Hawaii online sports betting bill falls short
Hawaii’s online sports betting bill, HB1308, has halted its progress in the state after missing an important deadline on 26 April.
Lawmakers weren’t able to agree on important specifics, such as tax rates, licensing fees, and operational oversight, state Rep. Daniel Holt told Hawaii News Now. Though disappointed in the end, supporters are encouraged that the bill made it as far as it did and that a task force is to be created to look into legalization of gambling.
A task force of law enforcement, government, tourism, and industry experts will explore how legalized gambling could function in Hawaii. The Free Press argues that sports betting could generate significant tax revenue, boosting the economy of the nation’s second-largest state by creating new income streams.
Yet, opponents argued that easy access to igaming was a danger. Stop Predatory Gambling’s Les Bernal told Hawaii News Now that it could pave the way for virtual casinos in every room with an internet connection, similar to what he said has happened in other states.
Lauren Matsumoto, a state representative and outspoken opponent, echoed the sentiment in Hawaii News Now for “careful consideration,” pointing to constituent resistance to gambling and the suggestion by some, like Matsumoto, that gambling could lead to casinos in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s decision follows a wave of online gambling legislation failures, with five other states turning aside similar proposals this year. Findings from the task force are likely to influence future debates on whether the economic benefits of legalization outweigh any social harms.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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