Hawaii lawmakers have fought bringing gambling to the islands for years, but a simple sports betting bill might change their thinking. HB 344 was filed January 20 by Rep. Joe Mizuno, and he has taken a different tact in trying to get sports betting legalized.
Hawaii is one of only two states in the country, Utah being the other, that has no forms of gambling in their state. Casino games, sports betting and even the lottery are all forbidden.
What Mizuno aims to do is present legislation that just focuses on one form of gambling—sports betting. In years past, lawmakers presented bills that lumped in casinos and slot machines with sports betting. They failed miserably.
Mizuno told Legal Sports Report that he believes his new strategy will win over his fellow lawmakers.
“I’ve taken a different approach this year,” Mizuno said. “If we put too many things in, there will be too many targets to attack. When you use the word ‘casino,’ sometimes it can be like yelling ‘fire’ in a theater, so in talking with some proponents, we crafted the language very intentionally to leave things open.”
Another area that met with resistance in previous legislation was the tax rate. In last year’s bill, a 55 percent tax rate was mentioned. That would be the highest in the country, topping New York’s 51 percent. Mizuno left a specific rate out.
One topic that Mizuno did reiterate was that gambling dollars are going to the mainland instead of staying home.
“With Hawaii residents dropping a billion dollars to Las Vegas, Nevada, every year, I think a sports and card gaming bill warrants at least a discussion,” Mizuno said in a news release prior to introducing his bill. “If crime is associated with gambling, why is gaming legal in forty-eight states and why are so many Hawaii residents going to Las Vegas, with many taking multiple trips?”
Mizuno knows the odds are against him but believes if done the right way sports betting would be beneficial to funding local programs.
“This will be difficult to pass, but I’m cautiously optimistic,” Mizuno said. “This is one of the first times I’m seeing ESPN, the local media, a number of national stakeholders connecting with us and showing a lot of interest.”
