A controversial proposal to legalize domestic casino gambling in Hawaii was struck down by state lawmakers on Thursday, ending a legislative push that had sparked intense debate over the future of entertainment and tourism on Oahu.
Senate Bill 893, which sought to authorize two 20-year casino licenses, was rejected at a committee hearing. The proposed venues included the planned Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and the Hawaii Convention Center, both seen as potential anchors for expanded tourism and economic development.
Supporters of the bill argued that casino revenue could help close a significant funding gap in the Aloha Stadium redevelopment project. Developer Stanford Carr, who is involved in the stadium initiative, warned that without the financial boost from legalized gambling, the project could be in jeopardy.
“There’s a shortfall of more than $550 million,” Carr told lawmakers. “Real estate investments alone can’t bridge that gap. Without casino revenue, we may have no choice but to halt the project entirely.”
Concerns From The Opposition
However, opponents of the bill voiced deep concerns about the social consequences of introducing casinos to the islands. Critics cited fears of increased crime, gambling addiction, and harm to vulnerable families.
Jared Yamaguchi, senior pastor at Hope Chapel in Mililani, shared a personal story during testimony, describing how his father’s gambling habits devastated their family. “He bet on everything—chicken fights, sports, you name it. We didn’t have the money, and it tore our family apart,” Yamaguchi said.
Senator Glenn Wakai, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, expressed skepticism about the bill’s ability to curb illegal gambling. “If someone’s already going to underground gambling houses, they’ll likely just shift to the casino,” he said. “That doesn’t solve the problem—it just changes the venue.”
Deputy Attorney General Kory Young added that legalizing casinos could expose a new segment of the population to gambling risks. “People who might never have considered gambling before could become addicted simply because it’s now accessible and sanctioned,” Young warned.
Online Casinos In Hawaii
Despite the lack of domestic gambling services, residents have access to online HI casinos that operate outside of the Aloha State. In fact, online sites have been accepting Hawaiian players since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted source for online casino entertainment.
Online casinos offer a variety of gaming options, including slots, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, roulette, and even live dealer games. Online, you can find multiple variations of your favorite games with lower buy-ins than their traditional counterparts. However, there are also options for high rollers looking to wager on live table games and more.