oklahoma Gambling Laws
Oklahoma Gambling Laws are amongst the most extensive. Their laws cover everything from gambling machines to home gaming. If you were curious about these laws, then you are in luck - we have them listed here. The important gambling laws in the state of Oklahoma are found below in an order that will let you see each consecutive statute. While laws tend to change, these laws should not be altered in any significant way. The Oklahoma code of laws doe snot list the Oklahoma Online Gambling laws, as there is no ban or support of online gambling in the state.
We cannot provide you with a legal basis upon which you should choose to gamble online or not. We are solely here to provide information upon which you can make your own decision.
| Best Sites For Legal Casino Play | Casino Bonuses | Software | Bonus Codes | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinPalace Casino Review | 400% to $4,000 | RTG | 4000FREE | VISIT |
| Lucky Red Casino Review | 400% to $4,000 | RTG | LUCKYRED400 | VISIT |
| Las Vegas USA Casino Review | 200% to $1,000 | RTG | USA1000 | VISIT |
| Aladdins Gold Casino Review | 200% For 7 Days | RTG | N/A | VISIT |
| Casino Titan Review | 400% to $1,000 | RTG | ELECTRIC400 | VISIT |
| Slots Jungle Casino Review | 100% to $1,000 (10x) | RTG | JUNGLEWELCOME | VISIT |
| Club World Casino | 100% to $777 | RTG | BIGSLOT | VISIT |
| Buzzluck Casino Review | 100% to $868 | Nuworks | BUZZLUCK | VISIT |
| Slotsville Casino Review | 100% to $1,000 (4x) | RTG | 1000DOLLARS1 - 4 | VISIT |
| All Star Slots Casino | 100% to $787 | RTG | ALLSTAR1 & 2 | VISIT |
| Manhattan Slots Review | 100% to $747 (2x) | RTG | N/A | VISIT |
Oklahoma Gambling Statutes
Section 21 941
Opening, conducting or carrying on gambling game Dealing for those engaged in game -
Except as provided in the Oklahoma Charity Games Act, every person who opens, or causes to be opened, or who conducts, whether for hire or not, or carries on either poker, roulette, craps or any banking or percentage, or any gambling game played with dice, cards or any device, for money, checks, credits, or any representatives of value, or who either as owner or employee, whether for hire or not, deals for those engaged in any such game, shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), nor more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), and by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years.
Added by Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 54, § 1, emerg. eff. Jan. 29, 1916. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 328, § 29, eff. Dec. 1, 1992, and adopted by State Question No. 650, Legislative Referendum No. 294, at election held Nov. 3, 1992. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 266, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 170, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 266 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 942
Betting on or playing prohibited game Punishment -
Any person who bets or plays at any of said prohibited games, or who shall bet or play at any games whatsoever, for money, property, checks, credits or other representatives of value with cards, dice or any other device which may be adapted to or used in playing any game of chance or in which chance is a material element, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty five Dollars ($25.00), nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not less than one (1) day, nor more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 55, § 2.
Section 21 943
Gambling paraphernalia Disposition.
The magistrate or justice of the peace to whom anything suitable to be used for gambling purposes, or furniture or equipment used in a place conducted in violation of this Act is delivered, as provided by law shall, upon the examination of the accused, or if such examination is delayed, or prevented, without awaiting such examination, determine the character of the thing so delivered to him and whether it was actually intended or employed by the accused or others in violation of the provisions of this article; and if he finds that it is of a character suitable to be used for gambling purposes, and that it was actually employed or intended to be used by the accused or others, in violation of the provisions of this Article, he shall so find and cause the same to be delivered to the sheriff to await the order of the district court. Provided, that any of the furniture or equipment susceptible of legitimate use, may be sold and the proceeds thereof placed in the court fund of said county, and that any money so found by the officers shall be placed in the court fund of the county.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 55, § 3.
Section 21 944
Slot machines Setting up, operating or conducting Punishment. Any person who sets up, operates or conducts, or who permits to be set up, operated or conducted in or about his place of business, whether as owner, employee or agent, any slot machine for the purpose of having or allowing the same to be placed by others for money, property, checks, credits or any representative of value shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty five Dollars ($25.00), nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00); or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 56, § 4.
