HI HR55

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism shall convene a Sports Wagering Working Group to analyze potential legalization and regulation of online sports wagering in Hawaii.

Working Group membership includes the Directors of DBEDT, Taxation, and Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Attorney General; President of Senate; Speaker of House; law enforcement representative; and two representatives from the Sports Betting Alliance.

Working Group shall estimate revenue potential of legal online sports wagering in Hawaii, develop appropriate regulatory structures based on other states' experiences, and identify consumer protections and responsible gaming measures.

Working Group shall submit report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution notes that illegal sports betting in the U.S. exceeds $63 billion annually with no consumer protections or tax revenue, and that legal regulated markets can generate significant state revenue.