Online sports betting legislation in Hawaii continues to advance through the Senate after receiving unanimous approval from the Joint Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Protection. The bill, HB 1308, passed with a 9-0 vote, though four members approved "with reservations."

The legislation proposes awarding at least four online sports betting licenses and initially suggested the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) as the regulatory body. However, DCCA Director Nadine Ando expressed concerns about her department's ability to regulate sports betting effectively, citing staffing challenges and potentially insufficient tax revenues.

Key Points of the Bill:

• Minimum of four online sports betting licenses
• Regulatory oversight transferred to Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
• Currently awaiting review by Senate Ways and Means Committee

Industry Support and Opposition:

• The Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council supports the bill, citing the need for new state revenue
• The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General opposes the bill, warning of:
  • Limited regulation
  • Minimal punishment for unlicensed operators
  • Potential increase in crime
  • Adverse societal impacts

The bill's next step is review by the Senate Ways and Means Committee before potentially moving to the Senate floor for further discussion. This legislation represents Hawaii's latest attempt to introduce legal sports betting as a new revenue stream for the state.

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