Oklahoma Lottery researching residents' opinions on sports betting

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Lottery is researching how Oklahomans feel about sports betting and how they might feel about the state-run lottery offering gambling on sporting events. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that would open the door to states regulating sports betting.

The Oklahoma Lottery told FOX 25 the current survey is similar to one the Lottery commissioned last year. The Oklahoma Lottery benefited from legislative changes that it said would allow for more prizes to players in an effort to ultimately provide more money for education.

In the current version of the survey, participants are asked their opinion on sports betting and who they believe should be responsible for running sports betting if it is approved in Oklahoma. Participants are given several choices which included tribes, the Oklahoma Lottery, or other private gambling operators.

“We’re always looking at ways to maximize the Oklahoma Lottery’s enhancement of school funding,” said Jay Finks, the director of marketing administration for the Oklahoma Lottery.

Finks told FOX 25 the lottery is researching sports betting opinions, but it is too early to see what will come of the research. The Supreme Court ruling has allowed conversations to begin, but Finks said the Lottery wants to be prepared to be a part of the conversation.

“The Oklahoma Lottery will be observing state and federal discussions while exploring offerings and partnerships that could further our mission to enhance education funding,” Finks said.