Gambling In Hawaii 2019
As it currently stands Hawaii is just one of two states in the entire country to completely outlaw all forms of gambling. Every single form of gambling, even the tamest and least costly forms such as lottery and bingo are outlawed by the deeply anti-gambling Hawaii legal code. Given these seemingly insurmountable circumstances, it is quite plain to see that along with Utah, these two states are clearly some of the least accommodating places for a gambling industry to exist. Throughout this short round-up of Hawaii’s gambling laws we’ll touch on the reasons for the tough stance they have adopted, and investigate some potential inroads towards future gambling regulation in the Aloha State. As a result of the state’s laws, you won’t find the legal Hawaii gambling age anywhere on this page
Every year there is huge debate sparked by the release of statistics highlighting just how severe the outflow of capital is from Hawaii due to residents engaging in illegal and unlicensed gambling. Anybody with an affiliation and understanding of what life is like on the island will know that despite gambling being outlawed, there are plenty of opportunities to make bets and participate in betting in one form or another. Lost tax revenue through these gambling activities is a core component of the argument in favour of legalization, especially concerning the lottery where money raised in mainland states from lottery is used to fund socially benefiting projects and local charities.
Hawaii Gambling inmation, facts, laws and regulations. Which online casinos offer the best games and customer support Hawaii residents? Provides an overview of online gambling and state laws for Hawaii residents. Top sports betting sites for Hawaii, plus current legal status of sports betting in this US state, best free bet offers and a general overview of online gambling. In the Aloha State gambling has been illegal for several decades: we take a look at the future prospects for casino & betting legality.
The resistance to gambling reform is deeply rooted in Hawaii, as if it weren’t the luxury holiday island would have been transformed into a gambling oasis long-ago. The primary reason is the opinion of the local gerontocracy – the longstanding politicians who are mostly elderly hold onto the position that gambling reform would bring the wrong kind of people to their shores. Politicians on the island are obsessed with the idea of holding onto traditional Hawaiian values and vehemently resist approaches from private companies and foreign investors trying to wriggle their way in. The idea of Hawaii turning into a holiday destination for gambling is a nightmare scenario for many local leaders.
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Future Outlook of Hawaii Gambling
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
There have been small glimpses of hope that change is on the horizon, in 2019 a bill was introduced to the local government that would allow Hawaiians to participate in national lottery draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions. It turned out this bill would be postponed and the debate around the issues were never truly discussed – so strong is the resistance to any rhetoric of gambling legalization that think tanks and research groups that have been tasked to investigate the economic benefits of a state lottery have been shut down by the local government and ordered to halt their work.
Of course, there are many people in Hawaii who would greatly love to see the islands change its approach to these issues. Indeed private investors are constantly knocking the door on this, as the profit making potential of such a shift in policy could be potentially huge for those who are able to win the contracts. But whilst the ageing GOP gerontocracy maintains its grip over this state we don’t expect to see any meaningful advancement of Hawaii gambling laws.
Conclusion
There are many complicated reasons for Hawaii being so opposed to gambling, and the determination to avoid all forms of influence from gambling conglomerates is deeply rooted into the social fabric of its people. Indeed, they believe the damage from a gambling industry would far outweigh the benefits – but as we have seen across the world, a regulated and controlled gambling sector can provide enormous benefits for local economies. Head on back to our homepage for more on the current status of gambling legality and age restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Throughout this brief article we have brought you the latest facts and information regarding Hawaii gambling age restrictions. See below some of our most frequently asked question on this topic.
Why is there no lottery in Hawaii?
The reasons lottery gambling hasn’t made it to Hawaii are hotly debated, as many politicians don’t resist this particular type of gambling due to its societal benefit. One theory suggests Las Vegas based lobbyists don’t want Hawaii to become the new gambling-hub of the United States and lobby against any changes to its law.
Does Hawaii have online casinos?
No form of gambling is legal in Hawaii, but access to offshore casinos is not difficult to achieve for anyone with the right type of credit card and an internet connection.
Do Hawaiians bet on sports?
Sports betting is completely illegal in Hawaii, but the local population are known to have well-established unlicensed sports betting services. These services present a whole host of risks, but in short, they do exist and are incredibly popular.
Legal Online Gambling In Hawaii
The laws, when it comes to Hawaii gambling, are rather strict compared to the rest of the states. Hawaii does not have a gambling industry presently on land or over the Internet. Without any brick and mortar gambling establishments, many Hawaiian residents choose to break the law by playing on offshore sites or in underground gambling enterprises.
