)
How To Bet Online From Oklahoma City
Follow these easy three steps to place your sports bets online from anywhere in OKC.
Step 1. Join Bovada.lv
Click the above link and complete the sign up form on the home page to open your account.
Step 2. Deposit
After logging into your account click the ‘Deposit’ link under your account drop down menu. Select your deposit method, enter the amount, and follow the instructions to fund your account.
Bovada accepts deposits via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.
Step 3. Place Your Bets
- Click ‘Sports’ from the top menu bar on the Bovada website.
- Select the sport you want to bet on from the ‘All Sports A-Z’ menu.
- Narrow your search to the competition or league you want to bet from the sport specific menu.
- Select the odds of the bet you want to make to add it to your Bet Slip.
- Enter your risk amount on the Bet Slip and click ‘Place Bet’ to make your wager.
Ready to bet from Oklahoma City? Click here to visit Bovada.lv.