Hawaii and Utah are the only two states in the country where gambling is illegal. But lawmakers are already taking steps to get the Aloha State off that short list—beginning today.
There are two new bills aimed at legalizing gambling and allowing casino development in Hawaii, while the Senate and House committees have approved two additional bills to legalize online sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
The House Committee on Economic Development and Technology passed House Bill 1308, while Senate Bill 1569 sailed through the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee with unanimous approval.
Senate Bill 893 aims to establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, among other things. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 891, which started as a brief proposal, has now evolved to propose setting up a Gaming Working Group in the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; it already has a hearing scheduled for today.
What Would the Hawaii Casino Bills Allow
In addition to crafting a detailed gaming policy for Hawaii and granting 20-year licenses for casinos in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and the Hawaii Convention Center, the new bills would regulate several other gambling-related items, including:
- Setting up the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission
- Imposing a 15% tax on gross revenue
- Creating a state gaming fund
- Creating a program for compulsive gamblers
Senator Glenn Wakai told KHON-TV that Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest gambling day of the year and questioned why the state doesn't legalize it and collect taxes from all this betting activity.
Other supporters say passing a casino bill could lead to fewer illegal game rooms operating across the state.
One Lawmaker Opposes Casinos in Hawaii
At least one Hawaii lawmaker disagrees. Senator Brenton Awa also spoke to KHON-TV and said that legalizing gambling could have a detrimental effect on communities.
“All of the people who are going to spend their paycheck every couple of weeks with that hope of trying to win— you’re probably gonna lose your money if you’re not disciplined,” Senator Awa said.
Hawaii’s Sports Betting and Fantasy Sports Bill Already Moving
But it looks like the argument is falling on deaf ears.
The sports betting and fantasy sports bills that have already passed will allow betting on professional, collegiate, amateur, and Olympic sports, while prohibiting wagers on competitions involving individuals under 18.
Online sports betting and fantasy sports will be separately managed under the new framework, and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism will be tasked with creating regulations and ensuring compliance should the bills become law.
Sports Betting in Hawaii Could Generate Millions of Tax Dollars
The bill also contains other stipulations, including:
- Operators will pay a $250,000 licensing fee for five years
- Those providing related services will pay $10,000 for a license for five years
- 10% tax on sports betting revenues
The tax money generated by sports betting would also be used to fund gambling prevention and treatment initiatives. Licensed operators would also be required to implement a voluntary self-exclusion program for gamblers.
Will Sports Betting and Casinos in Hawaii Be Legalized?
Hawaii's legislative efforts stand out, given its long-standing opposition to gambling.
Despite the slim chances for the casino bills, Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair Lynn DeCoite assured that the public will have the opportunity to provide input on both gambling bills.
Meanwhile, the online sports betting and fantasy sports bill is gaining momentum. If this bill is approved, both initiatives could launch by July 1, 2025, marking a major shift in Hawaii's gambling policies.
Completing the regulatory framework remains essential, as it plays a crucial role in transforming the state’s approach to gaming activities.
But the tide appears to be turning.
Sweepstakes Casino Games Legal in Hawaii
Despite Hawaii's strict gambling laws, social and sweepstakes casinos are legal in the state.
WOW Vegas Casino launched in 2022 as a social casino. Pulsz Casino, which started in 2020, has quickly become one of Hawaii's favorite online casinos. High 5 Casino has been a popular choice for players since its debut in 2012.
In March 2023, McLuck Casino entered the scene as one of the newest online casino options in Hawaii. And for those seeking variety, Stake.us offers an impressive selection of around 400 social casino games.
Many offer no deposit bonus offers to get you in the game for free.