The lawmakers in Hawaii have proposed a bill in the past, pushing for the creation of a Hawaii Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The HILGC would oversee online gambling by regulating and managing any potential gaming options. However, the 2013 bill did not make it through the state’s legal process.
The reasoning for such an administration can be seen in one of the bill’s excerpts. “Moreover, tens of millions of dollars in revenues generated from online gambling are being realized by offshore operators serving Hawaii residents, but no benefits are provided to the State. To protect Hawaii residents who gamble on the Internet, and to capture revenues generated from internet gambling in Hawaii, it is in the best interest of the State and its citizens to regulate this existing activity by authorizing and implementing a secure, responsible, and legal system for internet gambling.” With so much money leaving the state, Hawaii’s future stance on gambling is bound to change.
What Type of Gambling is Legal in Hawaii?
Although the Aloha State has zero brick and mortar gambling establishments, Hawaiians can still legally gamble online through a couple different ways.
The new sports gambling alternative is a game of skill rather than chance through federal law. Sports enthusiasts have said that online fantasy sports betting has better chances to win and is just as exhilarating.
Residents can also legally gamble on skill games online. Interactive puzzle games like Bejeweled Blitz or Candy Crush Saga are available through US licensed platforms that pay out real cash prizes and jackpots.
Playing on Overseas Accounts
Although overseas sites are available to residents in Hawaii, that does not render them safe to play. Foreign sites will typically receive US citizens into thinking that they are reliable gambling options. However, all foreign sites operate outside of US legal jurisdiction, avoiding any gambling regulations that are for the safety of the citizen. However, overseas sites operate in countries that do not have any gaming regulations.
Ultimately, participants never have a guarantee that they will receive fair play or their gambling winnings. Also, playing on an offshore site is a crime within the state of Hawaii. Statute 712-1223 of Hawaiian Law says “A person engages in gambling if he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.” This extends and covers offshore play. Participants are subject to a misdemeanor offense punishable by one year in jail and $2000 in fines. It is always safest to gamble legally within the boundaries of state and federal law.
Online Poker
Online poker is not legal in Hawaii, and neither is any form of the popular casino table game. Though the state may be progressing towards the expansion of its gambling industry, it will be difficult to legalize online poker for at least another couple of years. For now, Hawaiians should play private games of poker rather than breaking the law on offshore sites.
Casinos In Hawaii 2019
Online Sports Betting
Traditional sports betting is illegal in Hawaii as it is in every state excluding Nevada. There is a handful of states including New Jersey that are potentially looking to legalize casino sportsbooks. However, federal laws stand firmly in the way of proposals becoming law. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 explicitly bans all forms of traditional sports gambling.
Also, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 continues to shut down illegal forms of sports betting both online and in underground establishments. Offshore sportsbooks are dangerous investments that cannot be prosecuted in the case of unfair play.
Residents should try the legal alternative, online fantasy sports betting. The major difference is that unlike traditional sports gambling where the game is riding on chance, fantasy sports betting centers around skill. Players that utilize their sports knowledge have far better odds in online fantasy sports betting.
Online Horse and Greyhound Racing
Is There Any Gambling In Hawaii
Hawaii does not have any horse and greyhound racetracks within the state. There are also no present off-track betting facilities in the Aloha State. Hawaii does not seem to be pushing for online horse and greyhound wagering. However, the option to make online bets through secure platforms could be the closest thing to reach legalization.
Sites like TVG and BetAmerica hold contracts with nearly every racetrack in the United States as well as several international tracks. Proper licensing allows for a group of select websites to operate and service US residents. Hopefully, the Aloha State will take advantage of the financial benefits that come with online racing sites that require little state regulation to operate.
Online Casinos
Are There Any Casinos In Hawaii
As well as not having any land-based casinos in the state, Hawaii also does not permit, manage, or authorize any online casinos either. However, residents can get something similar to casino-style gaming through online skill games. Platforms like WorldWinner host everyday competitions and tournaments for a broad range of interactive puzzle games that pay out real cash winnings.
Conclusion
Overall, the state of Hawaii has some time to progress before expanding on its few present gambling options. However, residents can still find gambling action online either through fantasy sports betting or their favorite skill game. The punishment for gambling illegally in the Aloha State is never worth the risk of playing on offshore sites. Remember your limits, and to enjoy the experience. Have fun and good luck!