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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Gambling911.com) - Sweepstakes casinos have begun to exit the state of Oklahoma ahead of a November 1 deadline to do so. Oklahoma's new sweepstakes casino law, Senate Bill 1589 (SB 1589), takes effect on that day.
Importantly, the legislation goes beyond targeting casino operators. It also creates potential felony liability for promoters, media affiliates and technology providers supporting prohibited games. Both paid and unpaid social media influencers promoting a particular sweepstakes casino brand directly to Oklahoma residents could face Class C2 felony charges. As of October 30, a number of top affiliate websites were still promoting sweepstakes casinos specifically to Oklahoma residents.
Unlike a real money online casino, sweepstakes - or social casinos - is an online platform that allows users to play casino-style games, including slots, bingo, table games, and even live casino games, using virtual currency instead of real money. These types of online casinos rely on additional real money purchases once the free play component is exhausted. In contrast, real money online casinos require a small deposit that can be increased through wins. Free play and cash bonuses are typically offered as well.
The legislation goes after the dual currency model as well as prohibiting online games simulating slot machines, lotteries, bingo and other prohibited gambling.
Violations are classified as Class C2 felonies, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 and imprisonment under Oklahoma's sentencing statutes.
While the law does not expressly use the term sweepstakes casino, its definitions are designed to capture the dual-currency model.
Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 1589 on May 7, 2026, arguing that the legislation was excessively broad and could criminalize otherwise legitimate applications and businesses.
The Oklahoma Legislature overrode his veto on May 14, making the bill law despite his objections.
Mass Exodus
Some of the more recognizable brands in the business have already left the market or intend to do so by Sunday (November 1).
- High 5 Casino: Access ended October 29.
- Stake.us: Gameplay scheduled to end October 30.
- McLuck, Hello Millions, SpinBlitz and PlayFame: Scheduled to leave November 1.
- Modo.us: Ending Sweeps Coin gameplay and redemptions November 1 while retaining Gold Coin gameplay.
Other operators, including Fortune Wins, Zula and Sportzino, have also restricted Oklahoma customers.
Baba Casino and Moda.us intend to stay utilizing a gold coin social model while eliminating Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins that cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes are treated differently from Sweeps Coins that can produce cash payouts.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
