Bill > HB1466

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for social gaming in Hawaii, creating a regulated system for skill-based card games in a dedicated facility. The bill authorizes a 10-year renewable license for a social gaming facility in a special tourism district, allowing participation for adults 18 and older, with non-residents required to obtain guest membership. A new Hawaii Social Gaming Control Commission will be established to oversee operations, monitor activities, collect taxes, and distribute revenue. The facility will be limited to 30 tables with no more than 10 players per table, operating between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. daily. Notably, the bill emphasizes that these are skill-based games, not gambling, with no house odds and equal opportunities for players. A key feature of the bill is that a significant portion of the revenue will be allocated to housing programs, specifically targeting solutions for houseless Native Hawaiian residents. The bill defines social gaming as deck-of-card game rooms and poker rooms, with strict rules about wagering, equipment, and player conduct. The legislation aims to create jobs, generate economic opportunities, and provide a safe, regulated environment for social gaming while addressing housing challenges for Native Hawaiians.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1466&year=2025