As common as the lottery is, did you know that Hawaii is one of only two states in the U.S. that completely bans all forms of gambling? Despite popular interest, legalizing any form of gambling faces harsh laws, cultural, and political hurdles. Although there have been some attempts at introducing bills for a state lottery or even online sports betting, none have gained enough support to pass.

Current Status of Lottery and Gambling in Hawaii

Across the country, only 45 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands currently participate in Powerball. As of 2025, Hawaii and Utah have firmly remained outside this group for quite a few reasons, which we’ll get into later. This means residents of Hawaii cannot legally participate in casinos, horse racing, sports betting, or lotteries (including Powerball and Mega Millions).

For comparison, in other parts of the United States, players have access to various options ranging from multi-state lotteries to online platforms for other gambling games. With Hawaiians having to travel to the mainland to legally purchase Powerball tickets, more people have simply decided to play online. Casino expert Wilna van Wyk points out through an Inclave casinos overview how perks such as fast payouts, better password and account security, and more gaming choices, are the reasons more people are starting to play online instead.

Unfortunately, with no breakthroughs in recent years, the answer to the question of whether Powerball or gambling is coming to Hawaii any time soon is still a no. The legal framework in place still prohibits it, and no new policies have been enacted that suggest a change is imminent. The only other option residents have is to find a good online platform to place their bets.

Proposed Models and Frameworks

Recently, two proposals were laid on the table as a way to test whether the state might finally open its doors to legalized betting. House Bill 1308 (HB 1308) aimed to legalize online sports betting, and Senate Bill 1507 (SB 1507) called for the creation of a state lottery similar to those in other states. HB 1308 was based on a mobile-only sports betting system, where bets could be placed exclusively through apps rather than physical locations.

As you might have already guessed, neither bill made it through the legislative process. The main reasons for failure were disagreements over tax structures, licensing fees, and how much effort would have to go into this overall. Strong opposition from influential government officials, religious organizations, and community groups also had a hand in halting progress.

Representative Daniel Holt, who advocated for House Bill 1308, was unable to reconcile competing positions between the House and Senate. The Senate insisted on reinstating a 10% tax on gross gaming revenues and licensing fees of $250,000, which the House sought to remove for expediency.

On the greener side of the grass, Governor Josh Green has said he’d be open to signing a gambling bill only if it included strong protections for players. Other supporters also argued that Hawaii is missing out on annual revenue, especially because residents often travel to the 9th island (Las Vegas) to play.

Social and Economic Considerations

Perhaps the strongest reason gambling has not gained traction in Hawaii is cultural resistance. Police Chief Arthur Logan and Prosecutor Steve Alm have both raised concerns, pointing to the risk of more gambling-related crime and addiction. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also joined them in urging lawmakers to turn down legalization proposals.

With Hawaii facing high living costs and recent housing crises, revenue from a state lottery could fund public services like education, infrastructure, or health care. However, many still believe the social costs of gambling (such as crime, addiction, and family strain) would outweigh any revenue gains. For now, no consensus exists, which is why the status quo remains unchanged.

Looking at how other states use lottery revenue could also shed light on what Hawaii might be missing. In many cases, funds are directed toward education or senior programs, which creates a tangible public benefit. Whether this model could work in Hawaii remains an open question, but for now, it’s only a “what if.”

If gambling were to be legalized, oversight would likely fall under one of Hawaii’s existing state departments. Proposals have suggested giving regulatory power either to the Department of Law Enforcement or the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. These departments would be in charge of monitoring operators, enforcing rules, and collecting revenue.