Section 21 945
Use of real estate or buildings for gambling purposes Punishment Liens Liability on official bond of receivers, etc. Invalidity of leases.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or owners of any real estate, buildings, structure or room to use, rent, lease or permit, knowingly, the same to be used for the purpose of violating Section 1 of this act. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense, to be recovered at the suit of the state. The penalty so recovered shall become a lien on the property and premises to be used, leased or rented in violation of this act from and after the date of the filing of the suit to recover such penalty, and the filing of a notice of the pendency of such suit with the county clerk of the county wherein said property is located, and upon final judgment said property may be sold as upon execution to satisfy the same, together with the cost of suit; provided, however, that such lien shall not attach to property under the control of any receiver, trustee, guardian or administrator appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction; but in such case, the receiver, trustee, guardian or administrator shall be liable on his official bond for the penalty so incurred and in addition thereto shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day such property is so used, leased or rented for any such unlawful purpose shall constitute a separate offense, and the penalty herein prescribed shall be recovered for each and every day. All leases between landlords and tenants, under which any tenant shall use the premises for the purpose of violating any provisions of this act shall be wholly null and void, and the landlord may recover possession thereof, as in forcible entry and detainer.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 56, § 5.
Section 21 946
Illegal use of building Nuisance Penalty. Any house, room or place where any of the games prohibited by Section 941 of this title are opened, conducted or carried on, or where persons congregate to play at any such games is a public nuisance and the keepers and managers of any such nuisance, and persons aiding or assisting any such keepers or managers in keeping or managing any such nuisance shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years.
Added by Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 57, § 6, emerg. eff. Jan. 29, 1916. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 267, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 171, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 267 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999. §21 947. Dice or other game at cigar stand, etc. Punishment for permitting. Any owner, proprietor, manager or person in charge of any cigar stand, hotel lobby, store or place where articles are kept for sale, who shall suffer, allow or permit any person to throw or shake or play dice, or any other game, scheme or device of chance, at or in such cigar stand, hotel lobby, store or place, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 58, § 7.
Section 21 948
Officers Illegal gambling Collusion Penalties -
Any state, district, city, town, county or township officer who shall engage or participate in, or who shall assist or encourage any other person or persons in any kind of illegal gambling, whether the same be by cards, dice, dominoes, billiards or any game of chance or a gambling device, by betting money, property or other things of value in such game of chance, or gambling device, such officer shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years, and such judgment of conviction shall carry with it an immediate removal from office and a disqualification to hold any office of profit or trust in the State of Oklahoma.
Added by Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 58, § 8, emerg. eff. Jan. 29, 1916. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 305, § 2, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 268, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 172, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 268 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21-949
Repealed by Laws 2006, c. 62, § 6, emerg. eff. April 17, 2006.
Section 21 950
Officers receiving consideration for protection against arrest or conviction Issuance of license, permit, etc., prohibited.
Any state, county, city, or township officer, or other person who shall hold for, receive or collect any money, or other valuable consideration, either for his own or the public use, for and with the understanding that he will aid, exempt or otherwise assist said person from arrest or conviction for a violation of any of the provisions of this article, or who shall issue, deliver or cause to be delivered to any person or persons, any license, permit, or other privileges, giving or pretending to give, any authority or right to any person or persons, to carry on, conduct, open or cause to be opened, any game or games which are forbidden or prohibited by any of the provisions of Sections 941 through 953 of this title shall be deemed guilty of a felony.
Added by Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 59, § 10, emerg. eff. Jan. 29, 1916. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 269, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 269 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 951
Investigation of alleged violations of act.
