Could Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Tides Be Changing?


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Hawaii sports betting

Sports betting opposition in Hawaii could be waning. 

Rep. Daniel Holt’s HB 1308 passed through the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology with unanimous support last week. Hawaii is one of two states without any legal form of gambling. 

While it did pass a committee, a step that Hawaii sports betting also took last year, it still has a long road ahead. It was the first time the issue had passed a committee since 2019. Now, the bill must pass two more committees, the House and the Senate

Hawaii sports betting efforts

Holt has sponsored multiple sports betting bills over the past several years. He said illegal sites are already in Hawaii and advocates for regulating the industry and capturing tax dollars. He also believes the issue can help boost tourism.

BetMGM and DraftKings representatives submitted testimonies in support of the bill. They stated that regulated sportsbooks offer safe options to consumers.

The tax dollars would then go toward illegal gambling enforcement and gambling addiction programs. Still, the Honolulu Police Department submitted written concerns about gambling legalization.

Support growing

House Republican Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto changed her vote from a no to a yes. 

“I just want to make sure we’re looking at the guardrails that we put in the regulations we put in as we move forward,” she said.

Gov. Josh Green also expressed support with reservations. He said in a statement, “I support careful exploration of sports wagering in Hawaii, provided that proper safeguards are in place to prevent abuses.” 

Hawaii framework

The bill would legalize at least four online sportsbooks. 

Hawaii would tax sports betting revenue at 10%.

The Sports Betting Alliance estimated last year that the state could gain up to $9 million annually in tax revenue.

Responsible gambling support

Lawmakers like Holt have regularly proposed gambling legislation in Hawaii. However, even proponents have ended up giving up on their bills during committee hearings.

Within sections of the heavily Democratic-controlled legislature, the concerns about problem gambling have proven insurmountable thus far. 

“Numerous studies have confirmed gambling caused problems such as bankruptcy, theft, embezzlement, suicide, child abuse and neglect, divorce, incarceration and homelessness,” Rep. Elijah Pierick said during a hearing last year.

Photo by Shutterstock / Nikita M production