Hawaii
Gambling Laws 2026
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Casino / iGaming
State Lottery
Hawaii and Utah are the only two states where virtually all forms of gambling are illegal. Hawaii has no casino, no lottery, no sports betting, no card rooms, and no charitable gambling of any significance. The prohibition is comprehensive and rooted in a cultural and political consensus that has held for decades despite periodic reform attempts. The legislature has considered lottery and sports betting bills but they have not advanced.
The rationale most often cited is that Hawaii's tourism economy is already strong and that gambling would attract negative secondary effects without proportionate benefit to residents. There is also concern about problem gambling in communities that have limited social services to address it. Those arguments have been politically durable.
For residents, there is no legal way to gamble in the state. That includes online betting — there are no licensed operators for Hawaii. The closest legal gambling is in Las Vegas, about five hours by air. If gambling is part of your lifestyle, Hawaii will require you to either give it up or leave the state to pursue it.
One of 2 states where all forms of gambling are illegal (with Utah). No lottery, no casinos, no sports betting.
Similar States
People Also Ask
Is there any legal gambling in Hawaii?
Gambling is completely illegal in Hawaii. There are no casinos, lotteries, or sports betting. This covers in-person gambling along with online betting. So you can't use sites like DraftKings or FanDuel while you're here.
What happens if you get caught gambling in Hawaii?
Hawaii Gaming Law and Criminal Gambling Charges Illegal gambling is a criminal offense, and can result in jail time. The punishment for participating in illegal gambling may change with the type of gambling or amount wagered, and can be especially severe if you are holding games or lotteries for personal profit.
Is the state of Hawaii the only state which restricts gambling?
With the exception of Utah, there is no state in the country with more restrictive gambling laws than Hawaii. Gambling has been illegal since Hawaii became a state in 1959.
Can you gamble with friends in Hawaii?
There's a long-standing debate over legalizing gambling in the islands. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - There's a long-standing debate over legalizing gambling in the islands. Hawaii and Utah are the only two states that outlaw all forms of gambling.
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In the News
- Hawaii Gambling Expansion Fails In Lieu of Tax Cuts - DeadspinMay 10
- Hawaii sports betting takes small step forward despite opposition - CBS SportsFeb 17
- Group Studying Sports Betting In Hawaii Hears Positives From Industry - LegalSportsReportApr 21
- Sports Betting States Where It’s Legal in the US 2026 (Full List) - FOX SportsMay 1
- Legislative roundup: Hawaii sports betting bill advances, Wisconsin discussions continue - igamingbusiness.comFeb 17
Full Hawaii profile
Taxes, cost of living, gun laws, nudism, nightlife and more.
Sources: American Gaming Association 2024, Legal Sports Report, NCSL. Gambling laws change frequently — verify current status before wagering.