Hawaii Sportsbooks: Best HI Betting Apps & Legal Updates (April 2025)
If there’s one state that’s consistently held the line against legalized sports betting, it’s Hawaii. Alongside Utah, Hawaii has long stood as one of only two states with no legal gambling of any kind. That means no sports wagering, no horse racing, no state lottery, no card room, not even daily fantasy sports.
But 2025? It might be the year the tide finally shifts.
Thanks to growing pressure from lawmakers, shifting public sentiment, and an undeniable appetite for economic development, Hawaii is now seriously eyeing the possibility of legalized sports betting. And while there are still hurdles ahead, momentum is building for a future that could soon include Hawaii sportsbooks (online ones, at least).
Here’s what’s happening, what HB 1308 means, why it matters, and what locals should expect in the months ahead.
The Road to Legal Sports Betting in Hawaii
Historically, attempts to bring legal betting to Hawaii haven’t gotten far. Bills would get introduced, then quietly fade away. But 2025 came in with new energy, and a bill that’s gaining real momentum.
What’s the Deal with House Bill 1308?
So, what actually changed? It’s all thanks to the House Bill 1308, a proposal introduced in early 2025 that would legalize online sports betting statewide. The bill passed the House with a 35-15 vote in March, and quickly gained more ground when it passed through the Senate Ways and Means Committee on April 2 with an 11-2 vote.
A few days later, the Senate approved Rep. Daniel Holt’s bill by a 15-10 vote. The amended bill will go back to the House for concurrence and then to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) for him to sign into law.
If passed, the bill would:
- Legalize online sports betting (no retail sportsbooks)
- Approve a minimum of four legal sportsbooks to operate in the state
- Impose a 10% tax rate on gross gaming revenue
- Charge a $250,000 licensing fee per operator (valid for five years)
- The low tax rate is by design, as it want to attract operators while generating an estimated $20 million in state tax revenue in the process.
- Establish the Department of Law Enforcement as the regulating body, following an initial plan for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to do so
Now, if it does pass in the Senate, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, with legal online sports betting to launch in Hawaii by January 1, 2026. With the legislative session ending May 2, the clock is ticking.
And still, the opposition is real. While the momentum remains in sports wagering advocates’ corner, there are still some fights ahead, most notably from the state’s Attorney General’s office, religious groups, and legal betting companies such as Boyd Gaming (which benefits from Hawaiian tourism to Las Vegas). They argue it could hurt Hawaii’s image, create new risks, and disrupt local culture.
Hawaii Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Hawaii’s journey toward legal sportsbooks has been anything but quick. Still, the steps in recent years point toward real change. Here’s a quick look back:
2016
- Jan 27: AG Doug Chin rules DFS is illegal, setting the tone for anti-gambling legislation.
2019
- Jan 24: HB 1107 proposes a task force to learn more about online gaming, but dies in committee.
2021
- Jan 22: SB 595 wants to study the economic impact of sports betting, doesn’t pass.
2022-2023
- Bills like HB 1815 and HB 344 try (and fail) to legalize casinos and online betting.
2025
- March 2025: HB 1308 passes the House with a 35–15 vote.
- April 2: The bill clears the Senate Ways and Means Committee (11–2), headed to a full Senate vote.
- April 8: The Senate approves the bill in a 15-10 vote.
Why This Push for Hawaii Sportsbooks Now?
Short answer? Profit. Much of the urgency stems from watching other legal sports betting states rake in revenue from legal sportsbooks. The financial upside is hard to ignore, and lawmakers are looking for ways to boost public services without raising taxes.
Rep. Daniel Holt, who introduced HB 1308, made it clear: Hawaii is losing money to offshore platforms and unregulated markets. Legalization would bring those dollars home, support responsible gambling practices, and potentially generate millions in tax revenue.
Despite being opposed by the Attorney General and anti-gambling groups, Hawaii Sportsbooks are now a very real possibility, thanks to HB 1308. With the bill hinging on Senate approval and House concurrence on the proposed amendments, the coming month is critical for the future of sports betting there.
What Happens If HB 1308 Passes?
Let’s imagine for a second the bill makes it through the full Senate vote. What happens then? Well, Hawaii would become home to a brand-new, highly competitive online betting market. No physical sportsbooks. No casinos. Just apps. And you better believe the big names are ready.
Hawaii Sportsbooks: Expected Operators in the Ahola State
If/when Hawaii sports betting becomes legal, here are the HI sportsbooks expected to hit the market:
bet365 Hawaii
Known for niche international markets and deep in-game options, bet365 could attract Hawaii’s really diverse audience with its global sportsbook reach.
Grab the bet365 HI bonus code when it goes live.
Fanatics Sportsbook Hawaii
With a unique rewards model (aka FanCash that turns into sports gear), Fanatics has quickly become a fan favorite. Pair that with local pride in teams like the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, and you’ve got a potential homerun.
Grab the Fanatics Sportsbook HI promo when it goes live.
BetMGM Hawaii
Touting itself as the “King of Sportsbooks,” BetMGM Hawaii would be a day-one favorite. With an elite mobile app and vast betting options, it’s already dominant across dozens of states.
Grab the BetMGM Hawaii bonus code when it goes live.
Caesars Sportsbook Hawaii
Backed by one of the most iconic names in legal gambling, Caesars Hawaii would offer top-tier odds and access to Caesars Rewards, making it an ideal pick for locals and tourists too.
Grab the Caesars Sportsbook Hawaii promo code when it goes live.
DraftKings Hawaii
Building off its DFS roots, DraftKings Sportsbook Hawaii would bring aggressive promos and one of the smoothest platforms in the game. Expect strong uptake if (when?) it goes live.
Grab the DraftKings Hawaii promo code when it goes live.
