Hawaii Legislature Halts Casino Gambling Bill

Could Hawaii become the next major casino destination? Not anytime soon. The Hawaii State Legislature has indefinitely halted Senate Bill 893, a proposal aimed at legalizing casino gambling. The bill, which would have created a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, faced overwhelming opposition from government agencies and lawmakers. While proponents highlighted economic benefits, critics warned of increased crime, gambling addiction, and social harm. With this decision, Hawaii remains one of only two U.S. states with a total gambling ban.

Hawaii Legislature Indefinitely Defers Casino Gambling Bill, Keeping the State Gambling-Free

Key Points:

1. Hawaii Lawmakers Reject Casino Bill, Citing Public Opposition

   • The bill faced strong resistance from lawmakers and regulatory agencies, leading to its indefinite deferral.
   • Key concerns included gambling addiction, crime, and financial instability for residents.

2. Proposed Bill Aimed to Generate State Revenue

   • The bill sought to establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee casino operations.
   • A 15% wagering tax on gross casino receipts was proposed to fund public services and economic development.

3. Hawaii Remains One of Only Two States with a Total Gambling Ban

   • Alongside Utah, Hawaii prohibits all forms of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and sports betting.
   • Despite multiple legislative attempts over the years, no gambling bill has ever passed.

Hawaii Lawmakers Halt Casino Legalization Effort Amid Strong Opposition

Hawaii’s latest attempt to legalize casino gambling has come to an end. On Thursday afternoon, state lawmakers indefinitely deferred Senate Bill 893, preventing it from advancing further in the current legislative session.

The decision follows intense opposition from government agencies, legal authorities, and political leaders who argued that introducing casinos would do more harm than good.

What Was in Senate Bill 893?

Had it passed, Senate Bill 893 would have:

• Established the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to regulate and oversee casino operations.
• Authorized a casino within the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, creating a regulated gambling market.
• Introduced a 15% tax on casino gross receipts, with revenue earmarked for public services and economic initiatives.

Proponents of the bill argued that Hawaii residents already gamble in Las Vegas and online, meaning the state was missing out on potential tax revenue. They also highlighted that a legal, regulated gambling market could generate millions in revenue while ensuring player protections.

Strong Opposition Leads to Bill’s Demise

Despite the potential economic benefits, opposition to the bill was overwhelming. Leading the charge were:

• The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• The Department of the Attorney General
• The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

These agencies voiced concerns over increased crime, problem gambling, and financial instability for residents prone to addiction. Critics argued that the risks outweighed the rewards, emphasizing that gambling revenue often comes at a high social cost.

Sen. Lynn DeCoite, one of the bill’s key opponents, stated:

“Hawaii is not a place where lawmakers want to impose additional taxes on residents. Legalizing casino gambling would not align with the state’s economic and social priorities.”

Bill’s Failure Met with Applause

The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, which reviewed the bill, ended its session with applause after confirming the deferment. This reaction indicated that many lawmakers were relieved by the decision, reflecting Hawaii’s long-standing resistance to legalized gambling.

For decades, efforts to introduce gambling in Hawaii have repeatedly failed, despite:

• The strong demand for betting among Hawaii residents who travel to Las Vegas frequently.
• The potential for casino revenue to fund state programs and infrastructure.

Yet, lawmakers have consistently prioritized social concerns over economic incentives, keeping the state gambling-free.

Hawaii Remains One of Two States Without Legal Gambling

With the defeat of Senate Bill 893, Hawaii remains one of only two U.S. states—alongside Utah—that completely ban all forms of gambling.

The state prohibits casinos, sports betting, lottery games, and any form of wagering, reinforcing its strict anti-gambling stance. Over the years, multiple bills have been introduced to legalize some form of gambling, yet none have ever passed.

Will Hawaii Ever Legalize Gambling?

While the current bill is unlikely to be revisited, the gambling debate is far from over. Future proposals may include:

1. A limited, highly regulated casino model, similar to tribal gaming in other states.
2. Online gambling legislation, focusing on a state-run lottery or sports betting platform.
3. Public referendums, allowing Hawaii’s citizens to vote directly on gambling legalization.

However, with strong opposition from lawmakers, state agencies, and anti-gambling advocates, the prospects for legalized gambling remain slim.

Hawaii Stands Firm Against Casino Gambling

The indefinite deferral of Senate Bill 893 signals that Hawaii’s political and regulatory landscape remains firmly opposed to legalized gambling. While supporters argued for economic benefits, opponents successfully emphasized social risks and financial harm.

Hawaii’s strict anti-gambling laws remain intact, keeping the state aligned with Utah as the only two U.S. jurisdictions with a complete gambling ban.

As other states expand their gaming industries, Hawaii continues to stand apart, leaving one question: Will public demand ever be strong enough to change lawmakers’ minds?