In Hawaii, Governor Green's Promise on Online Sports Betting, and the Casino Game Conundrum
Controversial gambling legislation remains a contentious issue among Hawaii legislators, with the governor adopting a receptive stance.
Lemme tell ya 'bout what's happening in the Aloha State these days, mate. Governor Josh Green declared that he'd be chill about a bill for online sports betting if it's got solid safeguards. And what's more, the House is pondering a plan to scrutinize casino gaming as part of the Aloha Stadium district's redev test.
Casino buffs like Rep. Daniel Holt say it's a goldmine of potential, ya know? He reckons we could add a whopping 6,000 jobs to the mix and haul in a cool $250 million to the economy.
But progressives like Kim Coco Iwamoto? Nah, mate. They ain't feelin' the gambling vibe. Seems like they're joinin' hands with the Republican crew to swipe left on any gambling measures.
Now, let's get one thing straight. As of April 2025, Hawai'i is one of the only two states without any legal gambling in the US. Bummer, ain't it?
There's a bill called HB 1308 that initially pushed for at least four online sports betting operators, regulation of fantasy sports, and a 10% tax rate on gaming revenue with a $250K licensin' fee. But the Senate and House couldn't see eye-to-eye on it, so it flopped.
Proponents saw potential revenue for the state, but opponents fretted about social and regulatory costs outweighing the benefits. Ain't no party without its pooper, right?
Opposition came from all over: government bodies, religion folk, and anti-gamblin' groups. Even the Attorney General's office and Boyd Gaming, a Nevada casino company, joined in the naysayin'. Despite that, major sports bettin' operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM were psyched about the legislation.
But don't worry, the lawmakers understand the impasse and plan to give it another shot in future sessions, with the hope of craftin' a bill that makes everybody happy.
As for casino gaming, Hawai'i ain't got nothin' on the books yet. But with HB 1308 floppin', any casino dreams are on hold for now.
So, the takeaway? Hawai'i's still playin' it safe when it comes to online sports bettin' and casino game push, mate. Unless somethin' changes, it'll stay like this until lawmakers get their act together and craft a bill that's lovin' for everyone. Aloha, ya dig?
- Governor Josh Green, in the proposed bill, is open to online sports betting as long as robust safeguards are in place.
- The House is deliberating a strategy to examine casino gaming as part of the Aloha Stadium's redevelopment plan.
- Representative Daniel Holt champions the idea of casinos, suggesting it could generate 6,000 jobs and yield $250 million for the economy.
- The future of a casino-and-gambling legislation, such as HB 1308, remains uncertain due to opposition from various sectors, leaving Hawaii without any legal gambling establishments.
