Summary
- "Hawaii's Aspirations for Regulating Online Sports Betting Dashed Again"
- The state does not regulate betting activities, whether conducted in-person or online.
- Critics and supporters remain in conflict over the specifics.
Hawaii will not be legalizing sports betting in the near future, as the state did not advance a bill last Friday that would have allowed residents to place bets on sports events. During a joint conference committee meeting, lawmakers blocked the passage of House Bill 1308, which aimed to legalize gambling in the final stages of the legislative session set to conclude on May 2.
Hawaii comes close to legalizing sports – fails again
Rep. Greggor Ilagan, one of the supporters of the bill, acknowledged its defeat but remains optimistic about the future of sports gambling in Hawaii. Despite legislative disagreements, Rep. Ilagan believes a revised version could pass next year. House Bill 1038 provided a glimpse of Hawaii's potential sports gambling industry, revealing support from various political figures, including Gov. Josh Green. He stated that if an approved bill reached his desk, he would not veto it, a crucial step for the passage of sports gambling laws. The bill is expected to be the foundation for future legislative efforts. It proposed the introduction of Internet sports gambling with a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue and a $250,000 license fee for each license holder. Opposition to Internet gambling stalled the bill's progress. Notable opponents included Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Police Chief Arthur Logan, and Prosecutor Steve Alm, who issued a joint statement urging lawmakers to reject the legalization of online gambling, calling it a
Serious consequences of regulated online gambling, critics say
The joint statement highlighted the serious repercussions, including rising debt, family disruptions, and wage garnishment for those unable to pay their debts. Proponents of regulating sports betting have voiced a different perspective, claiming that the tax revenue generated from the activity could help resolve several budgetary issues. Additionally, gambling is already occurring with minimal support for individuals affected by gambling-related problems. The revenue from taxing a regulated industry would enable the creation of a dedicated treatment fund, providing necessary assistance to consumers. These arguments are expected to resurface in the next legislative session, as the deadlock on legalizing sports gambling in Hawaii remains unresolved.
