Hawaii online sports betting bill clears Senate hurdle
Hawaii is on the verge of becoming the 40th U.S. state to legalise sports betting, following the Senate’s approval of House Bill 1308 (HB1308) with a 15-10 vote on 8 April 2025. The bill, introduced by Representative Daniel Holt, aims to legalise both online sports betting and daily fantasy sports in the state.
Legislative progress and amendments
After passing the House earlier this year, HB1308 moved through the Senate, where it underwent significant amendments. The Senate Ways and Means Committee reinstated a 10 percent tax on adjusted gross revenues from online sports betting and established a licensing fee of $250,000 for operators. The bill allows for the issuance of at least four online sports betting licenses.
Initially, regulatory oversight was assigned to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. However, due to capacity concerns expressed by the department, the responsibility has been shifted to the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, with tax enforcement managed by the Department of Taxation.
Opposition and concerns
Despite legislative progress, the bill has faced opposition. Senator Sharon Moriwaki highlighted potential social consequences, citing constituents’ experiences with gambling addiction leading to financial and familial hardships. Senator Lynn DeCoite also opposed the measure, expressing concerns about promoting gambling during economic instability and its potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Next steps
The amended bill now returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If the House agrees to the changes, Governor Josh Green is expected to sign the legislation into law, with implementation slated to begin on 1 July.
Governor Green has maintained a neutral stance on gambling but acknowledges its potential to generate revenue.
The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on 2 May, leaving a limited window for finalising the bill. If enacted, Hawaii will join the majority of U.S. states that have embraced legal sports betting since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban.
