HI SCR187

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

Working group membership includes representatives from DBEDT, Senate, House, Attorney General's office, Department of Taxation, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, law enforcement, and two representatives from the Sports Betting Alliance.

Working group must identify estimated revenue potential of a legal online sports wagering market, develop an appropriate regulatory structure, assess consumer protections including responsible gaming measures, and review other states' implementation experiences.

Working group must submit a comprehensive report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2025 Regular Session.

Cites estimates that Americans wager over $63 billion annually in illegal sports betting markets with no tax revenue or consumer protections, arguing legalization could generate millions in tax revenue while implementing consumer safeguards.