It shall be the duty of any judge of any court of record, upon the written request of the district attorney, or upon the sworn complaint of any other person, to issue subpoenas for any witness that may have knowledge of the violation of any provision of this act, and such judge shall have the power and it shall be his duty to compel such witness to appear before him and give testimony and produce any books or papers that will aid or assist in the prosecution of such investigation and inquiry into any violation of any provision of this act; but no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he may so testify or produce evidence. The testimony of each witness shall be reduced to writing by said judge, or by some person designated by him, and the same shall be signed by such witness. No person shall disclose any evidence so taken, nor disclose the name of any person so subpoenaed and examined, except when lawfully reguired to testify as a witness in relation thereto; and the unlawful disclosure, by any person, of any such evidence or of any matter or thing concerning such examination shall be a misdemeanor. Should said judge be unable to hold and conduct such inquiry and investigation for want of time, he may appoint a special judge who shall possess the qualifications and have the power in respect to such matters as the judge of the district court. Should any witness refuse to appear before such judge, in obedience to such subpoena, or refuse to produce any books or papers when lawfully required so to do, or having appeared, shall refuse to answer any proper question, or sign his testimony when so required, it shall be the duty of such judge to commit such person to the county jail until he shall consent to obey such orders and command of such judge in the premises, and in addition thereto such person may be punished, as for contempt of court, in accordance with the Constitution and laws of this state. The special judge appointed under the provisions of this section shall take the oath of the Constitution for state officers, and shall receive the compensation allowed by law for notaries public for taking depositions and be paid by the county in which such proceeding is had, upon the order of the judge who appointed him. When it is shown upon the taking of such testimony that there is probable cause to believe that any person has violated any provision of this act, the district attorney shall immediately prepare an information charging such person with such offense and file such information in some court of competent jurisdiction.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 61, § 12.
Section 21 952
Persons jointly charged Severance -
Persons jointly charged with the violation of any of the provisions of this act shall be tried together, provided the court for good cause shown may grant a severance.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 61, § 12.
Section 21 953 -
Accomplice testimony Force of same -
Any person charged with a violation of any of the provisions of this act may be convicted on the uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice, and the judgment thereon shall not be set aside or reversed by reason of the fact that such conviction was based on the testimony of an accomplice.
Laws 1916, c. 26, p. 61, § 13.
Section 21 954
Confidence games Three card monte -
Any person who deals, plays or practices in the State of Oklahoma, or who is in any manner accessory to the dealing, playing or practicing of a swindle known as three card monte, or any other swindle or confidence game, play or practice, shall be deemed guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by confinement in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.
R.L. 1910, § 2500. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 270, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 173, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 270 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 956
Permitting gambling in building or on grounds -
Every person who shall permit any gaming table, bank, or gaming device prohibited by this article, to be set up or used for the purpose of gambling in any house, building, shed, shelter, booth, lot or other premises to him belonging, or by him occupied, or of which he has, at the time, possession or control, shall be, on conviction thereof, adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by a fine not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), nor less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding six (6) months nor less than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
R.L.1910, § 2502.
Section 21 957
Leasing for gambling purposes.
Every person who shall knowingly lease or rent to another any house, building or premises for the purpose of setting up or keeping therein, any of the gambling devices prohibited by the preceding provisions of this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
R.L.1910, § 2503.
Section 21 958
Lease void, when Possession, how recovered.
Whenever any lessee of any house or building shall be convicted of suffering any of the said prohibited gambling devices or games of chance to be carried on in said house or building, the lease or contract or letting such house or building shall become void and the lessor may enter upon the premises so let and shall recover possession of said leased property as in the case of forcible detainer.
R.L.1910, § 2504.
Section 21 959
Witnesses failing to testify -
Every person duly summoned as a witness for the prosecution or defense on any proceedings ordered under this article, who neglects or refuses to attend and testify as required, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
R.L.1910, § 2505.
Section 21 960
Seizure of apparatus and delivery to magistrate -
Every person who is authorized or enjoined to arrest any person for a violation of the provisions of this article, is equally authorized and enjoined to seize any table, cards, dice, or other articles or apparatus suitable to be used for gambling purposes found in the possession or under the control of the person so arrested, and to deliver the same to the magistrate before whom the person so arrested is required to be taken.
R.L.1910, § 2506.
Section 21 961
Testimony, no person excused from giving -
No person shall be excused from giving any testimony or evidence upon any investigation or prosecution for violation of this article, upon the ground that such testimony would tend to convict him of a crime, but such testimony or evidence shall not be received against him upon any criminal investigation or prosecution, except in a prosecution against him for perjury committed in giving such testimony.
R.L.1910, § 2508.
Section 21-962
Repealed by Laws 2006, c. 62, § 6, emerg. eff. April 17, 2006.
Section 21 964.
