Hawaii has been resistant to gambling in the past but now the Aloha State is seeing no less than five gambling-related bills before state lawmakers this session.
Three of the bills are in regard to sports betting, while the others focus on fantasy sports.
This is far different than three weeks ago when there was just one bill up for consideration. House Bill 918, sponsored by Reps. John Mizuno and Daniel Holt, would seek a 10-year license for a single poker and sportsbook facility.
The two Oahu representatives call for the casino to be in the Waikiki area. Mizuno has tried to pass sports betting legislation in the past but has been unsuccessful.
Mizuno has maintained that the state is seeing its gambling dollars be spent at Nevada casinos, where many residents go to get their gambling fix. He said in a press release three weeks ago that it makes sense to keep money in Hawaii.
“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. “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 said his bill would establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, impose a wagering tax on gross receipts, create a state gaming fund and a program aimed at treating compulsive gamblers.
In other sports betting legislation, Senate Bill 1109 and HB 344 would allow for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Licensing requirements for sports book operators would be regulated.
In addition, Senate Bills 1108 and 1146 focus on online fantasy sports contests. They would be under the jurisdiction of the state attorney general and would be exempt from state gambling laws. The funds generated would benefit public schools and county roads.
The legislature also took aim at illegal gambling operators. Two bills, HB 375 and SB 591, would make those running an illegal gambling business eligible for a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. It is estimated that there are up to 7,000 illegal gambling operations in Oahu alone.
