Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Moves Forward with Senate Committee Approval
Sports betting legislation in Hawaii advances through Senate committees with unanimous approval, marking significant progress for online wagering in the state.
The bill, HB 1308, received a 9-0 vote from the Hawaii Senate Joint Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Protection, though four members voted "with reservations."
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Key Points of the Legislation:
- Proposes at least four online sports betting licenses
- Shifts regulatory oversight from Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
- Aims to generate new revenue streams for the state
Regulatory Concerns:
- DCCA Director Nadine Ando expressed concerns about implementation complexity and costs
- Questions raised about economic viability and sufficient tax revenue
- Hawaii Department of Attorney General cited limited regulation and minimal punishment for unlicensed operators
Support comes from groups like the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, representing 35,000 workers, who advocate for new revenue sources in the state.
The bill now moves to the Senate Ways and Means Committee before potential consideration on the Senate floor. Supporters emphasize the need for new state revenue, while opponents warn of potential societal impacts and increased crime rates.
This development represents a significant step towards potentially making Hawaii one of the newest states to legalize online sports betting, though regulatory and implementation challenges remain to be addressed.