Hawaii
Gambling Laws 2026
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Casino / iGaming
State Lottery
Hawaii and Utah are the only two states where virtually all forms of gambling are illegal. Hawaii has no casino, no lottery, no sports betting, no card rooms, and no charitable gambling of any significance. The prohibition is comprehensive and rooted in a cultural and political consensus that has held for decades despite periodic reform attempts. The legislature has considered lottery and sports betting bills but they have not advanced.
The rationale most often cited is that Hawaii's tourism economy is already strong and that gambling would attract negative secondary effects without proportionate benefit to residents. There is also concern about problem gambling in communities that have limited social services to address it. Those arguments have been politically durable.
For residents, there is no legal way to gamble in the state. That includes online betting — there are no licensed operators for Hawaii. The closest legal gambling is in Las Vegas, about five hours by air. If gambling is part of your lifestyle, Hawaii will require you to either give it up or leave the state to pursue it.
One of 2 states where all forms of gambling are illegal (with Utah). No lottery, no casinos, no sports betting.
Similar States
People Also Ask
Is there any legal gambling in Hawaii?
Gambling is completely illegal in Hawaii. There are no casinos, lotteries, or sports betting. This covers in-person gambling along with online betting. So you can't use sites like DraftKings or FanDuel while you're here.
What happens if you get caught gambling in Hawaii?
Under this section, a class C felony sanction is provided for a person who (a) engages in bookmaking to the extent that the person receives or accepts in any one day more than five bets totaling more than $500, (b) receives in connection with a lottery or mutuel scheme money or written records from a person other than ...
Why has Hawaii banned gambling?
Hawaii's previous attempts to legalize gaming in the islands have always failed. Addiction and negatively changing the island culture are two of the main concerns from gambling critics.
Can you gamble with friends in Hawaii?
Social gambling is allowed and is characterized by equal competition among players, no profit for anyone except personal winnings and restrictions on where it can be conducted which excludes places like hotels, public parks, schools and businesses.
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In the News
- U.S. sports betting: Where all 50 states stand on online sports betting sites - CBS SportsJul 3
- Hawaii Sports Betting Apps & Sites for 2026: Legal Prediction Markets & Betting Options - Sports Betting DimeJun 30
- Hawaii considering legalization of casinos, sports betting - SportsLineMay 31
- Schatz to go after prop bets, illegal offshore books - Spectrum NewsMay 26
- Group Studying Sports Betting In Hawaii Hears Positives From Industry - LegalSportsReportApr 21
Full Hawaii profile
Taxes, cost of living, gun laws, nudism, nightlife and more.
Sources: American Gaming Association 2024, Legal Sports Report, NCSL. Gambling laws change frequently — verify current status before wagering.