Hawaii sports betting bill advances
Meanwhile, a bill to legalise casino gambling on cruise ships continues to face resistance.
US.- A bill that proposes the legalisation of sports betting in Hawaii has been advanced by the state’s House Committee on Economic Development & Technology despite strong opposition. House Bill 2570 scraped by on a 5-2 vote, with two “yes” votes with reservations.
HB 2570 would allow a minimum of six online sports betting platforms. There would be a 15 per cent tax rate on adjusted gross revenue, and a $500,000 application and annual renewal fee for five-year licences. The sector would be regulated by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Some 41 people or groups testified in opposition to the bill while 11 submitted opinion in support, although not all were present to give verbal testimony. Those opposing the bill include the state attorney general’s office, Hawaii’s police department and the department of health.
Meanwhile, several other bills make proposals for gambling legislation in Hawaii, which has long resisted the legalisation of any form of gambling. HB 1945 seeks to legalise casino gaming on cruise ships passing through Hawaiian waters.
The bill would impose a 20 per cent tax on gambling revenue, and casino gaming would be restricted to large cruise ships on voyages lasting at least 100 hours from August 1, 2027. Ships would be required to halt gaming when they dock. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) would oversee the activity.
The aim would be to attract major cruise operators such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Princess Cruises to increase tourism-generated revenue without allowing land-based casinos in Hawaii. The potential economic and social impact is being reviewed by a legislative working group. The DCCA has argued that the agency does not have the capacity to oversee gambling on cruise ships.
