Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii

Hawaii currently has no casinos, and it’s unclear where legal sports wagers will be made. The online gambling industry in the US is growing even faster than the land-based market. A number of states have outright legalized internet casino games and sports betting. Efforts to Legalize Online Gambling. The crackdown comes at a time when Hawaii had early movement of a bill to legalize online gambling. Will Espero introduced the Internet Gambling Bill, SB 677, which says: “Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents are estimated to participate in illegal online gambling on unregulated internet.

• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii State
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii Five-o
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii Right Now
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii 5-0

Hawaii may not have been swept up in the online poker boom like some states, but there are still tens of thousands of Hawaiians who have tried their luck at online poker in Hawaii. Even today, Hawaii and online poker continue to be a great match, with hundreds of new players signing on to play cash games and tournaments online.

If you have questions about how to join them, read on for more about online poker and the law in Hawaii, how gambling is approach by the government in Hawaii and an index of credible resources that will help you learn all you ever wanted to know about Hawaii and where to play online poker.

Establishing a State Lottery

In 2016 alone, 15 gaming bills were proposed in the Hawaii State Legislature. Most of the bills pass their first reading and one is still being considered. Three of these bills (HB 1830, HB 2536, and SB 2626) involved legalization of a state lottery.

Fantasy Sports Bills

Three bills (HB 2111, SB 2429, and B2722) involve fantasy sports in Hawaii. Of these, two of the bill seek to make fantasy sports illegal in Hawaii. A third bill would regulate the DFS industry. Ironically, the same senator sponsored a bill to ban fantasy sports and regulate it: Democrat Gilbert Keith-Agaran.

Hawaii State Horse Racing Board

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii State

SB 1373 would establish a PILOT for horse racing in Hawaii, while establishing a State Horse Racing Board. The seven senators who sponsored the bill were Donovan Dela Cruz, Brickwood Galuteria, Kaiali’i Kahele, Michelle Kidani, Clarence Nishihara, Maile Shimabukuro, and Gilbert Keith-Agaran. In a 25-member senate, a bill sponsored by 7 members has a pretty good chance of passing.

Slot Machines in Airports

HR 71, sponsored by Cindy Evans, would legalize “amusement concessions” in airports. Essentially, slot machines would be placed in Hawaii’s airports, which would target tourists and business travelers from out-of-state. Most gamblers know that airport slots have the worst odds of all. Terminals have such a high turnover of customers; you don’t really need to build a loyal customer base.

If HR 71 passed, the revenues generated would go into the airport revenue fund. Representative Evans’s bill was carried over from the 2015 legislative session, but it did not appear to have received enough support to go to the floor of the house.

Most of the remaining bills had to do with tax relief on winnings in out-of-state venues and nuisance abatements on gambling offenses. While there seemed to be plenty of activity from lawmakers on the gambling-related subjects, few of the proposals seemed close to passing. Hawaii remains, alongside Utah, one of only two states with a 100% ban on gambling.

Illegal Card Games, Sports Bets, and Cockfighting

Illegal gambling is another matter. Roman Kalinowski, the senior staff writers for the Ka Leo Hawai’i, the campus newspaper for the University of Hawai’i Manoa, wrote in 2015 that “cockfighting, sports betting, video gambling machines and backroom card games are available to locals and tourists willing to track them down.”

Mr. Kalinowski’s assertion was in an opinion piece, but a look through old stories on Legal US Poker Sites gives an indication the student writer is right. A number of illegal gambling rings have been busted in the past 3 years, and some of those rings have been for tens of millions of dollars of cash. Those gaming rings involved sophisticated online betting tools, as well.

Sumner LaCroix, an economics professor at University of Hawai’i at Manoa, said that the prohibition has led to a significant underground economy. Estimates range that underground gaming in Hawaii might involve $700 million to $7 billion of action per year, or between 1% and 10% of Hawaii’s GDP.

As recently as 2014, the Director of Research for Gambling Compliance, Chris Krafcik, predicted Hawaii’s legislature would consider legalizing online gambling. Nothing happened in 2014, but experts continue to believe Hawaii might one day legalize some forms of gambling. Hawaiian residents most often mention a state lottery as a starting place.

Playing Online Poker in Hawaii

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii Five-o

When we say legal poker sites in HI, we’re referring to sites with a proper license issued by a qualified regulatory body. If you play on other sites, you’re risking your bankroll. That’s why we only list legit poker rooms in our picks for Hawaiian poker sites, and then we dwindle that group to include just the top rooms with the best bonuses and promotions. The result is the list below

What Sites Take Poker Players From Hawaii Online?

You can play on almost all online poker rooms in Hawaii. This does not include rooms that don’t accept any players from the US, but all poker sites that let American players participate in real money games also take players from Hawaii. Players from states like New York and Washington aren’t as fortunate, as they face sign up restrictions at most sites, but poker players from Hawaii are welcome at rooms across the net.

