Hawaii, one of two U.S. states that allows no gambling of any sort, is considering a sports betting bill in the legislature. The bill, HB 1815 would set a tax rate of 55 percent, the highest in the nation.
The bill’s sponsor Rep. John Mizuno, calls it an “opening salvo” on a bill that has the possibility of charging the tax on bettors themselves, according to its language. In brutal terms, pay a $55 tax on a $100 win.
The bill calls for creating an online sports betting corporation that would be under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. It would regulate operators.
The lawmaker commented, “Eventually with technology, we’re going to see sports betting throughout the entire U.S.” He added, “But keep in mind we’re a little different. Utah and Hawaii are the only two states that don’t allow gambling. This is a big push, but let’s be realistic: Who doesn’t bet on the Super Bowl? Who doesn’t bet on the college championship game? If it’s going to happen, and we know it’s going to happen, let’s tax it and use those taxes to help with homelessness, to help reduce crime. But yes, the difficulty is we’re a little conservative when it comes to gaming.”
Mizuno calls the high tax rate, “a little bit of sugar on the top, to try and get lawmakers to support it.” He added that “this is the first bite at the apple.”
