Hawaii Casino Gambling Bill Killed in a Senate Committee
Hawaii has some of the strictest gambling laws in the nation. Residents don't have access to our best sports betting sites, real-money online casinos, or brick-and-mortar casinos. While there has been hope that things will change, it looks like there won't be land-based casinos anytime soon.
The Hawaii State Legislature indefinitely deferred Senate Bill 893, which would have legalized casino gambling in Hawaii.
The bill would have granted a 20-year license for casinos in the Hawaii Convention Center and the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District if it had been enacted. It would also have established a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee casinos and gaming violations, plus a 15% wagering tax on gross receipts.
Even though the tax-generated funds would have gone towards public security at the casinos, as well as a program for gambling addiction, the bill received strong opposition.
Senator Kurt Fevella commented, “The Aloha Stadium and Convention Center is family oriented and is used for events such as graduation, sports, proms, Great Aloha Run and family parties, and it is not appropriate to gamble at these locations.”
Hawaii lawmakers joy
During Thursday’s Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism hearing, State Senator Lynn DeCoite highlighted the opposition the bill had received.
“Casino gambling has not always been a favorite subject,” she said. “Regardless of if we are flying to Vegas or flying to any other place, we’ve always had our challenges here in Hawaii.”
Strong oppositional testimonies came from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Department of the Attorney General, and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, among others.
The testimonies emphasized concerns regarding the potential for increased crime, financial instability for residents prone to gambling addiction, and the negative impacts gambling could have on the Hawaiian economy.
Other critics highlighted the risks and potential costs of gambling, arguing that these could outweigh any potential economic benefits gained by the state.
DeCoite stated lawmakers don’t want to impose further taxation on Hawaiian residents. When the Senate Committee confirmed that Senate Bill 893 would be deferred, it was reportedly met with applause.
Sports betting may still pass
While the casino bill in Hawaii failed, a sports betting bill can still pass through the Hawaii Legislature. Senator Ronald D. Kouochi introduced Senate Bill 3376 in January to legalize online sports betting and online poker.
The tax rate for operators would start at 70% and decrease by 5% each year for 14 years before reaching 5% in its final year.
Hawaii remains one of two US states with bans on all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. The other state is Utah.
