HI HB344

Establishes a new regulatory framework for mobile sports wagering in Hawaii, authorized by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, effective July 1, 2023.

Requires sports wagering operators to be "qualified gaming entities" operating in at least three U.S. jurisdictions; allows temporary licenses for entities meeting basic qualification requirements while applications are processed.

Imposes licensing requirements including criminal background checks for applicants and persons with control of the licensee, with denial or revocation possible for false statements, criminal history, or financial inadequacy.

Establishes a tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts at a rate to be determined (blank in bill), with operators required to maintain monitoring systems, report suspicious activity, and adopt department-approved house rules.

Prohibits physical sports wagering locations; restricts wagering to persons 18+ physically located in Hawaii using approved mobile applications; exempts licensed sports wagering from gambling statutes.