Bill Progressing in Hawaii to Allow Sports Gambling Legally
Livin' Large in the Aloha State: Online Sports Betting Bills Gaining Momentum
Hawaii's lawmakers are taking a giant leap towards legalizing online sports betting, with House Bill 1308 leading the charge. This groundbreaking bill has made it further than any other sports betting-related bill in the state's history and is now set to be discussed and voted on by the full House. Its twin bill, Senate Bill 1569, is also making headway, awaiting a public hearing.
So far, Hawaii's attempts at legalizing online sports betting have been a rocky road, with bills like House Bill 344 (2023) and House Bill 2765 (2024) stalled indefinitely due to lack of progress. However, in 2025, House Bill 1308 managed to make it to the third legislative committee, passing by a 12-3 vote—achieving a milestone in the state's quest for online sports betting regulation.
The path for House Bill 1308 isn't completely free of hiccups, though. Committee chair Kyle Yamashita regards this bill as a "work in progress," as it initially proposed a 10% tax rate and $250,000 licensing fee, both of which have been removed.
Regulating the Game
House Bill 1308 focuses on the "regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs." The bill outlines licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and suppliers.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1569, its companion bill, aims to make the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism the regulating body for online sports betting sites in Hawaii.
Hawaii's stance on sports betting has long been strict, but these bills signal an eager shift in embracing online gambling. If passed, the state could reap new revenue streams and cater to the public's demands.
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Stay tuned as we follow the progress of these bills closely and bring you updates from Honolulu.
News Tags:
- Hawaii
- HI HB 1308
- HI SB 1569
- Honolulu
- Kyle Yamashita
Contributor:
- McKenzie Cooper
McKenzie Cooper, a senior at Florida State University, offers her fresh insights on the online gambling world. Although she initially knew little about it, McKenzie's keen interest continues to grow as she pens every story. When not writing or attending classes, you can find her enjoying a leisurely walk, watching a movie, or catching a sports game from time to time.
Sports betting regulation is the primary focus of House Bill 1308 and Senate Bill 1569 in Hawaii, with the former aiming to establish the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs as the regulating body for online sports betting, while the latter seeks to make the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism responsible. If passed, these bills could potentially open up a new revenue stream for the state by legalizing sports betting on betting sites. However, the path for these bills is not without challenges, as House Bill 1308 is currently considered a "work in progress" with removed provisions regarding licensing fees and tax rates.