Online Poker Law for Hawaii

With no case law concerning online poker or any record of arrests related to playing online poker, it’s difficult to reach a final conclusion on the legality of online poker in Hawaii. If you’re playing online poker in Hawaii and want to understand how state law might impact you, we’ve developed this brief overview of the most important parts for online poker players.
Note: Players should always seek professional legal help for anything other than casual questions regarding the law.

Hawaiian law takes a simple and clear position on gambling: None is legal in the state. As a result, the definition of gambling employed in state becomes very important.

The definition of gambling (Section 712-1220(1)) is a pretty standard one and involves any bet of something of value upon what the law calls a “contest of chance.”

Some might argue that poker is not a contest of chance, and that may well be true in the general sense. Hawaiian law, however, has a specific definition of contest of chance that appears to encompass poker:

“any contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein” (Section 712-1220(3))

Engaging in gambling (as defined by Hawaiian law) is a misdemeanour offence (Section 712-1223).

Social gambling (and home poker games) are legal (Section 712-1231), but only under very strict conditions that would seem to preclude online poker from finding shelter under the exemption.

Chances of Regulating Online Poker in Hawaii

As you probably have guessed by now, there’s little in Hawaii’s history that suggests the state is a likely candidate to regulate online poker. With such strict attitudes toward all types of gambling enshrined in the law, a bill that regulated online poker in Hawaii would face substantial hurdles.

That’s unfortunate, because we believe that a local influence in regulation is key to developing online poker rooms that customers can trust and enjoy. Despite the obvious advantages of regulating online poker, it seems as if the Hawaiian government simply doesn’t have an interest in providing residents with a locally licensed and clearly legal online poker option.

Quick Background for Hawaiian Gambling

Gambling seems popular in Hawaii. Many of the news articles discussing Hawaii and gambling claim that Las Vegas is known as the “ninth island” of Hawaii. We can’t speak directly to the truth of that claim, but it doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch for a region with such strong gambling roots.

For example, horse racing was once the dominant form of entertainment among the Hawaiian elite. In fact, nearly a dozen race tracks called Hawaii home during the late 1800s and early 1900s. That trend died out in the 1950s, and with it went the last remnants of regulated gambling in Hawaii. Today, Hawaii is one of just two US states (along with Utah) that offer absolutely no regulated gambling.

Hawaii’s Regulated Gambling Industry

As Hawaii does not have any regulated gambling, there’s little to say on this score.

Hawaii’s Regulated Online Gambling Industry

Online gambling is also not regulated in any way by the government of Hawaii. The state did take some steps toward passing an online gambling bill in 2010, but that effort stalled and the prospects for regulated online gambling in Hawaii within the next few years seem slim at best.

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

• September 30th, 2017

  There are only two states out of the 50 in America with no legalized gambling: Utah and Hawaii. The former has a deeply religious population and happily maintains its exception from the gambling culture of the United States. Hawaii, however, has abstained from joining the industry because of the precarious

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• When a construction worker at a Saipanese casino development died on site in late March, U.S. investigators raided the construction company’s headquarters. In the documents the FBI agents confiscated, they found evidence that hundreds of undocumented Chinese workers were a part of the project. In late April, U.S. prosectors filed

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Useful Sites for Hawaii Gambling Research

FindLaw: Hawaiian Gambling Law Overview – Guide to the basics of Hawaiian gambling law along with links to legal synopsis to all 50 states (not poker-specific).

History of Hawaiian Horse Racing – An in-depth look at the legal, social and cultural history of horse racing in Hawaii. Covers recent legislative attempts to bring legal betting to the state’s tracks.

Gambling in Hawaii and Utah – Scholarly paper from the Gaming Law Review and Economics journal. Covers the history and development of gambling in the only two states (Hawaii and Utah) that have no forms of regulated gambling whatsoever.

Hawaii’s Role in Poker’s Development

Relatively isolated from the rest of the United States and lacking a develop gambling industry, Hawaii has played a minor role in the history of poker. The state produced no World Series of Poker champions in 2012, and no poker players of national note (that we could uncover) hail from Hawaii. The one link from the newest US state to one of the oldest US games: Wikipedia claims that “Hawaii” is a hand nickname for QJ – because if you play it too much, you’ll end up losing about what a vacation to the islands costs.

Sources & Citations For This Article on Hawaii Online Poker

Even though Hawaii is a hot vacation destination, the restrictive laws leave many questions regarding legal online gambling for Hawaii residents. The state has effectively banned almost every form of gambling in the state, but this is just from a land-based perspective. You can still gamble on the Internet, as the legalities of online gambling in Hawaii have not been clearly defined. Instead, you will be able to partake in your favorite forms of gambling by using reputable offshore gambling sites that accept Hawaii residents. We are here to explain why it is not a crime for you to gamble online, as well as where you can gamble on the Internet. Provided you follow our advice, you should always be able to find a way to hit the games and have some fun.

