Discussions on Legalizing Sports Betting in Hawaii Initiate, Obstacles Persist
The Aloha State Takes a Swing at Online Sports Betting
Hawaii is making its most determined push yet to legalize online sports betting, and the latest development suggests momentum is building. House Bill 1308 (HB 1308), which seeks to regulate online sportsbooks in the state, has just received unanimous support from a House committee.
While this could signal a significant step forward for the Aloha State, obstacles remain. The Honolulu Police Department remains adamantly opposed to legalizing Hawaii sports betting, fearing unintended consequences like addiction, financial distress, and increased crime. Even Boyd Gaming, a major Las Vegas casino operator, has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the revenue generated may not justify the potential social costs.
A Bumpy Road to Legalization
Hawaii's history with gambling is one of resistance and failed attempts. For decades, lawmakers have resisted efforts to introduce gambling, with more than 30 bills in the late 1990s aimed at establishing casinos, lotteries, or other forms of wagering all stalling. In recent years, proposals have become more targeted, with an emphasis on online gambling. In 2022, two separate sports betting bills were introduced but failed to gain traction.
Despite this, the House committee's unanimous vote suggests a growing acceptance of the potential economic benefits, with lawmakers viewing sports betting as a way to regulate an already active offshore betting market and generate tax revenue [2][3]. The bill would allow four digital sports betting platforms to operate without retail locations and includes provisions for legalizing daily fantasy sports.
However, legalization is far from guaranteed. The bill must clear multiple legislative hurdles, and even if it passes, implementation could take years.
Casinos on the Table, but Unlikely
Beyond sports betting, Hawaii lawmakers are considering another gambling expansion: legal online casinos. However, concerns over problem gambling and the lack of established oversight make its passage unlikely. So far, there has been no significant progress on this front [4].
As they navigate the complexities of the legal gambling landscape, Hawaii lawmakers face a delicate balance between potential revenue and societal concerns. The road to full legalization may be long and fraught with obstacles, but for those eager to place a legal bet in Hawaii, the journey has just begun.
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News tags: Boyd Gaming | Casinos | DFS | Hawaii | HI HB 1308
Michael MolterAfter spending time scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael started writing focused on NBA content. A graduate of both schools, he now covers legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. Michael likes to play basketball, hike, and kayak when not glued to the TV watching midlevel tennis matches.
Important Update: The bill (HB 1308) faced a setback as of late April 2025, with lawmakers failing to reconcile the House and Senate versions. This means no legal wagering is expected until at least 2026. The Senate version included a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue and a $250,000 licensing fee, considered among the lowest rates [5]. There is currently no significant progress on legalizing online casinos in Hawaii.
- Despite the unanimous support for House Bill 1308, which seeks to regulate online sports betting in Hawaii, the Honolulu Police Department and Boyd Gaming remain skeptical, citing concerns over potential social costs and financial distress.
- The legalization of online sports betting in Hawaii, if successful, could generate tax revenue and help regulate an already active offshore betting market, as lawmakers view this as a potential economic benefit.
- In addition to sports betting, lawmakers in Hawaii are considering the legalization of online casinos, but concerns over problem gambling and the lack of established oversight make its passage unlikely, with no significant progress reported so far.
- As they navigate the complexities of the legal gambling landscape, Hawaii lawmakers face a delicate balance between potential revenue and societal concerns, creating a long and potentially challenging road to full legalization.
