HI HR177

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to convene a gambling task force to analyze social and financial impacts of legalized gambling in Hawaii.

Task force must analyze costs and benefits of lottery, casinos, slots, table games, horse and dog racing, sports betting, bingo, and internet gaming.

Task force must assess financial viability of various gambling forms and determine percentage distribution of wagered dollars to administration, prizes, retailers, and the State.

Task force membership includes representatives from Departments of Health, Business/Economic Development/Tourism, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Budget and Finance; one nonprofit economic development representative; and six legislative appointees (three from Senate President, three from Speaker).

Task force findings and recommendations must be reported to the Governor and Legislature by October 1, 2013, with the task force dissolving on June 30, 2014.