Hawaii Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in The Aloha State
Hawaii is one of only two US states where there are no casinos of any kind. Gambling has always been strictly prohibited in the state.
That means no sports betting or poker rooms either.
Fortunately, offshore casinos are available to Hawaii residents if they don’t feel like traveling to the mainland.
Summary of HI Gambling Laws
Hawaii is very cut and dry regarding games of chance. No gambling of any form is officially licensed and regulated in the state. That includes casinos, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, poker, bingo, horse racing, and the lottery.
The only way that Hawaii residents can place bets is by taking advantage of online casinos licensed out-of-state.
| Gambling | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Gray Area |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore only |
| Legal Age Online | 21+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | No |
| Legal Age Land-Based | N/A |
| Online Sports Betting | Offshore only |
| Charitable Gambling | No |
| State Lottery | No |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Hawaii?
All forms of gambling in Hawaii are strictly prohibited, but some offshore operators will accept bets from Hawaiians.
| Gambling | Hawaii Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are not allowed to operate in the state. However, the law does not mention casinos from out-of-state. |
| Land-Based Casinos | Casinos are not allowed to operate in the state. |
| Poker | Poker rooms are illegal in Hawaii, although plenty of private games exist. You can also play on offshore sites. |
| Horse Race Betting | Horse race betting is strictly prohibited in Hawaii |
| Dog Race Betting | Betting on dog races is prohibited in Hawaii |
| Lottery | There is no lottery in Hawaii |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Hawaii banned Daily Fantasy Sports in a bill that passed in 2016. |
| Sports Betting | There is no officially licensed sports betting in Hawaii, but offshore operators will take bets from Hawaii residents. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable gaming is not permitted in Hawaii. |
| Social Gaming | Social gambling is legal in Hawaii so long as no one charges a rake or otherwise profits from hosting the game. |
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We spend too much time playing and reviewing online casinos and sportsbooks, so you don’t have to.
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Where to Gamble in Hawaii
There are not many options for gambling in Hawaii, but there are still a few places where you can find some action. Here’s a breakdown of where to gamble in the Aloha state.
Land-Based Casinos in Hawaii
There are no land-based casinos in the entire state of Hawaii.
That goes for all the islands, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Hawaii is one of two states (the other being Utah) with no gambling whatsoever.
Horse & Dog Tracks
There are no race tracks in Hawaii, and betting on races is prohibited.
Online Sports Betting
Hawaii is a popular state for sports (especially the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors), but no licensed sports gambling is allowed.
The only way to wager on sports is to use an online casino licensed out-of-state.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
There are no bingo halls in Hawaii, and charitable gambling is prohibited.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gambling is allowed in Hawaii so long as no one takes a rake or profits from the games.
That means there are plenty of private games, but it may be hard for the average person to get invited.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is popular in Hawaii, and several WSOP winners hail from the state, but land-based poker rooms are unavailable.
The only option is offshore poker sites.
Casino Cruises
Numerous cruises spend time sailing in Hawaii, but they cannot offer gambling while in the state.
As soon as they reach the open ocean, they can re-open their on-board casinos.
Real Money Online Casino Games in Hawaii
While there might be zero land-based casinos in Hawaii, many online options exist. Here’s a look at some of the casino games that Hawaii residents can enjoy from their homes.
Online Slots
There are no physical locations to play slots in Hawaii.
Online games are the only option. You will find many slot types, including classic, progressive, video, and more.
Online slots are identical to live slots and secured by ultra-safe random number generators.
Online Poker
There are no card rooms in the state of Hawaii.
However, you can play online poker in the comfort of your home through online casinos.
Some out-of-state operators provide access to various poker games, including tournaments, cash games, and sit-goes.
Blackjack
It’s impossible to play Blackjack in Hawaii because there are no casinos. The only option for Blackjack is playing at online gambling sites.
You’ll find multiple online Blackjack games, including classic, single or double-deck BlackJack, European Blackjack, and more.
Live Dealer Games
If you prefer live-action games, you’ll be happy to hear that you can play at live dealer casinos.
Live dealer games are live-streamed from a high-end studio with real cards and dealers. The best part is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
Other Available Games at HI Online Casinos
Casual games are for those who enjoy to relax when playing. You will find roulette, bingo, keno, craps, baccarat, and other games that are available at online sites.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Hawaii Players
It always helps to boost your bankroll, and online casinos help you get started with healthy welcome bonuses. They come with wagering requirements you should read, and most bonuses are tailored to slot players.
Hawaii Online Gambling Laws
Hawaii is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to gambling. It’s one of just two states (the other being Utah) where all forms of gambling are illegal.
While in-person gambling is not legal, the law does not mention out-of-state online casinos and many offshore casinos will take bets from Hawaii residents.
It’s the only way Hawaii residents can make wagers of any kind.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Hawaii?
Online gambling is not legal in Hawaii. However, the law does not specifically address offshore casinos.
Hawaii residents can play at online casinos that are licensed and regulated outside the state.
Gambling has a unique history in Hawaii as ancient Hawaiians took part in games of chance, as did the immigrant workers during the plantation era of the islands.
However, when missionaries arrived, there was a strong effort to ban all forms of gambling.
When Hawaii reached statehood in 1959, it entered the union with a constitutional provision prohibiting all forms of gambling. That provision was strengthened in 1978 with a law that criminalized gambling activities.
Since then, nothing has changed. There have been some efforts to legalize gaming to boost tourism, but nothing has succeeded.
