Currently, Hawaii is one of the last US states that still imposes a complete ban on all forms of gambling and sports betting. However, with new legislative efforts led by Senator Glen Wakai, this could soon change. Wakai believes that the legalization of gambling could improve Hawaii’s economy in multiple ways, including re-capturing the funds that Hawaii residents spend in Las Vegas casinos. He stated, ” By opening up to casino gaming, we can keep this money within our state, boosting our economy and directly funding educational and social programs.”

Should this be accepted, not only will brick-and-mortar casinos be introduced in Hawaii for the first time, but online casinos could also become legal in the state. This would give Hawaiian residents access to secure casino sites and bring the ease and accessibility of the casino world to the homes of tens of thousands of people.

Online casino sites are incredibly popular across the globe and have revolutionized the casino world in countless ways. Not only would Hawaiians gain access to the world of online casino gaming, and the promotions and bonuses that they offer, but they may also engage with crypto casinos. These casinos have incorporated the hugely popular world of cryptocurrency into their online gaming platforms. Engaging with these sites would enable Hawaiians to place ‘double bets’ when gambling. One on the outcome of the game, and another on the volatility of cryptocurrency, meaning the tendency cryptocurrency has to rise or fall in value over time.

In the realm of traditional casinos, the move would grant casinos within certain popular areas, such as the New Aloha Stadium District and the Hawaii Convention Center a twenty-year license to run legally. This would be revolutionary for Hawaii, and remove the need for punters to travel overseas to engage in gambling.

Acceptance of the bill would also include the creation of the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission which will regulate gambling in the state. They would reportedly place a 15% tax on gambling revenue which would then go directly to the state fund for the projects Wakai has specified. They would also acknowledge and assist with gambling-related issues that are certain to arise if this bill is passed.

The suggestion has been met with mixed opinions by members of the public in Hawaii, with some supporting both the introduction of the recreational activity of casino gaming and the proposed economic benefits that the state will receive. While others are more concerned with the risks associated with gambling more generally. In response to this, the Chair of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, Lynn DeCoite, has drawn public attention to the inclusivity involved in the legislative process, encouraging members of the public to share their views on these bills and assuring them that their concerns will be heard.

Alongside this movement to introduce casino gaming to the state, Hawaii is also making developments to legalize online sports betting for all residents. This idea, led by Rep. Daniel Holt, stems from the hope that legalizing online sports betting will help the state crackdown on illegal gambling. BetMGMs director Jeremy Limun stated, “Regulating sports betting provides a controlled environment that protects citizens while generating essential revenue for public programs.” This idea is further evidenced by the Senate and House Committees who aim to regulate these sports betting sites and will impose a tax of 10% on all the profit that they make.

Legalizing sports betting in Hawaii wouldn’t only offer residents a safe and legal way to place bets, but it could also lead to greater interest in the sports themselves. Many sports betting sites offer live betting where spectators can place bets on a game in real time, which adds additional levels of thrill to the game itself. Additionally, if the bill is accepted, Hawaii could experience further economic growth through partnerships with international betting companies that are surely to come to fruition.

However, some key players in the casino industry remain unconvinced by Hawaii’s proposal and grand promises. A representative of Boyd Gaming voiced their skepticism on the state benefiting financially from the introduction of casinos, drawing attention to similar initiatives in other states that had not had the desired effect.

Whatever the future holds for Hawaii when it comes to gambling, both supporters and opponents will be watching the legislation develop with bated breath. The benefits that will arise with the integration of casino gaming into the state are hard to deny, but the real question is whether they will outweigh the potential risks that come with the move. As the bills are still under debate, it may be a while before a final decision is made, and Hawaiian residents are encouraged to share their opinions to influence the move one way or the other.