“Slot machine” defined -
A. For the purpose of Sections 964 through 977 of this title, “slot machine” is defined to be:
1. Any machine, instrument, mechanism, or device that operates or may be operated or played mechanically, electrically, automatically, or manually, and which can be played or operated by any person by inserting in any manner into said machine, instrument, mechanism, or device, a coin, chip, token, check, credit, money, representative of value, or a thing of value, and by which play or operation such person will stand to win or lose, whether by skill or chance, or by both, a thing of value; and
2. Any machine, instrument, mechanism, or device that operates or may be played or operated mechanically, electrically, automatically, or manually, and which can be played or operated by any person by paying to or depositing with any person, or by depositing with or into any cache, slot, or place a coin, chip, token, check, credit, money, representative of value, or a thing of value, and by which play or operation such person will stand to win or lose, whether by skill or chance, or by both, a thing of value.
B. Sections 964 through 977 of this title shall not apply to a slot machine:
1. If the slot machine is twenty five (25) years or older and is not used for gambling purposes; or
2. If the slot machine is used for the purpose of teaching slot machine repair and is not used for gambling purposes.
C. Sections 964 through 977 of this title shall not apply to use of a crane machine for nongambling purposes. For purposes of this section, “crane machine” shall mean a machine that upon insertion of a coin, bill, token or similar object, allows the player to skillfully use one or more buttons, joysticks or other controls to maneuver a crane or claw over a toy or novelty in an attempt to retrieve the toy or novelty for the player. The toy or novelty shall not be subject to being exchanged for any other prize, including but not limited to credits, money or other thing of value.
D. A slot machine which is twenty five (25) years or older or is used for teaching slot machine repair which is used for a gambling purpose in violation of the provisions of Section 970 of this title shall be subject to confiscation as provided by Section 973 of this title.
Added by Laws 1939, p. 9, § 1, emerg. eff. April 28, 1939. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 174, § 1, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1995, c. 68, § 1; Laws 1999, c. 364, § 3, eff. July 1, 1999.
Section 21 965.
"Thing of value" defined -
For the purposes of this act, "a thing of value" is defined to be any money, coin, currency, check, chip, token, credit, property, tangible or intangible, or any representative of value or any other thing, tangible or intangible, except amusement or entertainment, calculated or intended to serve as an inducement for anyone to operate or play any slot machine or punch board.
Laws 1939, p. 9, Sec. 2; Laws 1949, p. 204, Sec. 1.
Section 21 966
"Punch board" defined -
For the purposes of this act, "punch board" is defined to be any card, board, substance or thing upon or in which is placed or concealed in any manner any number, figure, name, design, character, symbol, picture, substance or thing which may be drawn, uncovered, exposed or removed therefrom by any person paying a thing of value, which number, figure, name, design, character, symbol, picture, substance or any other thing, when drawn, uncovered, exposed or removed therefrom, will stand the person drawing, uncovering, exposing or removing the same to win or lose a thing of value, but shall not include a breakopen ticket card, as defined in the Oklahoma Charity Games Act. Laws 1939, p. 9, § 3, emerg. eff. April 28, 1939; Laws 1992, c. 328, § 30, eff. Dec. 1, 1992, and adopted by State Question No. 650, Legislative Referendum No. 294, at election held Nov. 3, 1992.
Section 21 967
Words in singular and plural.
Any word or words used in this act in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular.
Laws 1939, p. 9, § 4.
Section 21 968
"Person" defined -
For the purposes of this act, "person" is defined to include any person, partnership, association, company, stock company, corporation, receiver, trustee, organization or club.
Laws 1939, p. 9, § 5.
Section 21 969
Possession, sale, or lease of slot machines or punch boards prohibited -
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession any slot machine or punch board, or sell or solicit the sale, or take orders for the sale of, or lease or rent any slot machine or punch board in this state, and any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than sixty (60) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1939, p. 10, § 6.
Section 21 970
Slot machines Acts prohibited Punishment Amusement machine or device near public school -
Any person who sets up, operates or conducts, or who permits to be set up, operated and conducted, in or about any place of business, or in or about any place, whether as owner, employee or agent, any slot machine for the purpose of having or allowing same to be played by others for money, property, tangible or intangible, coin, currency, check, chip, token, credit, or any representative of value or a thing of value, except amusement or entertainment, or who sets up, operates or conducts, or who permits to be set up, operated or conducted, in or about any place of business, or in or about any place, whether as owner, employee or agent, any amusement machine, instrument, mechanism or device within three hundred (300) feet of any public school in this state, said distance to be measured from the school building, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than sixty (60) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1939, p. 10, § 7; Laws 1949, p. 204, § 2.
