Hawaii Advances HB 2570 for Online Sports Betting

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Sun Feb 22, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Hawaii Advances HB 2570 for Online Sports Betting

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Hawaii lawmakers have taken a significant legislative step by advancing House Bill 2570 (HB 2570), a proposal aiming to legalize online sports betting in the state. 

The bill, now moving through the House, represents a pivotal moment in Hawaii gambling policy, potentially opening doors for regulated US online sportsbooks.

Why Hawaiian Lawmakers Advanced HB 2570

Proponents argue that legalizing online sports betting captures existing revenue currently flowing to offshore platforms. 

Organizations like the Sports Betting Alliance, representing major operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel, emphasize that Hawaiians already wager millions of dollars through illegal sites. Bringing this activity into a regulated framework ensures the money remains within the local economy.

Supporters also cite economic relief as a key motivation. Hawaii faces pressing fiscal needs, and the tax revenue generated by legal online sports betting could help fund essential services, including education and infrastructure projects. 

Lawmakers view this as a pragmatic approach to boosting the state budget while providing controlled gambling opportunities.

Additionally, consumer protection forms another cornerstone of the argument. By regulating US online sportsbooks, the state can provide safeguards for bettors. Legalization ensures proper oversight, secure transactions, and reliable dispute resolution for residents engaging in online sports betting.

Key Tenets of HB 2570

The legislation focuses on establishing a legal framework specifically for online sports betting, excluding physical sportsbooks and casinos. Digital platforms would operate under strict regulation, providing a secure and accountable environment for Hawaiian bettors.

Operators seeking to enter Hawaii's market must pay a $500,000 application fee and an equal annual renewal fee. Licenses would last five years, offering stability while ensuring ongoing compliance with state regulations.

Moreover, HB 2570 proposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross sports betting revenue. Collected funds would support the state's general fund and finance programs addressing gambling addiction prevention and treatment, balancing economic benefits with social responsibility.

Strong Opposition to HB 2570

The bill faces resistance from various quarters. Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm and other critics argue that gambling extracts wealth from communities and disproportionately impacts lower-income residents.

Cultural concerns also play a role. Many opponents claim that gambling conflicts with Hawaii's "Aloha Values." Groups such as Stop Predatory Gambling highlight social consequences like increased bankruptcy and domestic problems, asserting these issues outweigh potential tax benefits.

Critics further note that mainland-based betting platforms would retain most profits, leaving local communities to bear social costs without significant economic returns.

Next Steps for HB 2570

Before becoming law, HB 2570 must pass additional legislative hurdles, including approval by the full House and Senate, followed by the Governor's signature. Historical attempts to legalize online sports betting in Hawaii have repeatedly failed, but this bill represents the most organized and well-supported effort to date.

If enacted, HB 2570 could mark a historic shift in Hawaii gambling policy, establishing a regulated online sports betting market while attempting to address both economic and social concerns.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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