Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Advances as Opposition Mounts

A legal Hawaii sports betting market has taken a step closer to reality.

The Hawaii House Committee on Economic Development &Technology has approved HB 2570, which would create a legal online market, by a vote of 5-2. Two of those “yes” votes were submitted with reservations, meaning those lawmakers may not support the bill if it comes to a vote on the House floor.

Before voting, the committee held a hearing at which residents and organizations could voice their views on the bill. While 11 spoke in support of the bill, 41 spoke out against legalizing the industry.

Among the opponents were the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of Health. They highlighted the damage problem gambling can do to families in the state, and the crimes that can follow.

 While the large and vocal opposition didn’t prevent the bill from advancing, it seems to have registered with lawmakers.

The House’s sports betting bill proposes a legal online market with up to six operators. Sportsbooks would pay $500,000 in licensing fees in the state and be subject to a 15% tax rate.

Proponents See Path to Legalization in 2026

Sports betting proponents have failed to legalize it for years, but the Senate's recent proposal gives us reason to believe 2026 will be different.

Last year, sports betting came within a conference committee of becoming law. The Senate and House could not agree on licensing fees and tax rates, and ran out of time to reach an agreement during the conference.

Today, both the Senate and House are considering bills with matching licensing and tax requirements. Both are gaining momentum, meaning the two chambers may have finally found common ground. With Governor Josh Green promising to sign off on sports betting, it appears the hurdles blocking legalization may finally be coming down.