For a period, there was interest in legalizing smaller forms of gambling – like online poker or Daily Fantasy Sports – but that interest has died down in recent years.
Hawaii State Law Strictly Prohibits Most Forms of Gambling
According to Statue 712-1220, all forms of gambling are prohibited in the state.
Essentially, only social gambling is allowed, but even that has to be from the bettor’s home rather than a bar, hotel, or club.
No Advertising Gambling
Because there are no legal casinos in Hawaii, there is very little advertising for gambling.
In 2023, a Senator attempted to ban advertisements for Vegas in Hawaii.
The bill SB935 SD1 was later modified to ban gambling advertising from every state (not just from Vegas), over free speech concerns.
Now, the promotion of gambling-based vacation packages is illegal in the state.
Sports Betting is Not Legal in Hawaii
Despite being home to zero professional teams, Hawaii is a huge state for sports, and the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors are exceptionally popular.
A recent bill (HB344) that would have legalized limited sports betting did not pass and was officially deferred.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Hawaii Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Hawaii is not much of a paradise for gamblers. Here’s how it stacks up to its closest physical neighbors and Utah, a state with similar gambling restrictions.
| US State | Playing at Online Casino | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal |
| California | Gray Area | Tribal Only | Legal | Gray Area | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| Oregon | Gray Area | Tribal Only | Legal | Gray Area | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| Washington | Gray Area | Tribal Only | Legal | Gray Area | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Alaska | Gray Area | Tribal Only | Legal | Gray Area | Not Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| Utah | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal |
Hawaii is most similar to Utah in that no gambling is officially licensed. Instead, residents of both states can only play on online casinos.
However, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington differ from Hawaii and Utah as they all have some form of land-based tribal gambling.
Alaska, while still restrictive, is still more open to gambling than Hawaii. Sports betting is not legal there, but it does allow Daily Fantasy Sports to exist in a gray area.
Tips for Playing Safely at Online Casinos in Hawaii
Hawaii residents can only play at offshore casinos, so they should consider a few safety precautions before signing up.
Here are the best tips for those who want to gamble online.
Look for Reputable Sites
Look for an offshore operator with a long history of treating its players right and paying out on time. Don’t risk your bankroll on an unestablished site.
Never Gamble More Than You Can Afford to Lose
Hawaii has no brick-and-mortar gambling, so state residents should be very cautious when playing online, especially if it’s their first time.
Consider Licensing
The best online casinos have licenses from legitimate gaming commissions or regulators. It can also be helpful to see recent audits. Transparency is very important!
Make Sure It Supports Your Payment Method
There’s no point in signing up for an online casino if you can’t fund your account. Make sure you have a way of transferring cash, whether that is through a bank transfer or crypto.
Take Emotion Out of Betting
You might want to put a huge amount of money down on the Rainbow Warriors or 49ers, but it’s best to bet with your brain rather than your heart.
Pros & Cons of HI Gambling
Hawaii is a tricky state to play games of chance, but it’s not all bad.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of gambling in the Aloha state.
Pros
- Licensed offshore operators are available in Hawaii
- Time zone is great for sports betting early in the day
- Sports betting, poker, and casinos are all available online
- Home games are popular and fun
- Great weather when you’re not on the virtual tables
Cons
- Absolutely no in-person gambling
- No state-regulated online gambling
- The nearest gambling state is a 5+ hour flight away
The Future of Online Gambling in Hawaii: Our Prediction
The current state of gambling in Hawaii is unlikely to change any time soon due to cultural and political reasons.
Every gambling proposal or bill that has ever been submitted in Hawaii has been shot down. Gambling was not legal even before Hawaii became a state in 1959, so it seems unlikely to pass any time soon.
On the other hand, Hawaii may eventually look to augment its tourism-based industry with a little more tax revenue from legalized gambling.
It still seems unlikely to happen any time soon.
The one way we could see some gambling legislation get momentum in Hawaii is if it was based on sports betting or poker.
Hawaii residents have a penchant for cards and sports, and it’s at least conceivable that a more community-focused sportsbook or card room could get traction, considering it’s likely already happening in unlicensed settings.
In fact, Rep. John Mizuno and Rep Daniel Holt proposed a bill in 2023 that would legalize sports betting and poker in neighborhood gambling rooms.
We wouldn’t hold our breath, however, and for now, the only option for gambling in Hawaii is offshore casinos.
Answers to Hawaii Gambling FAQs
Here’s more insight into the most common questions about gambling in Hawaii.
Is online gambling in Hawaii safe?
Gambling online in Hawaii is safe – provided you choose reputable online casinos with the right licenses.
What is the legal gambling age in Hawaii?
Hawaii bans in-casino gambling and does not have a lottery or allow pari-mutuel horse race wagering. At the same time, Hawaii allows social gambling and sets a minimum age of 18. Online gambling sites generally also require bettors to be at least 18.
Is there any risk of being prosecuted for playing at online casinos that are outside of Hawaii?
No. It’s not illegal to play on sites that operate offshore. The operators could potentially be held responsible, but that’s unlikely because Hawaii has no jurisdiction beyond the state borders.
How can I legally gamble online from Hawaii?
Once again, it’s not illegal to gamble online from Hawaii. There are no legal online casinos that operate within the state, however.
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in Hawaii?
Gambling is not taxed in Hawaii. You’ll still need to list your winnings as income on your federal tax filing, however, and you’ll pay tax on that amount
