Online Gambling in Hawaii: Strict Laws, No Regulated Options, and Current Status
Hawaii enforces one of the strictest anti-gambling policies in the United States, prohibiting nearly all forms of wagering under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712. No land-based casinos, racetracks, state lottery, or regulated online gambling exist within the state. Social gambling remains permitted only in private settings with no house profit, but real-money online activities fall under broad criminal definitions. Offshore platforms operate in a gray area, with no recorded prosecutions of individual players for participation as of 2026, though authorities stress the absence of protections and potential risks.
Legal Framework and Gambling Prohibitions
State law defines gambling as risking something of value on a contest of chance or future contingent event. Violations classify as misdemeanors for participants and felonies for promoters. While statutes do not explicitly address online gambling, interpretations extend prohibitions to internet-based activities. No enforcement actions against individual offshore players have occurred historically, leading many to view such sites as de facto accessible despite technical illegality. Enforcement prioritizes operators and large-scale promotion over casual play.
Casinos and Table Games in Hawaii
No licensed casinos—tribal or commercial—operate in Hawaii. All casino-style games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and craps, remain prohibited except in private social contexts where only participants benefit. Offshore online casinos accept Hawaii residents, offering full suites of real-money games, but players assume unregulated risks including lack of dispute resolution or fund security. Legislative attempts to introduce casinos or iGaming have repeatedly failed, maintaining the state’s zero-casino status alongside Utah.
Poker Availability
Poker faces the same restrictions as other games of chance, with Hawaii’s Supreme Court ruling that skill elements do not exempt it if chance predominates for average players. No licensed poker rooms or online platforms exist. Residents access social poker apps for free play or offshore sites for real-money action. Live private home games occur without rake, though larger organized events risk classification as illegal promotion.
Sports Betting Status
All sports betting stays illegal, including horse racing, greyhound wagering, and traditional sports. Multiple bills in 2025 advanced significantly but ultimately failed due to opposition over addiction concerns, tax disputes, and regulatory issues. Proponents anticipate reintroduction in 2026 sessions, potentially targeting a 2027 launch, but no regulated market exists currently. Offshore sportsbooks remain the primary option, with no player prosecutions documented.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Hawaii
DFS contests lack explicit exemption and fall under gambling definitions per prior attorney general opinions. Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel do not accept Hawaii players following enforcement letters. Limited or no access persists for real-money DFS, with platforms classifying the state as restricted. Social or free-play alternatives provide non-monetary engagement.
Lottery and Charitable Gaming
Hawaii remains one of the few states without a lottery or multi-state draws like Powerball or Mega Millions. Residents may purchase tickets out-of-state during travel, with winnings subject to Hawaii income tax. Charitable bingo or raffles receive no authorization beyond private social settings. No regulated charitable gaming industry operates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gambling are available in Hawaii?
Hawaii prohibits virtually all gambling forms, lacking casinos, lotteries, racetracks, or sports betting. Only private social games without house profit are permitted, making the state comparable to Utah in restrictions.
What laws govern online gambling in Hawaii?
Chapter 712 statutes broadly cover gambling offenses, applying to online activities despite no explicit mention. Authorities assert state laws extend to internet play, though enforcement targets promotion over individual participation.
Is real-money gambling legal for players in Hawaii?
Real-money gambling violates state law, but offshore sites face no direct player bans. Ambiguity persists, with no prosecutions of individuals, though participation carries unregulated risks.
Which offshore sites accept Hawaii residents?
Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks welcome Hawaii players as US-friendly platforms. Access involves no state protections, emphasizing caution regarding security and fairness.