Hawaii is making history with House Bill 1308 (HB 1308) and sports betting expansion is moving further than ever in the Aloha State. On February 12, 2025, the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed the bill 6-4 despite opposition from the Attorney General’s Office.
Now it goes to the House Finance Committee and then to the floor. This is as far as any sports betting bill has gotten in Hawaii, a jurisdiction that has historically frowned upon regulated sports betting.
With no local casinos, lotteries or daily fantasy sports in the Aloha State, the possible expansion of sports betting in Hawaii is big. Proponents argue it will generate tax revenue, and consumer protections while curbing unregulated gambling.
However, opponents worry about social consequences like problem gambling and its costs.
Details of HB 1308
HB 1308 expands and regulates online sports betting under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). Key points include:
- Licensing and Fees: The bill allows for a minimum of four online sports betting platforms, each must pay a $250,000 fee to get a license. Licenses can be renewed every 5 years.
- Taxation: Operators will be taxed 10% of adjusted gross sports wagering receipts, revenue goes to the state’s general fund and problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.
- Consumer Protections: The bill includes responsible gambling measures like self-exclusion programs and restrictions on advertising to minors.
Companion Bill: SB 1569
A companion bill, Senate Bill 1569 (SB 1569) is identical to HB 1308 and was also passed. On February 4, 2025, the Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee approved it unanimously.
Both bills moving in the House and Senate indicate a coordinated effort to accomplish this.
Historical Context of Sports Betting Legislation in Hawaii
For the past 5 years, Hawaii has introduced multiple sports betting bills reflecting the shift in legislative attitudes.
- 2023: House Bill 344 wanted to expand online sports betting but was opposed by religious and cultural groups and died.
- 2024: House Bill 2765, by Rep. Daniel Holt, created a framework for regulated sports betting. It got further than previous bills and passed the House Committee on Economic Development 5-2 but did not crossover to the Senate.
Comparisons to Other States
Hawaii’s hesitation on gambling is matched by a few other states. Utah, for example, avoids regulating gambling for cultural and religious reasons. Texas, California and Florida have a more complicated relationship with sports betting:
- Texas: Efforts to regulate sports betting in Texas have been met with strong opposition in the Senate. So far in 2025 two sports betting bills have been filed.
- California: Despite having tribal casinos and cardrooms, California voters rejected sports betting in 2022. Local tribes are strongly opposed to the expansion of gambling.
- Florida: The state allows various forms of gambling, including tribal casinos and pari-mutuel wagering. But sports betting has been mired in legal disputes so it’s unclear what the regulatory environment will be.
HB 1308 and SB 1569 are making industry news headlines in Hawaii’s legislative history. As these bills move forward they will continue to stir debate among policymakers, stakeholders and the public about gambling in the Aloha State.
However, while lawmakers in Hawaii get their act together, residents don’t have to be prey to bad actors. Rate Sportsbooks reviews the best offshore sportsbooks so you can bet with peace of mind.