Section 21 971
Punch boards Acts prohibited Punishment - Any person who sets up, operates, exposes, conducts, displays or plays, or who permits to be set up, operated, exposed, conducted, displayed or played, in or about any place or in or about any place of business, whether as owner, employee or agent, any punch board for the purpose of having or allowing the same to be played by others for money, property, tangible or intangible, coin, currency, check, chip, token, credit, amusement or any representative of value or a thing of value, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1939, p. 10, § 8.
Section 21 972
Slot machines and punch boards declared gambling devices Public nuisance Abatement -
Every slot machine and every punch board as defined in this act, is hereby declared to be per se a gambling device, and each is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and the same may be abated in manner as provided for the abatement of a public nuisance under Chapter 58, Oklahoma Statutes 1931.
Laws 1939, p. 10, § 9.
Section 21 973
Seizure of slot machines and punch boards Confiscation, procedure for -
A. Every sheriff, constable, policeman, and peace officer in this state is hereby required to seize every slot machine and every punch board, together with all money contained therein or used in connection therewith, and all property and items of value incident thereto or used or employed in connection therewith, and hold and safely keep the same, subject to the order of the district court. Immediately following such seizure, such officer shall report the same and give all facts in relation thereto to the district attorney of the county in which the seizure was made. The district attorney shall, immediately following such report, file an application in the district court of his county in the name of the State of Oklahoma against the slot machine or punch board seized, and the money and items, if any, used therewith.
The application shall include:
1. A statement showing the time and place of seizure and by whom made;
2. A general description of the slot machine or punch board, and of the money and items, if any, seized;
3. The name and address, if known, of the person from whom seized; and
4. A prayer for judgment:
a. confiscating said slot machine or punch board and money and items seized, and
(1) ordering said slot machine or punch board either to be sold, with the approval of the court and on such notice as the court may direct, by the sheriff of the county in which the seizure was made, within any state, county or municipality in which the use of such slot machine or punch board is not prohibited by law and ordering the proceeds of sale paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, provided that if such slot machine or punch board is not sold within ninety (90) calendar days, the court shall order such to be destroyed under the provisions of this section, or
(2) ordering the immediate destruction of said slot machine or punch board by the officer seizing the same or by some other officer or person to be appointed for such purpose by the court,
b. ordering the money seized with said slot machine or punch board paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and
c. ordering any item of value seized with said slot machine or punch board, if not in itself offensive or a gambling device, to be sold by the sheriff of the county in which the seizure was made, on such notice as the court may direct, and the proceeds of sale paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
B. The application required to be filed by the district attorney under the provisions of subsection A of this section may include any number of slot machines or punch boards, or both, and all money and items, if any, seized therewith. Upon filing said application in the district court, the court shall order the district attorney to cause a copy thereof to be served on the person from whom the slot machine or punch board was seized, together with written notice that such person may appear before the district court at any date, which shall be fixed in said notice, not less than five (5) days from the date said application was filed in the district court, to show cause why said application should not be granted and judgment rendered as therein prayed. If the person from whom seizure was made cannot be located, or is unknown, or if said slot machine or punch board was unattended at the time of seizure, then the foregoing service shall not be required, but in lieu thereof, a copy of said application and notice shall be delivered to the place where seizure was made. On the date set forth in the foregoing notice, the district court shall hear the application without a jury, and neither party shall have the right to demand a jury trial. The district attorney shall present said application on said hearing, together with all the evidence pertinent thereto, and the owner of or person from whom the slot machine or punch board was seized, if present at said hearing, may introduce any competent evidence. The district court after hearing said application and the evidence introduced at said hearing, shall determine whether or not the slot machine or punch board, or both, mentioned in said application, is a slot machine or punch board as defined in Sections 964 and 966 of this title, and if determined to be such, the court shall make and enter judgment:
1. Confiscating said slot machine or punch board and money and items seized, and
