HONOLULU (KHON2) — Experts said people bet on the Super Bowl more than any other single event during the year with an estimated $1.4 billion that will be legally bet on the game this Sunday, Feb. 9.
It seems every year, lawmakers wonder if it’s time for Hawaii to get in on some of the action.
Right now, only 38 states allow sports betting, but state lawmakers know that doesn’t mean it’s not happening here.
“You know we have a lot of illegal stuff going on,” said Senator Lynn Decoite, (D) Economic Development & Tourism Committee Chair. “Why not legalize? Why not regulate? Pandora’s box is open.”
Another round of bills at the legislature may make it legal for online sports betting regulated by the state.
“It’s not a lot of infrastructure needed,” said Rep. Daniel Holt, (D) Sand Island-Chinatown. “You know it’d be purely online gaming at this point. Not a brick and mortar for this current proposal so, you know $10 million in tax revenue at the minimum.”
According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered close to $64 billion illegally in 2022. They estimate $300 million was bet here in Hawaii.
Lawmakers said gambling profits could go towards treating any addictions, and also fund projects in other areas like education and infrastructure.
“It’s the effects that come from legalizing gambling,” said Eva Andrade, Hawaii Family Forum President & CEO. “First of all, you got a rise in addiction, bankruptcy, crime and destruction of families. It’s just something that we should all be concerned about when those kinds of negative affect our community.”
“All of these issues are happening,” said Holt. “You know HPD testifies every year that we have between 70 to game rooms operating at any given time on Oahu alone. So obviously, it’s shown people have the need that they want an entertainment venue, they want someplace to gamble and why not give them a legal avenue so they can do it.”
Both the Senate and House bills passed their first committee hearings with amendments, but lawmakers know it’s far from a sure bet.
“We get it – the Super Bowl, the football pools and everything,” said Decoite. “I believe it’s an opportunity for the community to weigh in. Is it a good thing? I don’t know. But we see it day in, day out. It’s also a source of revenue that I think could help the state.”
You can submit testimony here.