Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Hawaii? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Daily Fantasy Sports is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Misdemeanor for gambling.
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2025: There have been numerous legislative attempts to legalize sports betting and DFS in Hawaii, with bills introduced in 2025 and 2026, but none have been successful in becoming law.

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Quick Answer

Daily Fantasy Sports are not legal in Hawaii. There have been numerous legislative attempts to legalize sports betting and DFS in Hawaii, with bills introduced in 2025 and 2026, but none have been successful in becoming law.

What the Law Says

Hawaii law prohibits gambling, and the Attorney General has issued an opinion that daily fantasy sports fall under this prohibition.

Hawaii Gaming & Wagering Code (Justia)
Category Details
DFS Rules Illegal or not authorized
Licensed Operators Platforms do not operate
Penalties Varies; may be treated as illegal gambling.
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

There have been numerous legislative attempts to legalize sports betting and DFS in Hawaii, with bills introduced in 2025 and 2026, but none have been successful in becoming law.

Enforcement Reality

In 2016, the Hawaii Attorney General issued an opinion that daily fantasy sports are illegal gambling under state law. As a result, major DFS operators do not offer paid contests in Hawaii.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor for gambling.
Enforcement Likelihood
Low. The Attorney General has stated that DFS is illegal gambling, but major platforms do not operate in the state, so there is no active enforcement.
Common Triggers
Operating or attempting to play on a DFS platform in Hawaii.
Common Mistakes

People may not be aware that DFS is considered illegal in Hawaii, as it is one of the few states with a clear stance against it.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Hawaii. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Daily Fantasy Sports is illegal in Hawaii. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.

Hawaii vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, playing daily fantasy sports is fully legal in 38 states, restricted in 7, and illegal in 5. Hawaii falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Sports Betting Laws Guide

This topic is closely related to sports betting and gambling laws.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is playing daily fantasy sports legal in Hawaii?
No — Daily Fantasy Sports is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026. Daily Fantasy Sports are not legal in Hawaii. There have been numerous legislative attempts to legalize sports betting and DFS in Hawaii, with bills introduced in 2025 and 2026, but none have been successful in becoming law.
What are the penalties for playing daily fantasy sports in Hawaii?
Varies; may be treated as illegal gambling.
How strictly does Hawaii enforce its daily fantasy sports laws?
In 2016, the Hawaii Attorney General issued an opinion that daily fantasy sports are illegal gambling under state law. As a result, major DFS operators do not offer paid contests in Hawaii.
What typically triggers enforcement in Hawaii?
Operating or attempting to play on a DFS platform in Hawaii.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
Hawaii law prohibits gambling, and the Attorney General has issued an opinion that daily fantasy sports fall under this prohibition.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Comprehensive Hawaii Legal Guides

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