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On March 5, Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 1308, marking a major step toward the legalization of sports betting in the state. With the backing of Representatives Chris Todd (D-Hilo) and Darius Kila (D-Honokai Hale), the bill was introduced by Representative Dan Holt (D-Honolulu) and passed the chamber by a vote of 35 to 15. Hawaii would be the 39th state to authorize sports betting if the Senate passed the bill and it became law.
Although there are currently no licensed betting sites in Hawaii, sports gambling is permitted there. Hawaii lacks lottery, parimutuel wagering, commercial or tribal casinos, sports betting, fantasy sports, and even charitable gambling, in contrast to the majority of U.S. states. By allowing up to four online sports betting sites, this law would give gamblers a legitimate way to place bets.
Hawaii’s legislative session extends until May 2, leaving time for further debate. HB1308 now moves to the state Senate, where a companion bill, Senate Bill 1569, has faced obstacles.
In February, SB1569 passed the Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee. But on February 26, the Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees postponed action, creating a legislative deadlock.
According to the Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau, “Deferring a bill may allow the committee more time to consider it, gain consensus, or prepare an amended draft for the future vote by the committee. If a bill is deferred, the committee must bring the bill back for public decision-making to pass it. If not, the bill simply stays in that committee.”
The fate of sports betting in Hawaii now rests with the Senate. If the legislation advances, Gov. Josh Green (D) would need to sign the bill into law. His stance on sports betting remains unclear, but with growing interest in gaming expansion, the debate is far from over.