Sports betting in Hawaii likely to start with six operators. Check what would be allowed and wagering rules

Sports betting in Hawaii is back in focus for 2026, with a new bill proposing to legalise mobile wagering in one of the last US states without any form of gambling. The proposal would allow online sports betting statewide while banning physical betting shops, setting clear rules on licensing, taxes, and what residents can and cannot bet on.

Hawaii sports betting bill returns with mobile-only plan

The latest proposal, SB 3303, introduced by Senator Dru Kanuha, would legalise sports betting exclusively through licensed mobile apps and digital platforms. Retail sportsbooks, betting kiosks, and in-person wagering would remain illegal across the state.

The bill is currently waiting for its first committee hearing, marking the first formal step in what could be a long legislative process.

For bettors, the key takeaway is simple: if passed, sports betting in Hawaii would be online-only, similar to markets like New York and Tennessee.

Why Hawaii came close to legalising betting last year

Hawaii was close to approving sports betting in 2025 after both the Senate and House passed versions of a betting bill. However, lawmakers failed to reach consensus on key issues such as tax rates, licensing fees, and how the market should operate.

The bill eventually stalled in a conference committee after negotiators missed the deadline. At the time, Governor Josh Green publicly stated that he would not veto a sports betting bill if it reached his desk.

Representative Daniel Holt, who sponsored last year’s House bill, said lawmakers needed more time to address concerns and explain the benefits to the public, particularly around tax revenue generation.

How many sportsbooks could launch in Hawaii

Under SB 3303, Hawaii would issue at least six sports betting operator licences. The bill does not cap the total number of operators, leaving the door open for more platforms if regulators approve them.

Each licence would come with:

• A $500,000 initial fee
• A five-year licence term

For major national sportsbooks, the entry cost signals that Hawaii is targeting established operators rather than small or unregulated platforms.

Hawaii sports betting tax rate explained

Licensed sportsbooks would pay a 15% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering revenue. This rate sits in the middle compared to other US betting states and could encourage competitive odds and promotions once the market opens.

For bettors, a moderate tax rate often means better long-term pricing and fewer restrictions on bonuses.

When sports betting could launch in Hawaii

If SB 3303 becomes law, sports betting would begin on a universal launch date no later than 180 days after the bill takes effect on July 1.

That timeline sets a latest possible launch date of December 28, meaning Hawaiians could place legal bets before the end of the year if the bill moves quickly.

What bettors would not be allowed to wager on

The bill includes several restrictions designed to address ethical and regulatory concerns.

Betting would be prohibited on:

• Youth sports
• College teams based in Hawaii

In addition, sportsbooks would be required to implement:

• Geolocation controls
• Identity verification
• Anti–money laundering systems
• A statewide voluntary self-exclusion programme

These measures align Hawaii with standard US sports betting regulations.

Hawaii also eyes limits on prediction-style markets

Separate from sports betting, lawmakers are also debating HB 2198, a bill focused on limiting event-based trading contracts.

The proposal would ban trading contracts that span multiple topics, with sports listed first. It would also prohibit markets tied to elections, catastrophes, or events involving individuals, such as death.

If passed, this bill could restrict access to certain prediction-style markets even if sports betting itself becomes legal.

What this means for Hawaii bettors in 2026

For betting audiences, the message is clear: Hawaii lawmakers are serious about bringing sports betting back for debate in 2026, with a strong preference for a tightly regulated, mobile-only market.

While approval is not guaranteed, SB 3303 lays out a clear framework that could finally bring legal sports betting to the Aloha State—without casinos, sportsbooks, or betting shops, but fully accessible on mobile devices.