The Hawaii State Legislature has officially indefinitely deferred a bill that would have legalized casino gambling in the state. The decision, made on Thursday afternoon, ensures that Hawaii remains one of the only two U.S. states (along with Utah) where all forms of gambling remain illegal.
What Was the Proposed Bill?
Senate Bill 893 aimed to:
- Establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to regulate casino operations.
- Allow casinos within the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District.
- Impose a 15% tax on gross wagering receipts to generate state revenue.
Despite these provisions, the bill faced strong opposition from government agencies, law enforcement, and community members, ultimately leading to its indefinite deferral.
Why Was the Casino Bill Rejected?
During the legislative discussion, State Senator Lynn DeCoite announced the bill’s rejection, citing widespread public opposition. She emphasized that Hawaii should not rely on gambling revenue or impose additional taxes on residents.
Opposition testimonies came from:
- Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Department of the Attorney General
- Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney
Senator DeCoite acknowledged the longstanding resistance to casino gambling in Hawaii, stating:
“Casino gambling has not always been a favorite subject. Regardless of if we’re flying to Vegas or any other place, we’ve always had our challenges here in Hawaii.”
Following the decision, applause erupted from those relieved that gambling would not be legalized.
What This Means for Hawaii
- Hawaii remains one of only two U.S. states with no legal gambling (no casinos, lottery, or sports betting).
- Hawaiians will continue traveling to places like Las Vegas to gamble, contributing to Nevada’s tourism economy instead of Hawaii’s.
- State lawmakers will need to find other revenue sources instead of relying on a casino tax.
Hawaii has long resisted gambling, and this latest decision shows that sentiment has not changed. While some believe casino gambling could bring economic benefits, many lawmakers and community members argue it would cause more harm than good.
For now, Hawaii remains casino-free, but with ongoing debates about state revenue and tourism, this issue could resurface in the future.
