The Hawaii State Senate has approved the revised version of House Bill 1308 (HB1308), moving the state closer to regulating and legalizing sports betting. The bill aims to allow online sports betting and fantasy sports contests.
The bill, proposed by Representatives Holt, Keila, and Todd, is designed to provide a regulatory framework for sports betting operators and suppliers. It stipulates a general excise tax on the total revenue of operators, which will be used to fund the state's problem gambling prevention and treatment special fund.
HB1308 has been passed by the Senate and will now return to the House for revision review. If the revisions are approved, the bill will be submitted to Hawaii Governor Josh Green for signature and could officially take effect. The bill aims to establish a controlled and legal environment for sports betting in Hawaii.
Good news: If the House agrees to the Senate's amendments, Governor Josh Green will have the opportunity to sign the HB1308 bill, allowing online sports betting to be launched before July 1, 2025.
HB1308 outlines a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue, charges operators a fee of $250,000 (£200,000), and establishes a problem gambling prevention and treatment special fund managed by the Department of Health. The Department of Law Enforcement will be responsible for regulation and will conduct criminal record checks on applicants.