a. ordering said slot machine or punch board either to be sold, with the approval of the court and on such notice as the court may direct, by the sheriff of the county in which the seizure was made, within any state, county or municipality in which the use of such slot machine or punch board is not prohibited by law and ordering the proceeds of sale paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, provided that if such slot machine or punch board is not sold within ninety (90) calendar days, the court shall order such to be destroyed under the provisions of this section, or b. ordering the immediate destruction of said slot machine or punch board by the officer seizing the same or by some other officer or person to be appointed for such purpose by the court;
2. Ordering the money seized in or with said slot machine or punch board paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and
3. Ordering any other item of value seized with the said slot machine or punch board, if not in itself offensive or a gambling device, to be sold by the sheriff of the county in which the seizure was made, on such notice as the court may direct, and the proceeds of sale to be paid into the Sheriff's Training Fund as provided in Section 1325 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
C. The officer or person ordered to destroy a slot machine or punch board under the provisions of subsection B of this section shall execute such order and make return thereof within five (5) days from the date thereof, showing the manner in which he executed the same. An appeal may be had from the judgment of the district court to the Supreme Court, as in civil actions, pursuant to the provisions of the code of civil procedure; and in the event of an appeal by either party, the judgment of the district court shall be stayed pending the determination of said appeal.
Laws 1939, p. 12, § 11.
Section 21 974
Officers' duties under act Prosecutions -
It is hereby made the duty of every sheriff, constable, policeman, and peace officer to diligently do and perform the acts required under this act and to arrest any person violating any of the provisions of said act and inform against such person; and it is hereby made the duty of every district attorney to diligently do and perform the acts required of him under this act and to diligently prosecute any person violating any of the provisions of said act.
Laws 1939, p. 12, Sec. 11. Section 21 975
Evidence of knowledge by officers and prosecutor of existence of slot machines or punch boards in community -
The fact that any slot machine or punch board is set up, operated, conducted, displayed, or exposed in a public place for any considerable length of time, provided the time and place is sufficient to put a reasonably efficient officer upon inquiry and notice, this shall be received along with other evidence in proving that the sheriff and district attorney of the county and the constable and policemen of the district, city or town where the same occurred had knowledge of the same.
Laws 1939, p. 12, § 12.
Section 21 976
Failure of officers or prosecutor to perform duties under act Removal Punishment -
Any sheriff, constable, policeman, or police officer or district attorney who shall fail to diligently do or perform the acts and duties required of him under this act, in that he shall knowingly allow the violation of this act or the open and notorious violation of same as set out in Section 12, shall be guilty of willful neglect of duty and shall be removed from office, as now or as may hereafter be provided by law; and shall also be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment; and any such officer, upon being convicted or removed from office, shall be ineligible to again hold public office for a period of two (2) years from the date of such conviction or removal from office.
Laws 1939, p. 12, § 13.
Section 21 977
Partial invalidity -
In case any section, clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this act shall for any reason be adjudged by any court of competent or final jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this act, but shall be confined in its operation to the section, clause, sentence, paragraph or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which said judgment shall have been rendered.
Laws 1939, p. 13, § 14.
Section 21-981
Definitions -
As used in this act:
1. A "bet" is a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance, or in which one of the parties to the transaction has valid reason to believe that it is dependent upon chance, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement. A bet does not include:
a. bona fide business transactions which are valid under the law of contracts including, but not limited to, contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or other commodities and agreements to compensation for loss caused by the happening of the chance including, but not limited to, contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life or health and accident insurance; or
b. any charity game conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Charity Games Act; or
c. offers of purses, prizes or premiums to the actual participants in public and semipublic events, as follows, to wit: Rodeos, animal shows, hunting, fishing or shooting competitions, expositions, fairs, athletic events, tournaments and other shows and contests where the participants qualify for a monetary prize or other recognition. This subparagraph further excepts an entry fee from the definition of "a bet" as applied to enumerated public and semipublic events.
