After years of failed attempts, local lawmakers want a streamlined approach to hawaii Sports betting could make legalization a reality.
Bill filed on January 20 (HB 344) Rep. Joe Mizuno Aims to create a legal framework for HI sports betting, but unlike previous proposals, it makes no mention of casinos, slot machines, tax rates, fees or ownership standards.
“This year I took a different approach,” Mizuno said. “If we put too many things in there, there are too many targets. When you use the word ‘casino,’ sometimes it’s like yelling ‘fire’ in a theater, so talking to some supporters, We purposely designed the language to keep things open.”
Last year’s bill would impose 55% tex rate, the highest sports betting tax in the country.
Expanding the game in the anti-game state
Hawaii, one of the least gambling-friendly states in the country, has made no progress in legalizing sports betting, while the industry is now legalized in some form in more than 35 states.Now peer-to-peer social gambling is the only legal form of play.
Mizuno’s latest bill would allow independent bodies to allow patrons to conduct sports betting and would create a regulatory framework for online sports betting, but it did not specify which entities would be eligible for a license.
“You always have to be cautious about gaming. The biggest gaming bill we’ve passed is bingo. It’s going to be tough to pass, but I’m cautiously optimistic,” Mizuno said. “This is the first time I’ve seen ESPN, local media, a lot of national stakeholders contact us and show a lot of interest.”
Where did Hawaii’s sports betting revenue go?
The bill does not specify how sports betting revenue is used outside of law enforcement and to cover regulatory-related costs. The use of revenue is likely to be a central sticking point in the upcoming debate.
“A billion (dollars) of resident money flows into Las Vegas every year,” Mizuno said. “If we can control 25% of that revenue through sports betting, it can help prevent tax increases. We can use it to shelter domestic violence, homelessness, etc.”
Next Steps for Hawaii Sports Betting Bill
Mizuno expects his new bill to be in Economic Development Councilwhich sports betting supporter Rep. Daniel Holt Chair.
Then it needs to pass Justice and Consumer Protection It can be voted on by committees before the full session of the House of Representatives.
Holt sponsored a 2019 The first two committee sports betting bills passed before the death of the Consumer Protection Committee. It is the sports betting bill that has made the most progress in the legislature so far.
