Up to now, gambling has been prohibited in Hawaii. However, this is to change, and seven bills are to ensure that in the future tourists can also enjoy themselves in Hawaii by gambling. In addition, the government wants to introduce state-run sports betting. If everything went according to plan, there would be only one state in the USA where gambling would not be allowed.
These Ideas Have Been Proposed
Although Hawaii and Utah are the only two states in the U.S. where gambling is still banned, seven bills have been proposed to allow gambling to be established in Hawaii as well.
Some may think that this is a bit of an exaggeration.
One of these bills provides that a corporation called Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation may offer the following games:
- Games of Chance
- Games of Skill
- Lotteries
- Poker
- Casino Games
According to this draft, sports betting should remain prohibited.
Much more interesting may seem the idea that the revenues from gambling should be used to financially support public schools and universities.
Another draft would only allow lotteries other than Mega Millions and Powerball, which are popular in the US.
The question with this bill is whether this idea is worthwhile.
Most likely, residents of Hawaii would be able to participate in these lottery games online, as is the case in Europe.
On the positive side, the revenue would also benefit the education sector.
Two Designs for Island Resort
Two other designs appear to be far more interesting and purposeful.
These envisage an island resort.
This resort would consist not only of the casino, but also of a hotel.
Tourists could spend the night there, which would boost tourism in general.
The revenue could still go to the education sector.
Compared to lottery offers, the economy in Hawaii would receive a much greater benefit.
A large resort needs new employees, so Hawaii's population would also benefit from a private perspective.
Some Hawaii residents resist the idea of introducing gambling.
However, if new employees are hired, this problem could be taken care of.
It is also interesting to note that the resort would be licensed for the next 40 years.
In addition, sports betting would be allowed, subject to a 45 percent tax.
The state would also benefit from such a tax.
From this point of view, the idea with its own island resort would be the most efficient proposal at the moment.
This would also be because the operator of the resort would only have to pay a fee of one million US dollars for the license.
The building would also have to be constructed.
After such a great project must be awarded via a tender, local companies could get a chance.
Down the road, new jobs would be created as Hawaii would need its own gaming authority.
A portion of the license fee and state revenue due to the creation of the resort would go to the Hawaiian Home Projects initiative.
Another bill would provide that there would be a casino, but not a hotel.
This stand-alone casino would only receive a 10-year license.
Government Wants to Establish Sports Betting
Even before the various proposals are voted on, the government would like to establish sports betting.
However, no private individual would be granted a license.
The problem in Hawaii would be that many gamblers already turn to illegal sports betting services.
Therefore, according to the government, it would not make sense to rely on a new local provider where residents would bet.
Thus, the idea would be that there would be a state provider for sports betting so that gamblers would no longer resort to the illegal offers.
The idea under consideration is to establish a subsidiary of the state-owned DBET.
This newly created subsidiary would be allowed to offer sports betting to anyone over the age of 18.
The board of the new group is to be made up of seven people who will oversee all activities.
Whether this first step by the government actually makes sense remains to be seen.
As a rule, tourists will not turn to sports betting – they want to have fun in a casino on site.