HI HCR155

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the potential effects of legalizing sports betting in Hawaii.

Directs the department to submit a report of findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2025 Regular Session.

Notes that 38 states have legalized sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 ruling allowing states to authorize it, and West Virginia collected over $2,800,000 in taxes in the first year.

Acknowledges tens of thousands of Hawaii residents currently wager through illegal unregulated websites generating tens of millions of dollars without state benefit, but also recognizes studies linking sports betting to problem gambling and increased addiction hotline calls in other states.