Hawaii senate sends sports betting bill back to house for potential passage
Hawaii is poised to become the first US state in 2025 to legalise digital sports betting after its senate approved an amended version of HB 1308, 15-10 on Tuesday (8 April). Of the 15 yes votes, four were “with reservations”.
HB 1308 was transmitted to and received by the house on Tuesday. Should the house approve the bill, it will be sent to Governor Josh Green for approval. Green, who has been pushing for funding for a new Aloha Stadium District, has not been clear about whether he will sign the bill.
HB 1308’s march through the state legislature has been confounding. Multiple state agencies, a native Hawaiian group and others repeatedly spoke in opposition. Lobbyists from BetMGM and DraftKings as well as a local ironworkers’ union testified in favour. And at every step, lawmakers voiced concern and many voted with reservations.
Go-live date not mandated
The bill becomes effective on 1 July but does not set a go-live date. Most states take between six months and a year to stand up a market. Several, including Indiana and Iowa, both of which had existing casino markets, were able to launch within about three months.
Hawaii would enter the regulatory process with an inexperienced regulator and no existing gambling framework to fall back on.
HB 1308 includes an “emergency” provision, which means that the regulator could move rules forward more quickly and issue temporary licences. Some notable items in the bill:
- Bettors could fund wagering accounts using credit or debit cards, wire transfers, some “online or mobile payment systems” and bonuses or promotions;
- Seven per cent of tax revenue would be directed to problem and responsible gambling initiatives;
- Operators must be live in at least three other US jurisdictions in order to get licensed in Hawaii.
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