HB 2259 Summary

• Authorizes one entity to operate online poker and sportsbook betting in Hawaii under a 10-year renewable gaming license, with sportsbook betting excluding Hawaii-based teams.

• Establishes the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission with seven members to regulate gaming operations, conduct background investigations, issue licenses, and enforce compliance.

• Imposes a general excise tax on gaming gross income and requires the gaming licensee to pay 70% of gross profits to the State in year one, decreasing by 5% annually until reaching 5% in year fourteen.

• Deposits gaming profits into a wildfire fund to provide grants to nonprofit entities that award funds to victims of wildfire disasters occurring between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

• Creates a state gaming fund for administrative expenses of the commission (limited to 1% of tax revenues) and a compulsive gamblers assistance program.