Is Sports Betting Legal in Hawaii?

Is sports betting legal in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii is one of only two states, alongside Utah, with no legal gambling of any kind. There is no lottery, no casino, no racetrack betting and no sportsbook, either in person or online. Sports betting is therefore not legal for anyone in the islands.

That said, Hawaii has come closer than many people realise. In 2025 a bill to legalise online sports betting passed the state House for the first time, but it died when the House and Senate could not agree on a final version. Lawmakers revisited the issue in 2026, but as of late 2026 sports betting has not been legalised.

The debate in Honolulu

Supporters argue that many residents already bet through offshore websites and that a regulated market would bring consumer protection and tax revenue. Opponents worry about addiction and the social impact of introducing any gambling to a state that has resisted it for decades. Details such as tax rates, the choice of regulator and whether a state agency or private operators would run the market have been the main sticking points.

There is also a broader tourism question. Hawaii's visitor economy is built around beaches, culture and nature rather than casinos, and some lawmakers fear that legalising one form of gambling would open the door to others. Supporters counter that a mobile-only sports betting market would not involve any physical casinos and could be ring-fenced with strict advertising rules and funding for treatment services. Until those arguments are resolved, Hawaii remains entirely closed to legal wagering.

Betting legally as a Hawaii resident

Because Hawaii has no land borders, the only way to bet legally is to travel to a state where it is permitted. Many residents already visit Las Vegas, where casino sportsbooks are plentiful, and you can open an account with a licensed mobile sportsbook while physically in a legal state. Apps will not let you bet once you are back in Hawaii.

We do not recommend offshore operators that target residents of non-legal states. They hold no US licence and offer no protection if something goes wrong.

Sports interest and support

Without a major professional team, Hawaii's local focus is on the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, along with NFL, NBA and MLB fandom imported from the mainland. Football carries a special place in the islands, with many Polynesian players from Hawaii reaching the NFL. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential support.