Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Faces Division As Testimony Looms

• As Hawaii’s HB1308 sports betting bill moves through the legislative process, it finds itself at the center of intense debate Wednesday.

HONOLULU – Hawaii’s sports betting bill is slated to draw significant testimony in the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs House Committee on Wednesday, with a sharp divide between sportsbooks and detractors.

The bill’s supporters include major legal online sportsbooks such as DraftKings, BetMGM, and Boyd Gaming. Along with the Sports Betting Alliance, these companies argue that legalization would bring consumer protections to the state and create a safe, regulated environment for those interested in placing bets.

However, HI HB 1308 has also sparked strong opposition, with 15 written testimonies and several oral testimonies submitted against it.

Opponents, such as Hawaii Family Forum, argue that legalizing sports betting would have detrimental effects on the community. In particular, they point to the risks of gambling addiction, which they claim would be exacerbated by the ease of access to mobile sports betting apps and computer-based wagering.

Eva Andrade, President of Hawaii Family Forum, stated that the bill represents a cultural shift with serious consequences for families, especially in light of the rising rates of problem gambling in states like New Jersey. Andrade warned that legal Hawaii sports betting could lead to a rise in financial ruin, divorce, and substance abuse.

Andrade also called on lawmakers to reject the bill to prevent Hawaii from following a similar “destructive path.”

The Testimony Ahead

Hawaii’s House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs will meet at 2 p.m. for Wednesday’s HI sportsbook testimony from both sides of the debate.

The decision on HB1308 could prove to be a pivotal moment in Hawaii’s gambling history. As the committee weighs these opposing views, the outcome will determine whether Hawaii joins the growing list of states with legalized sports betting or remains a holdout in the national conversation on gambling regulation.

News tags: BetMGM | Boyd Gaming | DraftKings | Eva Andrade | Hawaii | Hawaii Family Forum | HI HB 1308 | House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs | New Jersey | Sports Betting Alliance | Stake