Choctaw Casino & Resorts, the casino owned by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is making a tentative foray into sports betting, with Choctaw Sports now allowing players to place a “bet” on the outcome of sporting events, but not use real money to do so.
Choctaw Casino Expands Mock Play Apps with Dedicated Sports Version
Choctaw Sports uses mock currency to allow players to place such wagers on the outcome of numerous events, including football, baseball, tennis, soccer, hockey, basketball, and others, covering the majority of popular sports events in the country.
This is not the first time that the casino has launched a mock-currency version of a gambling product, with Choctaw Slots launching in 2022 and offering players the chance to experience online slots and table games, but once again not relying on real money.
The mock currency will not be tied into a large ecosystem of in-app purchases, which is how the sportsbook is going to differentiate itself from sweepstakes casinos, for example.
“Love the thrill of sports but want to enjoy all the fun for free? Choctaw Sports free-to-play lets you make picks on your favorite games, all without spending a dime,” the Choctaw Sports app clarifies in its description, with only users of legal age – 21+ – able to access it and place these mock trades.
Choctaw Sports is a response to the current deadlock in the state, with Gov. Kevin Stitt still not able to find a common ground with tribal leaders, who wish to see sports betting regulated, as does the governor.
Stand-off over Sports Betting and Gambling Expansion in Oklahoma
However, online gambling remains a contentious point for both camps, with the governor’s office willing to include it and expand existing rules, as the majority of US states have already legalized their sports betting.
“Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has a lot to offer guests, and Choctaw Sports is a digital product that allows people to have fun and learn about the ins and outs of sports betting without any risk,” Tom McDonald, senior director of digital gaming for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, noted, commenting on the launch of the latest initiative.
In the meantime, the company is also mulling the potential launch of Bet Choctaw, a real-money gaming app that will be allowed to be used only on the tribe’s casino. More details about this are forthcoming.