Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR161

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

Impact

The formation of the Sports Wagering Working Group is aimed at thoroughly analyzing the implications of legalizing and regulating online sports betting. Among its tasks, the group will evaluate the potential revenue that could be derived from a legal online sports wagering market, recommending a regulatory structure modeled on the successful frameworks in other states where such betting is legal. This analysis is crucial as it sets the groundwork for potential legislation, which could significantly reshape the landscape of sports betting within Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Resolution 161 (SR161) requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism of Hawaii to create a working group focused on the study and potential regulation of online sports wagering. The resolution emphasizes the need for a legal framework to manage an activity that, according to the American Gaming Association, generates billions in illegal betting annually without oversight or consumer protections. This proposal suggests that legalizing sports wagering could redirect this unregulated market, thus generating significant tax revenues for the state and ensuring safer betting conditions.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding the legalization of sports wagering, particularly in regard to consumer protections and gambling addiction. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to harness economic benefits, the state must also ensure robust safeguards are in place to protect consumers from the risks associated with online gambling. The working group will need to consider details including responsible gambling measures, consumer protection mechanisms, and the lessons learned from other states that have implemented similar frameworks.

Companion Bills

HI HR55

Same As Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct An Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

HI SCR187

Same As Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

Previously Filed As

HI SR156

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Cost Analysis Study Regarding Consolidating West Hawaii State Offices Into One Complex.

HI SR46

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.

HI SR146

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism, In Coordination And Cooperation With The Executive Office On Aging And County Of Hawaii Office Of Aging, To Conduct A Study On The Necessity And Feasibility Of Establishing A Senior Living Center In The Kau District.

HI SR15

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Conduct A Study On The Economic Impacts Of Domestic Out-of-state Students.

HI SR147

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Propose Legislation That Establishes Incentives For Firm Renewable Electricity Generation.

HI SR159

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Support The Creation Of The Hawaii Innovation Alliance That Was Recommended By The Dual Use Report And To Support The Other Recommendations Within The Report To Grow The State's Innovation Sector.

HI SR17

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Promote The Use Of Albizia In Commercial Products By Establishing A Grant Program And Conducting A Study.

HI SR162

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Conduct A Study On The Projected Revenue That Would Be Generated For The State From The Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana If It Were Taxed At A Rate Equal To The Existing General Excise Tax Rate.

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HI HR55

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct An Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

HI HCR70

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct An Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

HI SCR187

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

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