Bill > SB3303

This bill establishes a framework for regulating sports wagering in Hawaii, allowing the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to oversee the industry. It mandates licensing requirements for both sports wagering operators, who run the betting platforms, and sports wagering suppliers, who provide equipment and services. A general excise tax will be levied on sports wagering operator licenses, and a portion of the revenue will fund the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund, administered by the Department of Health. Importantly, the bill specifies that legal sports wagering and fantasy sports contests will not be considered contests of chance or gambling, and DBEDT is authorized to conduct criminal history record checks on applicants and licensees to ensure compliance and integrity within the sports wagering system.