Hawaii sports betting bill stalls, heads to conference committee

A push to legalize sports betting in Hawaii has hit a legislative roadblock, casting uncertainty over the bill’s future just weeks before the session concludes.

On Thursday, the Hawaii House of Representatives refused to accept Senate amendments to HB 1308, sending the bill to a conference committee to resolve differences. Lawmakers have until May 1 to reach a deal before the session ends, as per LegalSportsReport.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Daniel Holt, would establish a legal sports betting market with at least four sportsbooks operating in the state. Hawaii remains one of just two states without any legal form of gambling, making the bill’s progress this session unexpected.

Holt’s initial version of the bill included a 10% tax on sports betting revenue and a $250,000 licensing fee. However, those financial provisions were stripped during House committee hearings to promote broader discussion, and possibly to negotiate higher rates. The Senate later reinserted the original tax and fee structure before approving the bill last week.

Supporters of the bill argued that legalization would offer consumer protections and curb the spread of illegal gambling. “The risk is already out there,” Holt told KHON 2. “People already have access with their phones, and we’re just putting it into a legal market.”

He added that regulation would ensure fairer odds and include educational initiatives to warn residents that gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a profession.

Despite growing momentum, the legislation continues to face stiff resistance. Multiple state and municipal agencies, including the Attorney General’s office, have testified against it.

Still, Gov. Josh Green has expressed conditional support, saying he could back the bill if it includes strong consumer protections.