More Gambling Bills Move Forward in Hawaii Following HB 1308’s Progress
After the advancement of House Bill 1308 (HB 1308), it’s clear that Hawaiian lawmakers aren’t stopping there. While HB 1308 continues its journey through the legislative process, several other gambling bills are also making progress.
SB 1569: The Senate’s Version of HB 1308
Much like HB 1308, Senate Bill 1569 (SB 1569) aims to legalize online sports betting and DFS in Hawaii. The bill has already cleared the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, mirroring the progress of its House counterpart.
It now moves on to the next stage of legislative review.
SB 1572: A Step Further with Retail Sports Betting
Unlike HB 1308 and SB 1569, which focus solely on online gambling, SB 1572 proposes both online and retail sports betting.
The bill also outlines a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and introduces a Hawaii Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the market.
However, DFS is notably absent from this proposal, setting it apart from the other sports betting bills under consideration.
SB 1507: The Most Ambitious Proposal Yet
While the previous bills center around sports betting, SB 1507 aims to transform the state’s gambling landscape.
The bill proposes the creation of the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation (HLGC)—a state-run entity that would manage online lotteries, poker, and casino-style games.
The proposal includes Hawaiian-themed free-play games, designed specifically for out-of-state players, merging tourism promotion with gambling entertainment.
Revenue generated by HLGC would fund education, infrastructure projects, and responsible gambling programs, adopting a model similar to state-run gaming initiatives in places like New York and Georgia.
SB 373: Bringing Fantasy Sports Under Regulation
Unlike the broader gambling bills, SB 373 is a narrowly focused proposal aimed at regulating daily fantasy sports in Hawaii.
While DFS platforms operate in many states, Hawaii currently lacks any official oversight or consumer protections. This bill seeks to establish a legal framework to regulate DFS contests and their operators.
Legalization Faces Familiar Obstacles
Despite the momentum behind these gambling bills, opposition remains strong. The Honolulu Police Department has expressed concerns about crime, addiction, and financial harm to residents. Some lawmakers also question whether the projected revenue would be enough to justify the risks, especially given Hawaii’s long-standing opposition to gambling.
Even if these bills advance further, they still need approval from both legislative chambers before reaching Governor Josh Green, who has yet to take a definitive stance on gambling expansion in the state.
With multiple bills under review, Hawaii is closer than ever to breaking its gambling prohibition. However, given the state’s historically strong resistance to betting expansion, lawmakers face an uphill battle.
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