Hawaii’s HB 1308 advanced to the full Senate after clearing legislative committees, according to the report. The draft would permit at least four digital sports betting licences, set a 10% tax and charge $250,000 for a five-year licence; it proposes a 1 July 2025 effective date and a 1 January 2026 start for betting.
The bill could establish Hawaii’s online sports betting framework, including licence numbers, tax and fee terms.
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Hawaii lawmakers failed to advance a bill to regulate sports gambling during the 2025 legislative session. Sponsor Rep. Daniel Holt said disagreement over taxation and who would run the industry prevented agreement; he said the issue would return to lawmakers next year.
Hawaii’s HB 1308, which would permit four digital sports betting platforms and no retail venues, has advanced through the House and into the Senate. State agencies, including the attorney general and the department initially named as regulator, oppose the proposal; the source also reports campaign contributions to some lawmakers from the Sports Betting Alliance and Boyd Gaming.
Hawaii’s Senate Joint Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Protection advanced House Bill 1308 in a unanimous vote last week, despite four members expressing reservations. The bill had passed the state House and would allow four online sports betting platforms, but its current version sets no tax rate or licensing fees and excludes retail betting.
Hawaii’s Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee advanced Senate Bill 1569, which proposes statewide mobile sports betting, according to the report. The bill would allow up to four platforms and set a $250,000 application fee; it has not become law. Lawmakers face a 6 March crossover deadline, with the legislative session due to run until 2 May.
Hawaii House and Senate committees advanced bills to legalise online sports betting and daily fantasy sports, according to reports. The proposals include a 10% tax on sports betting revenue and would require operator licences costing $250,000; the bills remain subject to further legislative and regulatory steps.