ESPN BET Hawaii
This one’s all about brand trust. With ESPN’s media muscle behind it, ESPN BET merges content with real-time odds, which is an appealing mix for sports lovers in the Aloha State.
Grab the ESPN BET Hawaii promo code when it goes live.
FanDuel Hawaii
Consistently ranked among the top sportsbook apps nationwide, FanDuel Hawaii would likely roll out generous welcome bonuses and a killer UI. Think live betting, parlays, and tons of betting options from day one.
Grab the FanDuel Hawaii promo code when it goes live.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Hawaii?
Nope, and here’s why: despite its status as a “game of skill” in many states, daily fantasy sports remain off-limits here.
The reason? Back in 2016, then-Attorney General Doug Chin issued an opinion declaring DFS contests as illegal gambling. That ruling stuck, and it hasn’t changed since.
So, if you’re hoping to fire up DraftKings or FanDuel DFS contests, it’s not happening. At least not in the current form. And based on early reads, HB 1308 does not include DFS in its push for legalization.
What Are the Current Betting Alternatives in Hawaii?
While traditional sports betting and DFS are both illegal, Hawaii residents still have access to betting alternatives that don’t fall under the same restrictions.
Here are three legal alternatives locals can tap into today:
Prediction Markets (e.g., Kalshi)
In short, operators like Kalshi let users place bets on event outcomes like politics, weather, and even major sports. It’s a legal gray area, but currently accessible in Hawaii.
Grab the Kalshi referral code in Hawaii when it goes live.
Social Casinos
Social casinos and sweeps coins casinos mimic casino-style games, but instead of cash prizes, they offer sweepstakes entries or tokens. No real money wagering, so they’re not classified as gambling under state law in Hawaii or elsewhere.
Social Sportsbooks
Think of social sportsbooks as sports betting without the real stakes. You predict outcomes, climb leaderboards, and win prizes, just not cash. For now, they’re a workaround many residents use to enjoy the thrill of the game without getting in trouble with the Hawaii online sports betting law.
✔️ All the above options are legal in Hawaii as of today. Last updated: 15th April 2025
Popular Sports in Hawaii: What Locals Might Bet On
While Hawaii doesn’t have any NFL, NBA, or MLB teams, that doesn’t mean the island lacks sports passion. The crown jewel? The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Both college football and basketball programs enjoy strong local support, and under the right legislation and legalized sports betting, wagering on their games could become a big draw.
Also popular? The Maui Invitational, a major college basketball tournament that brings in teams from across the country for the pre-season event. Just note: Some states restrict in-state college betting, so we’ll have to wait to see how Hawaii addresses that in the final sports betting bill.
Hawaii Responsible Gambling
Once users deposit money into any sports betting platform, the race is on for sportsbooks to try and get you to spend it. Plus, with everything from straight betting to live betting available, the number of options can be overwhelming, especially to those who are prone to getting a bit out of hand when it comes to sports betting.
If and when Hawaii sportsbooks go live, managing problem gambling will be critical. The good news? HB 1308 already includes measures to address it. Expect the rollout of:
- Deposit money limits
- Self-exclusion tools
- Access to national hotlines like 1-800-GAMBLER
- Expanded public services dedicated to responsible gambling
The state is also mandating that licensed sportsbooks provide resources and safeguards to protect users, something missing from offshore platforms and illegal sites for online betting.
Hawaii Sportsbooks in 2025: What’s Coming for the Aloha State
With the legislative session wrapping up in May, the next few weeks are pivotal for the future of legal sports betting in Hawaii. And, if sports betting bill HB 1308 comes to fruition in the coming months, odds will be available for betting by January 1, 2026, at the absolute latest.
From major sports operators to strict regulatory oversight, Hawaii is aiming to build something modern and responsible. So while it’s been a long road – and the journey’s not quite over – the state’s stance on sports betting legal is clearly evolving, and fast.
FAQs for Hawaii Sportsbooks & Online Sports Betting
Still curious about where things stand with Hawaii sportsbooks? Here’s a quick-hit breakdown based on the latest news and legislative movement.
Is Hawaii sports betting legal?
Not yet, but House Bill 1308 is the closest the state has come. It’s cleared the House and Senate and is awaiting final House approval and the governor’s signature.
When will sports betting come to Hawaii?
If HB 1308 is approved in the coming weeks, legal sports betting could go live in Hawaii as early as January 1, 2026. The bill proposes a quick rollout, allowing licensed online sportsbooks to begin operations within six months of approval. Plus, the legislative session ends May 2, 2025, so all eyes are on the Senate vote and possible final adjustments from the House.
What sportsbooks are expected to launch in Hawaii?
Bet365, Fanatics, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, and FanDuel are likely to apply for licenses in Hawaii. Note that all of these operators are already active in multiple states and bring established platforms, broad betting options, and strong consumer protections, something missing from current offshore platforms in the Aloha State.
Are prediction markets legal in Hawaii?
The Kalshi prediction market is legal in Hawaii. It allows users to place bets on real-world events, including politics and sports. This platform is not classified as a legal sportsbook, so it doesn’t fall under existing gambling laws. Kalshi operates in a legal gray area and is currently accessible to residents of Hawaii.
Will I pay taxes on my sports betting winnings in Hawaii?
Yes. Legal sports betting in Hawaii would mean that both operators and players must pay taxes. From what we know, HB 1308 calls for a 10% tax on operators, and players should expect both federal and state tax responsibilities.
What types of betting will be allowed if HB 1308 passes in Hawaii?
Under the current language in HB 1308, only online sports betting would be legalized – no casinos, no retail books. However, you’ll be able to bet on major sports, parlays, live betting, and more through licensed apps. Just be aware that the legislation may restrict wagering on in-state college teams, similar to laws in other states.