Bill > HB1308

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for sports wagering in Hawaii, allowing the Department of Law Enforcement to license and oversee sports betting activities. The bill creates a new chapter of law that defines key terms like "sports wagering" and "fantasy sports contests", establishes licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and suppliers, and sets a minimum of four operator licenses to be issued. Sports wagering would be conducted exclusively through approved mobile applications or digital platforms, with participants required to be at least 21 years old and physically located in the state. The bill imposes a 10% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts, with 7% of those taxes dedicated to a new Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund and another 7% allocated to support education programs. Importantly, the legislation explicitly defines sports wagering and fantasy sports contests as not being considered gambling, which changes existing legal definitions. The bill also authorizes criminal background checks for licensees, establishes strict operational requirements for sports wagering operators, and creates a voluntary self-exclusion program for individuals concerned about potential gambling problems. The sports wagering system would begin on a universal start date no later than 180 days after the act's effective date, with the entire system set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1308&year=2026