Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Advances Further Than Ever Before
Hawaii’s effort to legalize online sports betting has taken another step forward. House Bill 1308 (HB1308), which proposes regulating at least four online sportsbooks, has moved through key committees despite strong opposition.
Legal analyst Daniel Wallach pointed out that “This is the furthest online sports betting has ever advanced in Hawaii.”
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee Narrowly Approves Bill
On February 12, 2025, the House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee (JHA) voted 6-4 to approve the bill with amendments (HD2). Two members expressed reservations, reflecting ongoing concerns about the bill’s impact.
Despite the close vote, the bill now moves to the House Finance Committee (FIN), where lawmakers will analyze its economic and regulatory effects.
HB1308’s Legislative Journey
The bill has steadily moved forward, marking a historic moment for Hawaii’s gambling debate.
- January 23, 2025 – Introduced and passed its first reading.
- January 27, 2025 – Referred to the Economic Development (ECD), Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), and Finance (FIN) Committees.
- January 31, 2025 – Economic Development Committee (ECD) approved the bill with amendments (HD1) by a 6-1 vote.
- February 5, 2025 – Passed second reading with amendments and moved to JHA.
- February 12, 2025 – JHA narrowly approved the bill (6-4), with two members expressing reservations.
- February 14, 2025 – The bill was formally reported out of JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 791) and referred to FIN for further evaluation.
A Broader Push for Gambling Expansion in Hawaii
While HB1308 continues its legislative journey, it is just one of several gambling bills making progress in Hawaii. Lawmakers are considering multiple proposals.
- SB 1569 is the Senate’s version of HB1308, seeking to legalize online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS). It has already passed the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and now moves to the next phase of review.
- SB 1572 goes beyond online betting by introducing both retail and online sportsbooks. It proposes a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and the establishment of a Hawaii Sports Wagering Commission for oversight. However, unlike other bills, it does not include DFS in its framework.
- SB 1507 presents the most ambitious gambling expansion plan. It proposes creating the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation (HLGC) to manage a state-run online lottery, poker, and casino-style gaming.
- SB 373 focuses solely on regulating DFS, a sector that currently operates without official oversight in Hawaii.
Legalization Faces Familiar Challenges
Despite this momentum, opposition remains strong. The Honolulu Police Department has raised concerns about potential increases in crime, gambling addiction, and financial harm to residents. Some lawmakers also question whether projected tax revenues would justify the risks, considering Hawaii’s long-standing opposition to gambling.
Even if these bills advance further, they must pass both legislative chambers before reaching Governor Josh Green, who has yet to publicly support gambling expansion.
With multiple bills under review, Hawaii is closer than ever to breaking its gambling prohibition. However, strong resistance remains.
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