The efforts to legalize sports betting in Hawaii faced setbacks this year, as House Bill 1308 did not pass before the legislative session ended.
Although the proposal to legalize online sports betting made unprecedented progress, it ultimately stalled due to key disagreements.
Supporters of the bill stated that despite the disappointing outcome, it has laid an important foundation for future legislative attempts.
The legislative deadlock centered on several key issues that failed to reach consensus. Tax rates, licensing mechanisms, and regulatory bodies were major obstacles in negotiations between the House and Senate.
State Representative Daniel Holt admitted, "We have not yet reached an agreement on tax standards, operating entities, business locations, and licensing details." This disagreement directly led to the bill not entering the final voting process before the legislative deadline on May 2.
The support camp remains cautiously optimistic about the bill's prospects. Lobbyist Cliff Laboy noted, "This is the furthest a gambling-related bill has gone in Hawaii." A task force composed of various government departments and industry experts will continue to study the gambling regulatory framework to prepare for future legislation. Governor Josh Green had previously expressed support for the bill, provided it includes measures to prevent gambling addiction.
Opposition voices are equally strong. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Prosecutor Steve Alm, and Police Chief Arthur Logan issued a joint statement warning of the social risks associated with online sports betting. Alm described it as a "high-tech pipeline to addiction and economic collapse."
Les Bernal, the national director of the anti-gambling organization "Stop Predatory Gambling," praised the legislative decision, believing it protects Hawaii from the encroachment of external gambling interests.
Economic considerations are a significant driving force behind legalization. According to the Sports Betting Alliance, Hawaii residents bet an estimated $300 million annually through offshore sites and illegal channels. Supporters argue that legalization would not only channel these funds into regulated avenues but also provide dedicated funding for problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.
Looking ahead, supporters plan to push for related legislation again in the 2026 legislative session. Holt stated, "We need to work harder to answer the questions of other legislators and the public and to secure the tax revenue needed by the state." As the task force continues to study the regulatory framework and with the demonstration effect of neighboring states legalizing sports betting, the process of legalizing sports betting in Hawaii, though setback, is far from over. The balance between economic benefits and social risks will continue to unfold on the political stage of the Aloha State.
