Hawaii Proposes Legislation to Legalize Online Gambling
Hawaii is once again considering legalizing gambling, with Senate President Ron Kouchi introducing SB 1507 to the state legislature.
US and Hawaii flag waving in the wind. Hawaii proposes legalizing online gambling and fantasy sports.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Boosting Tourism with Hawaiian-Themed Games
The proposed legislation would permit online casinos and put the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation in charge of establishing the necessary regulatory framework. Supporters of the change believe that Hawaii’s thriving tourism industry could make gambling highly lucrative. The bill proposes offering Hawaiian-themed games and prizes in order to create a unique experience that is distinct from regular US online casinos and gambling markets in the States.
Additionally, SB 1507 includes provisions to legalize sweepstakes games, which would allow players to participate without wagering real money. While the state’s remote location means legal gambling is unlikely to draw tourists specifically, proponents hope the Hawaiian-themed offerings will attract visitors already on the islands to take part.
This isn’t the first attempt to legalize gambling in Hawaii. Previous bills have failed due to concerns about the social consequences of gambling, and this is likely to remain a hurdle.
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Separate Bills for Sports Betting and Fantasy Sports
While SB 1507 focuses on online gambling, two other bills aim to legalize sports betting and daily fantasy sports. However, they are also expected to face major challenges in gaining approval.
Hawaii’s popularity as a vacation destination already generates substantial tax revenue from tourism, making gambling less enticing as a revenue source compared to other states. Many residents and lawmakers fear the potential social harms outweigh the financial benefits.
By splitting the proposals into separate bills, lawmakers hope to increase their chances of success. While online casinos are relatively uncommon in the U.S., sports betting and daily fantasy sports are already legal in many states and this broader acceptance could make passing legislation for these two industries slightly easier.
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