Hawaii Sports Betting

Most analysts once put Hawaii's chance of legalizing sports betting right down there with Utah's, but the state's legislature stunned observers by coming a whisker away from adopting sports wagering in 2025.

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About Sports Betting in Hawaii

When the wave of sports betting legalization began sweeping across the United States, most analysts put Hawaii's chance of passing that form of gambling right down there with Utah and its Mormon-dominated culture. But the state's legislature stunned observers by coming a final vote and stroke of a pen away from legalizing sports wagering in 2025.

Without much of a pro or collegiate sports ecosystem outside of the University of Hawaii's various squads, it's not as though Hawaiians have been clamoring for the right to bet on sports. But the revenues and taxes produced by sports wagering have proven attractive to many state legislatures and economists, and Hawaii has proven to be no different, suddenly vaulting toward the top of the list of states that might take the sports betting plunge sooner rather than later.

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Sports Betting Legalization in Hawaii

Legalization Timeline

  • Legislation to create sports betting task force dies in committee

    January 24, 2019

    A House bill is introduced that seeks to establish the Hawaii Sports Wagering Corporation, a task force that would be responsible for exploring the viability of sports betting. It winds up dying in committee, just as it would two years later.

  • Hawaii House passes online sports betting legislation

    March 5, 2025

    Six years after the first piece of Hawaiian sports betting legislation was introduced, the state's House of Representatives passes a bill by a 35-15 margin that would legalize the practice in the Aloha State.

  • Senate approves amended version of sports betting legislation

    April 8, 2025

    The Senate approves an amended sports betting bill, meaning lawmakers simply must come to a consensus on a final bill to send to the governor for his signature.

  • Final version of sports betting bill rejected

    April 25, 2025

    Despite different versions of the bill passing both statehouse chambers, lawmakers stunningly reject a final version of the legislation.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Hawaii?

No, although the Hawaii Legislature came shockingly close to legalizing the form of gambling in 2025.

Who can bet on sports in Hawaii?

Nobody can legally bet on sports in Hawaii.

Who regulates sports betting in Hawaii?

Good question! Sports betting would have to be legalized first, at which point some agency – whether existing or newly created – would take responsibility for its oversight.

What can I bet on in Hawaii?

Not a lot! "Social gambling" is legal for Hawaiians age 18 and over, which essentially means people can legally play poker against each other in the comfort of their homes.

What can't I bet on in Hawaii?

You can't bet on sports of any kind in Hawaii.

Is DFS legal in Hawaii?

Nope. Hawaiian officials have explicitly declared that daily fantasy sports constitute gambling and are therefore illegal to play in the state.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Hawaii?

Despite how bucolic a racetrack on Kauai might sound, there are no such venues on the islands. Furthermore, Hawaiians are not allowed to bet on horse races via simulcast or online account wagering.

Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com

Responsible Gambling

21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.