Betting on the Kentucky Derby in Hawaii

The Kentucky Derby is the most popular event in all of horse racing and although those living in Hawaii are far away from the action, they don’t have to miss out on being able to place wagers on the race. Hawaii is one of the more conservative states when it comes to sports betting as they’ve banned most avenues of gambling. However, the state has not banned any forms of online gambling. Thus, giving Hawaiian thoroughbred bettors the option to place legal bets on the Kentucky Derby.

Mobile NFL Betting in Hawaii

Hawaii residents have not been shy about their fervor for NFL football even though there are no professional teams located in the state. There not being any retail sportsbooks on the many islands of Hawaii make finding a way to bet on the National Football League a hassle. This is where mobile NFL betting comes into play. Mobile betting allows users to place bets or add/withdraw funds from any mobile device that is connected to a reliable internet source. No matter your location in Hawaii betting on from a phone, laptop, or tablet is simply just a few finger taps away.

Live NFL Betting in Hawaii

In-game betting on the NFL has become one of the most common bet types for football bettors in Hawaii. An example of live betting on an NFL game is taking Tom Brady to throw a touchdown pass to Mike Evans in the fourth quarter. This bet likely couldn’t be placed before the start of the game, but bettors checking props during the game would be able to cash in on this prop and this is why live betting is vital. It allows bettors to see and feel how a game is being played first before placing a bet, which gives more of an advantage to bettors.

Online Gambling Age For Hawaii Residents

Since Hawaii has not technically authorized any form of gambling, there is no written age limited required to gamble. Since this is the case, you cannot actually gamble online until you turn 21. We do not recommend attempting to bypass this age limit, as you can get into some trouble.

Hawaii Online Gambling Laws

When we decided to look into the different statutes related to gambling in Hawaii, we found no law that mentions online gambling. There are no statutes that specifically mention using the internet to bet on table games, poker, slots, or any other type of traditional gambling. With the Supreme Court making the decision to overturn PASPA, many are wondering what this means specifically for online sports betting in Hawaii. Even though the federal ban has been lifted, there have not been any regulatory efforts to legalize sports betting. That being said, it could happen in the future but there has been no indication as to when.

As it stands, Hawaii has not legalized nor prohibited any type of internet gaming. For that reason, Hawaiians are not breaking any laws that have yet to be written on the books. You can review the Hawaii Statues and look through the various gambling offenses for confirmation.

Gambling Sites That Accept Hawaii Residents

There are several types of gambling that can be found online, and we are aiming to show you the four most popular. You will find so many options for play that you will have the Vegas-style experience without actually leaving home. Hawaiians will find that there are plenty of options on hand for casino gambling, sports betting, poker play, and bingo halls. All of these options offer diversity, the ability to win, and even secure transactions.

Bovada: Online Casino Tops The List

With all your funds in your Bovada account, there are many ways that it can be played besides betting on sports. With a great online casino right there as an option, this another good way you can flip your winnings. With so many different casino games, there are promotions every day for different games like blackjack and slots. So there is no reason for your funds to be just sitting in your account waiting for another sport to start up! You can put your money in this casino and win money and earn promotions while doing it! To make things even sweeter, you do have the chance to have a live dealer as well! The choice of who is yours as well! Go To Bovada!

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Online Casinos That Accept Hawaii Residents

Online casinos are direct, virtual copies of live casinos, with various themes for slots, every table game imaginable, and various types of video poker. You will have a lot of fun if you like casino gaming, so enjoy the games. Nothing has been left out of these games, and you will find that the options are infinite. Slots.lv is one of the best online casinos that accept Hawaii residents, but you will also have a fun experience at Lucky Red Casino.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Hawaii Residents

When it comes to sports betting, you will be able to turn to various online sportsbooks. These sportsbooks allow you to put money on all of your favorite sporting events, whether it be NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, surfing, boxing, golf, or any other televised sport. In fact, you will find this even easier than being at a live sportsbook, as the options are nearly unlimited. For the best online sports betting in Hawaii, shop lines at Bovada or 5Dimes.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Hawaii Residents

The poker rooms available are some of the most impressive. Whether you are a casual player or just someone who wants to play a few games here and there, you will have no trouble actually participating in various styles of poker. The online poker sites that accept Hawaii residents have games ranging from Hold 'em to Omaha and more. Three online poker sites to try out are BetOnline, SportsBetting, and Bovada.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Hawaii Players

With even bingo being a crime in the state of Hawaii, you will be able to turn to the online bingo halls in order to play these games and earn some real money. Provided you are willing to risk a little money, you will be able to have fun playing this most famous game. Downtown Bingo is one of the online bingo sites that accept Hawaii players, and you are guaranteed to find huge jackpots, even bigger bonuses, and a wide range of real money bingo rooms to join.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Hawaii?

