Hawaii prepares for its first gambling establishments.
A gambling revolution is on the verge in Hawaii: No less than seven bills aim to allow casino resorts and lotteries. At the same time, this tourist haven prepares to introduce state-run sports betting. These proposals are groundbreaking, as Hawaii is the only US state aside from Utah that hasn't legalized any kind of gaming yet. Here's what they entail in detail.
Funding for Education
Hawaii's government is contemplating several bills to legalize casinos and lotteries. House of Representatives and Senate members have introduced six different bills, all having passed their first reading and now assigned to relevant committees. A seventh bill targets studying the effects of legalized gambling.
Each bill suggests different gambling forms: Senate Bill 561, presented by Gilbert Keith-Agaran, and House Bill 363, by Representative Scott Saiki, propose establishing a corporation named the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation. This entity would host games of chance and skill, such as lotteries, poker, and casino games. However, sports betting would still be prohibited. Profits from legal gambling would back fund public schools and the University of Hawaii.
40-year License for Casino Resort
Senate Bill 853, from Dru Kanuha, would instate a Hawaii state lottery division. This lottery would only offer two significant interstate lottery games in the US: Mega Millions and Powerball. Revenues would also support education.
In contrast, bills HB359 and SB132, by Scott Saiki and Senator Ronald Kouchi, permit a single integrated casino resort across the island chain. This resort would receive a 40-year operating license. They also legalize sports betting, with a 45% betting tax proposed. A $1 million license fee would also be levied. A state gambling commission would regulate the gambling business, conducting a bidding process and allocating the profits to the Hawaiian Homes Projects initiative, which provides housing for Native Hawaiians.
Casinos Separated from Hotels
Bill SB772, by Senator John Mazuno, allows a single casino, but it can't be part of a hotel. An 10-year license is allocated, and it's centered in Honolulu's Waikiki neighborhood.
A Study Group on Effects of Legalized Gambling
A seventh bill, HB457, introduced by Sam Kong, plans a market opening complemented by a working group within the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. This task force would look into gambling effects and propose regulatory measures to legislators.
Plans for a State Betting Provider
Hawaii's legislators also intend to introduce a state betting provider. Before casinos, sports betting might become the state's first legal form of gambling. However, the market may not be open to private providers immediately. The bill HB1107 asserts that tens of thousands of Hawaiians routinely bet on illegal sites. Additionally, millions from previously illegal online gambling could be generated. These offshore providers would cater to the population but give no benefits to the state. To protect residents, it's best to regulate sports betting, ensuring a safe option that benefits the state.
However, this revenue wouldn't come from allowing private operators to access the market. Instead, a state institution, the Hawaii Sports Wagering Corporation, may be established. This would only require amending the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The new company would then be a DBET subsidiary, authorized to offer sports betting to those aged 18 and over. A seven-member board would manage this company, developing rules for sports betting. Its implementaion remains uncertain.
Hawaii, along with Utah, is one of only two US states that haven't legalized any form of gambling. This state's plans are thus groundbreaking but somewhat surprising, considering the land-based casino industry is currently struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several casino closures and mass layoffs have occurred across the US. While casinos reopened, strict safety precautions remain, largely impacting businesses. Long-term consequences of the pandemic for the casino market are uncertain.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
