Hawaii is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to gambling. Bills to legalize online sports betting in Hawaii have been introduced. But like previous legislative sessions, the measures face steep odds of passing in Honolulu. (Image: National Geographic) The island state located 2,000 miles from the mainland United States doesn’t allow commercial or tribal casinos, racinos, sports betting, iGaming, pari-mutuel wagering, or charitable games of chance. Hawaii doesn’t even have a lottery, one of only a handful of states today.
Senate Bill 3376 was introduced by Senate President Ronald Kouchi (D- Kaua’i, Ni’ihau). The bill seeks to create a regulatory framework for the allowance of online sports betting and interactive poker.
House Bill 2765 seeks to allow online sports betting only. The bill comes from Rep. Daniel Holt (D-Sand Island, Iwilei). Holt was behind a failed effort last year to legalize gaming rooms where sports betting and poker would be allowed.
Both articles face extremely long odds of garnering legislative support and reaching Gov. Josh Green’s (D) desk. Green says he will consider any legislation that reaches his office, but he says the state must be careful in approving new industries that could cause societal problems. Bill Proposals
Under Kouchi’s SB3376, an approved sportsbook and online poker operator would need to pay a one-time fee of $50K to the state upon receipt of the license. Taxes on gross revenue oddsmakers win from bettors and poker rake would be subject to an initial tax of 70%. The tax would decline 5% each year after to a minimum of 5%. To protect Hawaii residents who gamble on the internet, and to capture revenues generated in Hawaii from online sports wagering and poker, it is in the best interest of the state and its citizens to regulate this existing activity by authorizing and implementing a secure, responsible, and legal system for online sports and poker wagering,” Kouchi wrote in his bill. Kouchi says “tens of millions of dollars” are being realized by offshore operators illegally serving Hawaii residents but they are not taxed, regulated for fair play, don’t provide consumer protections, […]
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