A proposal to legalize online sports betting in Hawaii has taken a major step forward, advancing to the full Senate floor after clearing several legislative hurdles. The measure, known as HB 1308, has already made its way through a series of House and Senate committees and now awaits further debate in the Senate chamber.
Under the current draft, the bill would authorize a minimum of four sports betting licenses, all for digital platforms, with no retail sportsbooks planned. If approved, the law would go into effect on July 1, 2025, with legal betting expected to begin by January 1, 2026.
What’s Inside the Bill? 115d6p
One significant amendment to HB 1308 designates the Department of Law Enforcement as the regulatory body for the sports betting market, a change from the initially proposed Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Additionally, the bill reinstates the original 10% tax rate and a $250,000 fee for a five-year license, figures that had been previously removed during legislative discussions. These rates are among the lowest in the United States, prompting debates about their adequacy for effective market regulation. ​
Despite its progression, HB 1308 faces opposition from various governmental bodies, including the Attorney General’s office, as well as religious and anti-gambling groups. Concerns have been raised about potential social and regulatory costs that may outweigh the generated revenues.
A Look Back at Sports Betting Legislation in Hawaii 563m4t
Hawaii has a longstanding history of opposing gambling, being one of only two U.S. states without any form of legal gambling. Previous attempts to introduce gambling legislation have consistently failed. For instance, in 2022, multiple bills aiming to legalize casinos, sports betting, or lotteries did not advance, reflecting the state’s cautious stance on gambling due to concerns about potential social issues and opposition from various community groups. ​
In 2023, HB 344 sought to legalize sports betting but was ultimately defeated. Similarly, other bills introduced in 2022, such as HB 1815 and HB 1973, aimed to regulate online sports betting but failed to gain sufficient . ​
The current advancement of HB 1308 represents a notable shift in Hawaii’s approach to sports betting legislation, though it continues to face significant hurdles reflective of the state’s complex relationship with gambling.
