Bill > SB1569

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for legal sports wagering in Hawaii, creating a robust regulatory system administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The legislation allows for a minimum of four sports wagering operator licenses to be issued to qualified gaming entities, who can offer sports betting exclusively through mobile applications and digital platforms. Licensees must be at least 21 years old and physically located in Hawaii, and the bill includes strict requirements for operators, such as implementing monitoring systems to detect suspicious betting activities, reporting potential violations, and displaying problem gambling helpline information. The bill introduces a 10% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts and creates a Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund to support counseling, treatment programs, and responsible gaming education. Importantly, the bill explicitly defines sports wagering as not constituting gambling, exempting it from existing gambling offense statutes, and establishes a voluntary exclusion program for individuals who wish to prevent themselves from participating in sports wagering. The legislation also includes provisions for licensing sports wagering suppliers, detailed house rules for game play, and mechanisms for potential interstate sports wagering agreements, with the goal of creating a safe, regulated environment for sports betting in Hawaii.