Is Online Gambling Legal in Hawaii?
Hawaiian laws prohibit all kinds of gambling, including sports betting, casino gambling, pari-mutuel wagering, bingo halls, race tracks, and all other forms of popular ways to test one's luck.
Hawaii has yet to establish an official state lottery, and all bills aimed at changing the status quo have thus far failed.
Are Land-Based Casinos Allowed in Hawaii?
Since 1959, when Hawaii became the 50th state, it has been a gambling-free zone. The general belief is that Hawaii should not try to compete with Las Vegas and that introducing land-based gaming facilities would harm local companies since tourists will instead spend their money in casinos.
Which Forms of Online Gambling are Legal in Hawaii?
The closest thing to legal online gambling online found in the state of Hawaii is social gambling. Sports betting and fantasy gambling unlike casino games like poker, is not permitted even in a social setting.
If one considers casino-style online skill games a "true form" of gambling - then there's a good deal of opportunities to "gamble". Besides, interactive puzzle games like Candy Crush Saga (that sometimes payout real cash prizes and jackpots) are accessible via US platforms licensed in the US.
Can I Get in Trouble for Gambling in a Hawaiian Online Casino?
As previously mentioned, Hawaii does maintain a complete ban on gambling, which means that gambling in the state is punishable and could lead to jail time and fines. It's worth remembering that the safest way to gamble is to remain within the limits of state and federal laws.
Also, running a gambling operation for one's profit is completely forbidden.
What is the Future of HI Online Gambling?
A few lawmakers sponsored bills regarding the legalisation of internet gambling (Michelle Kidani's Senate Bill 677). Even though the proposal didn't gather momentum at the time, some politicians have shown interest in legalising online gambling in Hawaii.
Until there is a new development, online and land-based gambling remains illegal and prohibited in Hawaii.