Online casinos are one of the fastest-growing industries in the US, and the number of states that legalize them is rapidly growing.

In Hawaii, on the other hand, any form of gambling is completely illegal. Even cruise ships cannot operate their onboard casinos until the ship leaves the Hawaiian coast.

Sure, Hawaii is not as unlikely to legalize online casinos as some other states (like Utah, where this is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future), but it’s not at the top of the probability list either.

Existing gambling infrastructure: A strong predictor of legalization

When it comes to legalizing online casinos, states with established gambling industries are more likely to embrace digital expansion. For instance, states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have a long history of brick-and-mortar casinos, making the transition to online gaming a logical step. In other words, these states already have regulatory bodies in place, making it easier to adapt and expand their existing frameworks.

Hawaii, along with Utah, is one of only two states in the U.S. without a state-run lottery, tribal casinos, or racetracks. This lack of infrastructure means that implementing a regulatory system would require significant effort and political will, making legalization far less likely in the short run.

In other words, for the time being, residents of Hawaii are restricted to offshore online casinos. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to find the best apps at Card Player that offer casino games to players all over the US. These apps are generally licenced by reputable bodies outside the US, so operate in a gray area in which they can offer their services to American players.

However, offshore apps and sites might not be the only option for long: another factor to consider is that gambling-friendly states tend to have powerful lobbying groups pushing for expansion. This is really not the case in states like Hawaii. In fact, it might be quite the opposite, with groups opposing the regulation or supporting the status quo having a lot of influence.

At the same time, the rise of online gaming in other states might eventually put more pressure on Hawaii. If tourism-heavy states like Florida or California move forward with online casinos, Hawaii might have a stronger reason to reconsider its stance.

Public and political support: The key to legislative change

Legalizing online casinos doesn’t happen overnight or in a vacuum. This requires both public backing and political will. In states where gambling is popular, voters often support its expansion. This makes it easier for lawmakers to push through legislation. The best example of this is New Jersey.

Hawaii, on the other hand, has historically leaned against this form of entertainment. State legislators have a history of rejecting casino proposals, and public sentiment remains mixed (at best). While some residents see it as a potential revenue booster, others worry it could disrupt Hawaii’s laid-back image.

That said, economic downturns can change this conversation. Political resistance may weaken if Hawaii ever faces budget shortfalls or sees neighboring states profit from online gambling. For now, public and political support remains a major roadblock to legalization.

Economic pressure and tourism: The financial case for legalization

Money talks, and in many cases, economic factors drive gambling legalization. States looking for new revenue streams often turn to casinos, as online gaming generates millions in tax revenue. Pennsylvania, for instance, legalized online gambling to help fund state programs, and New York is following a similar path.

Hawaii’s economy, however, is heavily dependent on tourism, which raises a unique challenge. On one hand, gambling could attract more visitors, particularly those who prefer casino resorts. On the other hand, lawmakers fear that legal casinos might change the island’s brand, potentially discouraging other tourists.

Furthermore, some argue that Hawaii doesn’t really need this excess revenue the way other states do. With a strong tourism industry, there’s less financial urgency to introduce casinos.

However, if Hawaii ever experiences a major economic downturn (like during the last Pandemic), this industry might be reconsidered as an emergency revenue source. After all, during Coronavirus, digital media consumption skyrocketed worldwide, and this was one form of it.

The real test will be a comparison with other tourism-driven states like California or Florida, which legalized online casinos. If they do and see financial success, Hawaii may feel increased pressure to follow suit. Until then, the state’s strong economy makes legalization a low priority.

Final thoughts

For now, Hawaii remains one of the most resistant states to online casinos, and there’s little indication that they will be legalized anytime soon. The absence of existing infrastructure, political opposition, and a strong tourism-driven economy make it difficult for legalization efforts to gain traction. So, for now, offshore online casinos are the only option for most Hawaii residents.