Lawmakers Retry to Legalize Online Gambling in Hawaii

Lawmakers Retry to Legalize Online Gambling in Hawaii

Last updated on February 3rd, 2026 at 08:49 pm

Hawaii lawmakers introduced several bills in the 2025 legislative session to legalize online gambling in the state. Hawaii is one of the last states to ban gambling completely. Despite several attempts in the past, lawmakers hope the latest measures will progress this year. They include a state lottery, online casino games, and online sportsbooks. However, the chances of passing the bill remain bleak due to the state’s resistance to gambling.

According to per head sportsbook experts, House Bill 1308 and Senate Bill 1569 would establish a regulatory framework for online sports betting and fantasy sports. In addition, the State’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) will supervise the new industry.

At least four licensed internet sportsbooks would exist, and 10% of AGR would go toward taxes on sports betting. Furthermore, fantasy sports would be formally separated from conventional gambling, allowing different tax and regulation systems.

Legalize Online Gambling in Hawaii

Sponsored by Senator Lynn Decoite, SB 1572 is an alternate measure establishing the Hawaii State Sports Wagering Commission as part of the DBEDT. The bill aims to legalize sports betting at physical locations and online, requiring a five-year license fee of $250,000 and a 15% tax on AGR. This is on top of the need for operators to have valid licenses in three more US states. Keep in mind that fantasy sports are not going to be legalized under this measure.

According to pay per head reviews and news sites, Sen. Ron Kouchi’s SB 1507, which deals with online casino gambling and the lottery, suggests creating the Hawaii Lottery and Gambling Corporation. The agency will regulate games, including poker, bingo, and the lottery. To boost participation, the bill advises holding contests and free-play games with a Hawaiian theme to entice visitors and permits multi-state player pools.

Its purview is clearly defined as not including sports betting. To assist community activities, the Lottery and Gaming Corporation would function as a tax-exempt business and send its income to a Lottery and Gaming Special Fund.

Fantasy Sports Bill

Fantasy sports legislation SB 373 is alone in its proposal to make these activities lawful. Already reviewed by a committee, the measure has passed its first reading. If you want to offer fantasy sports, make sure it is part of the pay per head bookie features.

Hawaii has long resisted the legalization of gambling due to several factors, including concerns about problem gambling, cultural resistance, and various regulatory challenges. One notable attempt to introduce sports betting legislation was House Bill 1962, proposed in 2022. This bill aimed to establish a single regulated sportsbook on the island of Oahu. Unfortunately, this bill did not progress beyond the committee stage, illustrating the significant barriers to enacting gaming laws in the state.

In 2023, another notable effort was the introduction of House Bill 344, which sought to legalize internet sports betting in Hawaii. This proposal faced opposition from cultural and religious groups, who argued that gambling could harm social values and disrupt the community. The combination of these cultural perspectives and ongoing concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction ultimately led to the bill’s defeat.

The following year, lawmakers attempted to broaden the scope of internet gambling to encompass poker and sports betting with Senate Bill 929 and House Bill 2259. Economic concerns and anti-gambling groups thwarted their efforts. In 2024, the legislature rejected HB 2765, backed by the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA).

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