Is Sports Betting Legal in Hawaii? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Sports Betting is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Misdemeanor
Last Updated
2026-03-26
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Quick Answer

Sports betting is not legal in Hawaii. No significant changes since 2022.

What the Law Says

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1223 makes gambling a misdemeanor.

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1223
Category Details
In-Person Betting Illegal. Hawaii has not legalized sports betting and has no legal gambling of any kind (no casinos, no lottery, no horse racing). Hawaii is one of only two states (with Utah) that prohibit all forms of gambling. Legalization efforts have been minimal.
Online/Mobile Betting No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in Hawaii. No gambling infrastructure exists.
Penalties Hawaii Revised Statutes § 712-1220: gambling is a misdemeanor. Promoting gambling in the first degree is a Class C felony (up to 5 years).
Minimum Betting Age N/A — not legal
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant changes since 2022.

Enforcement Reality

All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor
Enforcement Likelihood
Low
Common Triggers
Large-scale illegal gambling operations
Common Mistakes

Thinking that tourist-friendly laws would extend to gambling.

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

Sports Betting 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, betting on sports is fully legal in 16 states, restricted in 22, and illegal in 12. Hawaii falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Sports Betting Laws Guide

Understand the full picture of sports betting law in Hawaii and across the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is betting on sports legal in Hawaii?
No — Sports Betting is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026. Sports betting is not legal in Hawaii. No significant changes since 2022.
What are the penalties for betting on sports in Hawaii?
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 712-1220: gambling is a misdemeanor. Promoting gambling in the first degree is a Class C felony (up to 5 years).
How strictly does Hawaii enforce its sports betting laws?
All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal.
What typically triggers enforcement in Hawaii?
Large-scale illegal gambling operations
What is the minimum betting age for betting on sports in Hawaii?
N/A — not legal

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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: 2026-03-26 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1223 makes gambling a misdemeanor.
Verified: 2026-03-26 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.

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