2. "Consideration" as used in this section means anything which is a commercial or financial advantage to the promoter or a disadvantage to any participant. Mere registration without purchase of goods or services; personal attendance at places or events, without payment of an admission price or fee; listening to or watching radio and television programs; answering the telephone or making a telephone call and acts of like nature are not consideration. As used in this paragraph, the term "consideration" shall not include sums of money paid by or for participants in any bingo game or a game of chance with comparable characteristics as defined by subparagraph b of paragraph 1 of this section and it shall be conclusively presumed that such sums paid by or for said participants were intended by said participants to be for the benefit of the organizations described in subparagraph b of paragraph 1 of this section for the use of such organizations in furthering the purposes of such organizations;
3. A "gambling device" is a contrivance designed primarily for gambling purposes which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value, the award of which is determined by chance, or any token, chip, paper, receipt or other document which evidences, purports to evidence or is designed to evidence participation in a lottery or the making of a bet. The fact that the prize is not automatically paid by the device does not affect its character as a gambling device; and
4. A "gambling place" is any place, room, building, vehicle, tent or location which is used for any of the following: making and settling bets; receiving, holding, recording or forwarding bets or offers to bet; conducting lotteries; or playing gambling devices. Evidence that the place has a general reputation as a gambling place or that, at or about the time in question, it was frequently visited by persons known to be commercial gamblers or known as frequenters of gambling places is admissible on the issue of whether it is a gambling place.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 283, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 328, § 31, eff. Dec. 1, 1992, and adopted by State Question No. 650, Legislative Referendum No. 294, at election held Nov. 3, 1992; Laws 2000,
c. 181, § 1, emerg. eff. May 3, 2000.
Section 21 982
Commercial gambling.
A. Commercial gambling is:
1. Operating or receiving all or part of the earnings of a gambling place;
2. Receiving, recording or forwarding bets or offers to bet or, with intent to receive, record or forward bets or offers to bet, possessing facilities to do so;
3. For gain, becoming a custodian of anything of value bet or offered to be bet;
4. Conducting a lottery or with intent to conduct a lottery possessing facilities to do so;
5. Setting up for use or collecting the proceeds of any gambling device; or
6. Alone or with others, owning, controlling, managing or financing a gambling business.
B. Any person found guilty of commercial gambling shall be guilty of a felony and punished by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years or a fine of not more than Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 283, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 271, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 174, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 271 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 983
Permitting premises to be used for commercial gambling.
A. Permitting premises to be used for commercial gambling is intentionally:
1. Granting the use or allowing the continued use of a place as a gambling place; or
2. Permitting another to set up a gambling device for use in a place under the offender's control.
B. Any person permitting premises to be used for commercial gambling shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person found guilty of a second offense under this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1975, c. 283, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1975.
Section 21 984
Dealing in gambling devices -
A. Dealing in gambling devices is manufacturing, transferring or possessing with intent to transfer any gambling device or subassembly or essential part thereof.
B. Any person dealing in gambling devices shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years or a fine of not more than Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 283, § 4, eff. Oct. 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 272, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 175, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 272 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 985
Possession of a gambling device -
A. Possession of a gambling device is knowingly possessing or having custody or control, as owner, lessee, agent, employee, bailee or otherwise, of any gambling device.
B. Any person possessing a gambling device who knows or has reason to know said devices will be used in making or settling commercial gambling transactions and deals in said gambling devices with the intent to facilitate commercial gambling transactions shall be punished for a misdemeanor.
Laws 1975, c. 283, § 5, eff. Oct. 1, 1975.
Section 21 986
Installing communication facilities for gamblers -
A. Installing communication facilities for gamblers is:
1. Installing communications facilities in a place which the person who installs the facilities knows is a gambling place;
2. Installing communications facilities knowing that they will be used principally for the purpose of transmitting information to be used in making or settling bets; or
3. Knowing that communications facilities are being used principally for the purpose of transmitting information to be used in making or settling bets, allowing their continued use.
