Hawaii Governor Signals Support for Sports Betting Bill

A Big Step Toward Legal Betting

“If the Legislature goes to the full way and passes it, I’ll likely let it become law,” Green said, citing a private poll showing two-thirds of residents back gaming if revenues fund housing.

The bill, which could make Hawaii the 40th state with legal sports betting, is stuck in a conference committee as the May 1, 2025, legislative deadline looms. Green’s stance marks a shift for a state with no legal gambling.

The Senate passed HB 1308 on April 8, 15-10, restoring a 10% tax rate and $250,000 license fee, but the House rejected these changes, sending it to a conference to hash out differences.

Green’s openness hinges on protections like addiction services, which the bill includes via a 7% tax allocation. If signed, betting could launch by July 1, 2025, with operators like DraftKings eyeing licenses.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

Green sees sports betting as a way to boost Hawaii’s $350 million Aloha Stadium project. “That is the one way to immediately guarantee you could build an $800 million stadium,” he told Hawaii News Now, noting its appeal to sports tourists.

The bill, led by Representative Daniel Holt, aims to regulate an already active illegal market, projecting $10-20 million in annual taxes.

Supporters, including Native Hawaiian groups, argue it could create jobs and fund housing, with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement eyeing opportunities, per Hawaii News Now.

But not everyone’s on board. Senators like Sharon Moriwaki warn of addiction and crime, citing constituents’ struggles. Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm fears a “generation of problem gamblers.” The Department of Law Enforcement, tapped to regulate, faces skepticism about its readiness.

Green’s cautious support, backed by a poll he referenced but doesn’t have, shows he’s weighing both sides. If the committee nails a compromise, Hawaii could join 39 states with legal betting.