Hawaii lawmakers have once again put a firm stop to any plans for casino gambling, shelving a proposal that would have introduced regulated casinos in the state. The bill, which sought to bring gaming to the upcoming Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, faced strong opposition and was ultimately scrapped.
Senate Bill 893 Fails to Gain Support
Senate Bill 893, which would have created a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, was indefinitely deferred on Thursday. The move effectively ends any discussion of legalizing casino gambling in Hawaii—at least for now.
The bill outlined plans to regulate gaming operations and impose a 15% wagering tax on gross receipts. However, it never gained serious traction among lawmakers.
State Senator Lynn DeCoite, who announced the decision, made it clear that there was little appetite for casino gambling in Hawaii. “Casino gambling has not always been a favorite subject,” DeCoite said. “Regardless of if we flying to Vegas or flying to any other place, we’ve always had our challenges here in Hawaii.”
Strong Opposition from Government Agencies
The proposal faced stiff resistance from multiple agencies and organizations, further dooming its chances.
- The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed the bill, citing regulatory concerns.
- The Department of the Attorney General raised legal and enforcement issues.
- The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office warned of potential crime and social issues tied to gambling.
With such a broad coalition of opponents, the bill had little hope of moving forward.
Applause Signals Relief from Opponents
When the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism made the decision to defer the bill indefinitely, the reaction in the room was telling. The announcement was met with applause, a clear sign of relief from those who had spoken out against the proposal.
The move keeps Hawaii as one of only two states—alongside Utah—that do not permit any form of commercial gambling.
A Long History of Gambling Rejections
Hawaii has consistently resisted efforts to legalize gambling, despite frequent proposals over the years. The reasons for opposition vary:
- Concerns over addiction and social harm.
- The state’s tourism-based economy already thriving without gambling revenue.
- Fear that casinos could bring organized crime.
Yet, despite the state’s hardline stance, gambling remains a popular pastime for many residents. Hawaii has some of the highest per capita spending on Las Vegas trips in the nation, with thousands of locals flocking to Nevada casinos every year.
What’s Next for Gambling in Hawaii?
With this bill dead in the water, the question remains—will Hawaii ever legalize gambling?
For now, the answer seems to be no. Lawmakers have consistently shown little interest in the idea, and the latest rejection reinforces that position. However, as financial pressures grow and the debate continues, future proposals are almost inevitable.
For now, though, Hawaii’s strict stance on gambling remains unchanged.
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