A bill legalizing Hawaii sports betting took another step forward last week while casino legislation met its end.
The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed HB 1308, 6-4, during a meeting last week. That came after the Hawaii sports betting bill unanimously passed the Economic Development and Technology Committee last month.
While the legislation has passed two committees, there is mounting concern from government agencies in the state. It now moves to the Committee on Finance.
Hawaii sports betting expansion
The Aloha State is one of two states without any legal form of gambling. Rep. Daniel Holt has sponsored gambling bills in the past, including a sports betting bill that passed a House committee last year, the first time it took that step since 2019.
He argues that residents are already betting on illegal sites, and this activity should be regulated and generate tax dollars. BetMGM and DraftKings have also testified to bring it into the regulated light.
The proposal would legalize at least four sportsbooks and establish a 10% tax on sports betting revenue.
Agency opposition
The Honolulu Police Department wrote a letter earlier this month, expressing concerns about the potential increase in problem gambling.
Prior to last week’s hearing, the attorney general’s office wrote in testimony that rather than legalizing sports betting, social wagering should remain residents’ form of gambling.
The Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s office cited homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction as issues to focus on.
Casino bill killed
Hawaii lawmakers voted against a bill last week that would have allowed casinos in Honolulu. Senate Bill 893 would have created a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee gambling establishments in the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District.
The proposal would have established 20-year licenses for casinos. It also would have imposed a 15% tax on gambling revenue.
The AG and Honolulu prosecuting attorney also testified in opposition against the casino bill.
