Hawaii senate sends amended sports betting bill back to house
Legislation on Digital Sports Betting in Hawaii Awaits Final Approval
Hawaii is on track to make history as the first U.S. state to legalize digital sports betting, following a pivotal vote by the state senate, which passed an amended version of House Bill 1308 (HB 1308) by a margin of 15-10 on April 8, 2025. Among the 15 affirmative votes, four were cast “with reservations,” reflecting a cautious approach from certain lawmakers.
Having moved through the senate, HB 1308 has now been sent to the house for further deliberation. If approved, it will advance to Governor Josh Green, who has been a proponent of securing funding for the revitalization of Aloha Stadium District. However, Governor Green has yet to clarify his position on whether he will endorse the bill, adding an element of uncertainty to the legislative process.
The journey of HB 1308 through the Hawaii state legislature has been anything but straightforward. The bill has faced opposition from various state agencies and a native Hawaiian group, while it has received support from prominent stakeholders, including lobbyists from major gaming operators such as BetMGM and DraftKings, as well as a local ironworkers’ union. Throughout the legislative discussions, lawmakers have expressed concerns, with many voting with reservations, indicating ongoing apprehensions regarding the implications of digital sports betting.
Lack of Mandated Go-Live Date
While the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, it does not stipulate a specific go-live date for digital sports betting operations. Typically, states implementing such frameworks require between six months to a year to fully operationalize their markets. For example, Indiana and Iowa, which had pre-existing casino infrastructures, managed to launch their digital sports betting platforms in approximately three months.
Hawaii faces the unique challenge of entering this regulatory landscape with a nascent regulatory body and no established gambling framework to reference, which raises questions about the timeline and effectiveness of its rollout.
In a bid to expedite the process, HB 1308 incorporates an “emergency” provision that allows regulators to swiftly advance rules and issue temporary licenses. Key aspects of the bill include:
- Bettors will have the flexibility to fund their wagering accounts using various methods, including credit and debit cards, wire transfers, as well as select online and mobile payment systems along with bonuses or promotions.
- A dedicated seven percent of tax revenue generated from sports betting operations will be allocated to initiatives aimed at promoting responsible and problem gambling.
- To qualify for a license in Hawaii, operators must demonstrate a presence in at least three other U.S. jurisdictions, ensuring that only experienced entities participate in this new market.
As Hawaii approaches this potential landmark decision in the realm of digital sports betting, the outcome could significantly influence the future landscape of responsible gaming practices and economic opportunities within the state.
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