Published on: January 24, 2026, 08:16h.
Updated on: January 24, 2026, 08:16h.
- Hawaii prohibits all forms of gambling legally
- A state committee is evaluating casino, sports betting, and lottery options
Hawaii stands as one of only two states, along with Utah, without any legalized gambling options. A state committee has been formed to assess the potential benefits of establishing casinos, sports betting, lotteries, or other gambling activities within the Aloha State.
Initiated through legislation last year, the Tourism and Gaming Working Group had its inaugural meeting on Thursday. This 24-member group includes state lawmakers, law enforcement representatives, tourism and gaming specialists, and gaming industry delegates from companies like Boyd Gaming, FanDuel, Aristocrat Gaming, and Marnell Companies.
The committee’s mission is to “analyze gaming models in other states, evaluate potential gaming regulations, explore gaming opportunities at the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and aboard vessels, and formulate a comprehensive policy framework that addresses economic growth, job creation, tax income, and social impacts of gambling.”
The group will assess the possible economic advantages alongside potential societal drawbacks related to gaming, as well as the necessary regulations for managing such an industry. A complete report with findings and suggestions is to be submitted to the Hawaii State Legislature by the end of 2026.
Debates during the Initial Meeting
At the first meeting of the Tourism and Gaming Working Group, opinions were divided on whether Hawaii should follow suit with the 48 other states in legalizing some form of gambling. Critics voiced concerns that casinos and other gambling methods pose financial risks and often exploit individuals with gambling addictions.
“Why are we even considering an activity that we recognize will harm our citizens?” queried Steve Alm, the prosecuting attorney for Honolulu County.
“Some might argue that gambling is already taking place illegally. However, the very criminalization of this activity is what prevents wider engagement. Once we endorse legalized gambling, we risk enabling many more individuals to squander their resources and lives. This minimal increase in tax revenue is simply not worth it,” Alm asserted.
Currently, gambling exists in Hawaii, with Michael Lambert, the director of the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, conservatively estimating the illegal market’s value at around $800 million annually. Lambert noted that underground gambling networks are frequently tied to drug trafficking, armed robberies, and other forms of crime.
State Representative Greggor Ilagan (D-District 4), who co-chairs the Tourism and Gaming Working Group, argued that legalizing gaming could help eliminate illegal gambling operations.
The Influence of Las Vegas
Hawaii serves as an essential market for Las Vegas, and Boyd Gaming is particularly focused on attracting visitors from the islands.
Las Vegas is often referred to as Hawaii’s “Ninth Island.” Boyd has designed packages targeted at Hawaiian tourists, including flights via Hawaiian Airlines to its properties in Las Vegas, such as the California, Main Street Station, and Fremont.
One of Boyd’s Las Vegas properties, The Cal, embodies a Hawaiian theme, emphasizing its connection to the islands.
Boyd is opposed to the legalization of casinos in Hawaii and the inclusion of outside firms that have not historically invested in the islands. Through its Helping Hawaii initiative, Boyd has contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to aid the islands following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.