Hawaii and Utah are the only two states without legal gambling. To examine the viability of introducing casinos, sports betting, lotteries, or other types of gambling to the Aloha State, a state task committee has been formed.

The Tourism and Gaming Working Group convened for the first time on Thursday after being authorized by law last year. State legislators, law enforcement officers, tourist and gaming specialists, and representatives from the gambling sector—including delegates from Boyd Gaming, FanDuel, Aristocrat gambling, and Marnell Companies—make up the 24-member committee.

"Researching gaming experiences in other states, reviewing potential gaming legislation, examining gaming possibilities at the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and on vessels, and developing a comprehensive policy framework that addresses economic growth, job creation, tax revenues, and social considerations related to gambling" are the tasks assigned to the working group.

The team will look into the potential economic advantages of gaming in comparison to any potential drawbacks for society, as well as the regulatory requirements for this kind of business. By late 2026, the working committee must deliver a comprehensive report to the Hawaii State Legislature that includes its conclusions and suggestions.

 

Difficult First Meeting

At the first meeting of the Tourism and Gaming Working Group, opinions on whether Hawaii should legalize gambling, like the 48 other states, were discussed. Casinos and other gambling establishments, according to its detractors, are a financial burden and specialize in taking advantage of addicts.

"Why do we need to study an activity that we already know will cause harm to our citizens?” asked Steve Alm, the prosecuting attorney for Honolulu County.

“Some will pose the argument that people are already gambling, even though it is illegal. The illegality of this activity is the very tool that is keeping many more from participating. Once we promote legalized gambling and put the societal stamp of approval on it, many individuals who are deterred from wasting their lives and finances will then participate. This is not worth the few extra tax dollars legal gambling would generate,” Alm declared.

Naturally, there is already gambling in Hawaii; according to Michael Lambert, director of the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, the illicit market is valued at about $800 million annually. According to Lambert, drug sales, armed robberies, and other criminal activity are linked to underground gambling hubs.

The Tourism and Gaming Working Group's co-chair, State Representative Greggor Ilagan (D-District 4), stated that legalizing gaming might help the state get rid of illicit gambling organizations.

 

Impact of Las Vegas 

Hawaii is a significant feeder market for Las Vegas, and Boyd Gaming is the casino firm that targets the islands the most.

Las Vegas is frequently referred to be the "Ninth Island" of Hawaii. With its Vacations Hawaii packages, which include flights on Hawaiian Airlines to one of Boyd's Las Vegas properties, such as the California, Main Street Station, and Fremont, Boyd serves tourists from Hawaii.

According to the resort's branding, The Cal, one of the downtown Las Vegas Boyd properties, has a Hawaiian flair and speaks "Aloha" fluently.

Boyd is against the legalization of casinos in Hawaii and the acceptance of foreign businesses that have not historically made investments there. Following the Maui wildfires in 2023, Boyd's Helping Hawaii program gave the islands more than a quarter of a million dollars.