Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”) today announced an exclusive nationwide partnership with Choctaw Nation (“Choctaw), one of the largest Indian Nations in the United States, to provide its sports betting technology and services for a turnkey sportsbook at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts and online.
Kambi’s technology supports 40+ customers including Bally’s, Kindred, and Rush Street Interactive, and Choctaw hopes to harness its market-leading sportsbook offering to become an online and retail sports betting powerhouse.
Heidi Grant, Senior Executive Officer for Commerce for Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, was quoted in Kambi’s press release announcing the partnership saying:
“Adding Kambi’s best-in-class technology and custom player offerings to Choctaw Nation’s brand and market positioning, Choctaw Nation is poised to remain well positioned as the premier, full-service, vertically integrated gaming operator throughout our region.”
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the country and owns Choctaw Casino & Resorts with several properties spanning southeastern Oklahoma. Choctaw’s flagship resort is located near the Texas border and is in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Choctaw is also the official and exclusive casino and resort partner of the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers.
Oklahoma Sports Betting
Even though the state has over 100 Native American gaming and casino facilities, Oklahoma sports betting is still illegal - both in person and online.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt unveiled a blueprint to bring legal sports betting to the Sooner State last November.
Senator Casey Murdock authored Senate Bill 1434 which would more or less implement Stitt’s vision. The bill received a second reading in the Senate in early February and was referred to the rules and then appropriations committees.
Murdock’s bill would authorize the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to enter into contracts with tribes like Choctaw as well as to issue mobile wagering licenses to online sports betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel.
The Kambi-Choctaw deal has the potential to expand into multiple states pending regulatory approvals too, so overall, this partnership positions the tribe to take advantage of the opportunity if and when legal sports betting on Oklahoma becomes a reality.
