Online Gambling License in Hawaii
Online Gambling in Hawaii (summary)
Hawaii has some of the strictest gambling laws in the U.S., banning all forms of gambling. Companies can’t get an online gambling license. Here’s an overview:
- Gambling Ban: Casinos, sports betting, poker, and even Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are illegal.
- Failed Legalization Attempts: Multiple bills since 2013 have tried to legalize gambling, but all have failed.
- Notable Bills:
- SB 768 (2013) proposed an Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation but lacked support.
- SB 677 (2017) aimed to license online gambling but was rejected.
- HB 927 (2017) and HB 1107 (2019) sought to explore sports betting but did not pass.
- HB 2765 (2024) was approved by one committee but ultimately failed.
- DFS Ban: Daily Fantasy Sports were officially banned in 2016, leading operators like DraftKings and FanDuel to exit the state.
- Penalties: Engaging in gambling in Hawaii is considered a misdemeanor offense.
Conclusion
Hawaii currently has no legal gambling options, and past attempts to introduce them have failed. While future changes remain possible, the strong opposition makes legalization unlikely in the near future.
More to Know
Hawaii is one of two US states with the most stringent gambling laws, outright banning all forms of gambling. The state prohibits casinos, sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing wagering, bingo halls, and poker rooms. Even Daily Fantasy Sports competitions are illegal, and Hawaii has no state lottery.
Hawaii currently permits no gambling activities. However, this doesn’t mean lawmakers from the Big Island don’t push initiatives to change this situation and introduce a legal and regulated state-wide gambling market.
This article provides a complete overview of the gambling legislation in Hawaii and answers the burning question: could Hawaiians see casino-style gaming and sports betting become a reality soon?
Attempts to Legalize Gambling
Gambling faces strong opposition in Hawaii, but lawmakers have attempted to legalize it multiple times.
The first pro-gambling bill appeared in 2013, followed by another in 2017. Both proposals failed.
Senate Bill 768 in 2013 proposed creating the Hawaii Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation to regulate and authorize online gaming. The Corporation would protect players and generate state revenue. However, the bill lacked support.
In 2017, SB 677 aimed to legalize gambling and establish the same Corporation. It also proposed licensing online gambling operators. This bill was also rejected.
Speaking of sports betting, lawmakers first tried to push the initiative to legalize this type of online gaming in 2017. HB 927 suggested the creation of a commission that would analyze the possibility of launching gambling in Hawaii.
In 2019, HB 1107 proposed creating a task force to study online gaming’s advantages and disadvantages. The bill aimed to establish the Sports Wagering Corporation and legalize retail and online sports betting. It outlined types of wagers, approved locations, and payment methods for sports betting.
Lawmakers made more attempts to legalize sports betting in Hawaii. In early 2024, Representative Daniel Holt introduced HB 2765. The House Committee on Economic Development approved it, but other committees rejected it. The bill did not reach the Senate and ultimately failed.
Is There Any Legal Gambling Activity in Hawaii?
Unfortunately, no, there are none. Even Daily Fantasy Sports competitions have been illegal since 2016. Interestingly, though, DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel were allowed to offer their DFS services before the complete ban in 2016. Even these giant companies couldn’t get an online gambling license for Hawaii.
On January 27, 2016, then-Attorney General Doug Chin sent a letter addressing the legality of Daily Fantasy Sports Contests to Senator Rosalyn H. Baker. In this letter, he stated that DFS sports apps are illegal under Hawaii’s laws.
Following this opinion from the Attorney General, the lawmakers in the state wanted to legalize and regulate Daily Fantasy Sports contests. They proposed a bill requiring the DFS operators to register with the state and pay a registration tax of $25,000. Once again, strong opposition to gambling prevailed, and the bill failed to pass and become law.
As a result, FanDuel and DraftKings received cease-and-desist letters, and both DFS operators soon exited Hawaii. To conclude, if you reside in Hawaii or just want to visit the island, remember that the state laws don’t allow any form of gambling. Moreover, if you knowingly try to participate in any gambling activity, this is considered a misdemeanor offense.
FAQs about an online gambling license in Hawaii
No, Hawaii prohibits all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
No, casinos are completely banned in Hawaii under its strict gambling laws.
No, Hawaii is one of two states in the U.S. without a state lottery.
Yes, several bills have been introduced since 2013 to legalize gambling or sports betting, but all have failed due to strong opposition.
While there have been attempts to introduce legislation, the strong opposition makes the future of gambling legalization uncertain.
