Hawaiian legislators have introduced a bill aimed at legalizing sports betting and poker on the island of Oahu.
The bill, which is being advanced by Rep. John Mizuno and Rep. Daniel Holt, would establish a standalone sportsbook and card room, making it the first legally authorized venue of its kind in Hawaii.
The bill’s supporters cite the existence of over 7,200 illegal gaming rooms that attract criminal activity, and argue that the bill would help to eliminate these while providing a safe and legal outlet for gambling.
Holt stated:
“These game rooms are unregulated. They often have to do with drugs and prostitution as well. By having a legal avenue to express their willingness to play these poker games we are going to get the tax revenue.”
Mizuno added that he hoped to avoid an influx of major gaming companies by making the new parlors locally owned.
“The reason we are concerned about DraftKings, Fanduel is we don’t want a mainland corporation coming in and just taking all the money.”
Mizuno and Holt estimate that Hawaii residents are currently spending approximately one billion dollars per year on gambling in Las Vegas and that if the bill were to pass, it would generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state. The bill proposes that any funding generated by the industry could be used to fund affordable housing programs and provide assistance for those struggling with gambling addiction.
Governor Josh Green has stated that he’s willing to consider the idea:
“We need revenue for our state but the revenues if you are not careful do come from those who are tending to have economic problems or challenges. So I’d like to be careful.”
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.