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii Right Now

Hawaii has been one of the more restrictive states in the country in terms of gambling for a long time now, but legal online gambling in Hawaii was actually considered by the state several times. Hawaii is currently one of two states (Utah) that has no option to do any gambling at all in the United States.

Hawaii's gambling laws may ban land-based gambling, but they are not actually making it a crime to gamble online, as far as we can tell. Hawaii's legislature has not banned gambling from taking place, so you will not have to stress the legal issues. Players are freely able to pay without fear of the law.

Is It Safe For Players In Hawaii To Gamble On The Internet?

Anyone that wants to gamble online in the state of Hawaii doesn't have anything to fret over as this practice is safe for all Hawaii residents. And, to make this even safer we have prepared a list of sites on this page that Hawaiians can trust because these websites have been accepting American bettors for decades. These online gambling sites are regulated overseas and have held remote gaming licenses for years. What this means is that all of the online gambling sites for Hawaii residents that we have listed are trusted, have been in business for a while, and continually grow their player base. You don't keep getting bigger by cheating players and not paying out.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Hawaii?

Hawaiians will find that online casinos are the only way for you to actually participate in this form of gambling without having to leave your home. If you do not want to hop on a plane just to hit a slot machine, you can very easily turn on your computer and get involved with the games. There are no laws that make offshore casino gambling illegal.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Hawaii?

Sports betting is even further from Hawaii than a casino, so you have no choice but to turn to the Internet to hit the odds. Thankfully, the law is not going to make it a crime for you to gamble on sports over the Internet. The options are all based offshore due to the fact that you can very easily jump on your computer, or your mobile device, and play the odds.

Article: Is online sports betting legal in the USA?

Is Online Poker Legal In Hawaii?

Hawaiians may be able to participate in social poker games, but they also have the ability to play poker for higher stakes by turning to the online poker rooms that operate safely and legally by way of the Internet.

Online Racebook Betting Sites that accept Hawaii Residents

If you are looking for online racebook betting sites that accept Hawaii residents, the sites we have reviewed on this page all fall within those specifications. They offer players betting opportunities on horse races all over the country and that includes the big name races like the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy rebates on lost wagers, a variety of banking options to choose from, and 24-hour customer service. It’ truly the best way to gamble on horses in Hawaii.

Is Horse Racing Betting Available In Hawaii?

Horse racing betting is available in Hawaii but only if you are using offshore gambling sites that have racebooks. As we mentioned, Hawaii is pretty strict with their gambling laws so do not attempt to bet on horse racing inside the state. Offshore racebooks are more than capable of satisfying all of your betting needs and they are legally licensed and regulated overseas.

Deposit Options For Hawaii Residents

The deposit options for Hawaii residents vary depending on the site you are using but the top options usually include credit and debit card deposits, bitcoin, money orders, and more. Once you sign up for an account you can deposit your money immediately. All you do is decide on your method, select the amount you want to put in and you are good to go. The process may vary a bit depending on the site you are using but not much.

Mobile Betting Apps In Hawaii

Mobile betting options in Hawaii are offered at the top online betting sites. They allow players to bet using their mobile device by way of an app or mobile web address. With internet gambling already being such an easy and convenient way to place bets, mobile betting in Hawaii makes it even more so.

Hawaii Betting FAQ’s

What Federal Laws Affect Sports Gambling?

The federal Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) are the only laws that impact online sports gambling. The Wire Act, passed in 1961, banned wire communication technologies from being used on sports betting but does not apply to offshore operators or states that offer legal sports wagering. The UIGEA is a banking law that prevents U.S. banks from processing payments to unregulated gambling sites. This is why credit card deposits may occasionally get declined, because legal Hawaii gambling sites are all based offshore. Neither law makes sports gambling illegal, and there are no penalties for bettors.

What Sports Teams Can I Bet On In Hawaii?

It depends on the method you are using as they all vary. The fastest payouts are with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with winnings credited within 48 hours. Methods like checks or bank wires can take a week or so to arrive. Check the Online Cashier page of the betting site for delivery speeds.

How Long Do Payouts Take At Online Gambling Sites?

It depends on the method you are using as they all vary. Some methods take just a few hours or days, while others could take weeks.

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Hawaii?

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii 5-0

The risk of arrest is not something you have to worry about when it comes to Internet gambling. Even if some are under the impression that online gambling is a crime, this is simply not the case. The only real possibility for jail time would be if you attempted to launch your own bookmaking site, which is 100% against the law and not encouraged.