B. Any person not an employee of a communications public utility authorized to transact business in this state by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission acting within the scope of his employment, violating subsection A above, who knows or has reason to know said communications facilities will be used in making or settling commercial gambling transactions and installs said facilities with the intent to facilitate said commercial gambling transactions and is found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years or a fine of not more than Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
C. When any communications public utility providing telephone communications service is notified in writing by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, acting within its jurisdiction, that any facility furnished by it is being used principally for the purpose of transmitting or receiving gambling information, it shall discontinue or refuse the leasing, furnishing or maintaining of such facility, after reasonable notice to the subscriber, but no damages, penalty or forfeiture, civil or criminal, shall be found against any such public utility for any act done in compliance with any such court order. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the right of any person affected thereby to secure an appropriate determination, as otherwise provided by law, in a court of competent jurisdiction, that such facility should not be discontinued or removed, or should be restored. Added by Laws 1975, c. 283, § 6, eff. Oct. 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 273, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 176, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 273 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 987
Dissemination of gambling information -
A. Dissemination of gambling information is the transmitting or receiving, by means of any communications facilities, information to be used in making or settling bets. Provided that nothing herein shall prohibit a licensed radio or television station or newspaper of general circulation from broadcasting or disseminating to the public reports of odds or results of legally staged sporting events.
B. Any person found guilty of disseminating gambling information shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years or a fine of not more than Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 283, § 7, eff. Oct. 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 274, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 177, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 274 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 988
Conspiracy -
A. A conspiracy is any agreement, combination or common plan or scheme by two or more persons, coupled with an overt act in furtherance of such agreement, combination or common plan or scheme, to violate any section of this act.
B. Any person found guilty of conspiracy shall be punished to the same extent as provided for in the section of this act which such person conspired to violate.
Laws 1975, c. 283, § 8, eff. Oct. 1, 1975.
Section 21 991
Betting or letting premises for betting on races -
A. Except as provided for in the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act, it shall be unlawful for any person, association, or corporation:
1. To bet or wager upon the result of any trial of speed or power of endurance of animals or beasts; or
2. To occupy any room, shed, tenement or building, or any part thereof, or to occupy any place upon any grounds with books, apparatus, or paraphernalia for the purpose of recording or registering bets or wagers or of selling pools, or making books or mutuals upon the result of any trial of speed or power of endurance of animals or beasts; or
3. Being the owner or lessee or occupant of any room, tent, tenement, shed, booth, or building, or part thereof at any place knowingly to permit the same to be used or occupied to keep, exhibit, or employ any device or apparatus for the purpose of recording or registering such bets or wagers or the selling or making of such books, pools or mutuals, or to become the custodian or depository for gain, hire or reward of any money, property or thing of value, bet or wagered or to be wagered or bet upon the result of any trial of speed or power of endurance of animals or beasts; or
4. To receive, register, record, forward or purport or pretend to forward to or for any racetrack within or without this state, any money, thing or consideration of value offered for the purpose of being bet or wagered upon the result of any trial of speed or power of endurance of any animal or beast; or
5. To occupy any place, or building or part thereof with books, papers, apparatus, or paraphernalia for the purpose of receiving or pretending to receive or for recording or for registering or for forwarding or pretending or attempting to forward in any manner whatever, any money, thing or consideration of value, bet or wagered or to be bet or wagered by any person, or to receive or offer to receive any money, thing, or consideration of value bet or to be bet upon the result of any trial of speed or power of endurance of any animal or beast; or
6. To aid or assist or abet at any racetrack or other place in any manner in any of the acts forbidden by this section.
B. Any person, association, or corporation convicted of violating the provisions of paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section shall be fined not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and be imprisoned not more than ninety (90) days. Any person, association, or corporation convicted of violating any provision of paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or be imprisoned for a period of not more than ten (10) years or both said fine and imprisonment.
C. Any personal property used for the purpose of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be disposed of as provided for in Section 1261 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Added by Laws 1913, c. 185, p. 414, § 1. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 11, § 37, emerg. eff. March 22, 1983; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 275, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 178, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 275 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Section 21 992
Assisting unlawful business by telegraph -
Any telegraph company, its agent or employee that intentionally transmits or delivers any message to any pool room or person engaged in any manner in receiving, making or placing bets on any horse race, such company shall be fined in any sum not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars (1,000.00) for each offense, and any agent or employee violating any of the provisions of this act shall be fined not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1913, c. 185, p. 415, § 2.
Section 21 993
Evidence for prosecution Accomplices Immunity for witnesses -
A conviction for the violation of any of the provisions of this act may be had upon the unsupported evidence of an accomplice or participant, and such accomplice or participant shall be exempt from prosecution for any offense in this act about which he may be required to testify.
