Hawaii sports betting legislation continues to move forward in the Aloha State.
Hawaii sports betting bill HB 1308 is headed to the House floor after passing through its third committee this week, the Finance Committee. Committee chairman Rep. Kyle Yamashita made several changes to the bill, recommending that it be advanced as a “work in progress.”
It advanced in a 12-3 vote, but six committee members voted “with reservations.” The Hawaii legislative session runs until May 2, but bills have a crossover deadline of March 6.
Hawaii sports betting bill detractors
Should the bill cross over, it will be met with a tough path. HB 1308’s companion bill, SB 1569, was voted against in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
Multiple organizations, including the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, oppose the legalization of sports betting. The Honolulu Police Department also expressed its concerns.
The opponents cite potential problem gambling growth and other negative impacts to the Hawaiian community.
Hawaii bill details
The legislation would legalize at least four sportsbooks in Hawaii. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism would oversee the industry, including fantasy sports.
Initially, the proposal included a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, but Yamashita removed the tax rate as part of his amendments to keep the discussion on the topic moving.
Representatives from the Sports Betting Alliance and its members have testified at every step, advocating the importance of a regulated industry. The SBA includes BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel.
Making progress in Hawaii
Last year, a similar sports betting proposal advanced out of one committee. It was the first time a sports betting bill advanced past that stage since 2019.
Hawaii is one of two states without any form of legalized commercial gambling.
Along with HB 1308’s companion bill, the Senate also killed a bill that would have allowed casinos in the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment district.
