Hawaii Senate Bill SCR187

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

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 bill posits that legalizing sports wagering could potentially generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Hawaii, while also promoting responsible gaming practices. By creating a regulated framework for online betting, the state could ensure consumer protections that are currently absent in the illegal sports betting environment. The working group is tasked with examining the economic benefits observed in other jurisdictions where sports wagering has been legalized, thereby providing the legislature with concrete data to inform future decisions.

Summary

SCR187, a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposed in the 2024 legislative session of Hawaii, seeks to explore the legalization and regulation of online sports wagering in the state. The resolution calls for the establishment of a Sports Wagering Working Group through the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of such legalization. This initiative is driven by the recognition of a thriving illegal sports betting market that operates without oversight or consumer protections, resulting in significant lost revenue for the state.

Contention

Key considerations that will need to be addressed by the working group include the regulatory structure required to implement online sports wagering effectively and ensuring that consumers are protected in this new market. Critics of legalization might highlight concerns around gambling addiction, the potential for organized crime to infiltrate regulated markets, and the challenges in enforcing regulations, particularly given Hawaii's unique cultural context. A balanced approach that addresses these risks while facilitating revenue generation will be essential in the deliberations surrounding SCR187.