Is Sports Betting Legal in Hawaii? (2026)
No — Sports Betting is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026.
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 |
No significant changes since 2022.
Enforcement Reality
All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal.
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.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
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
Explore all related legal topics in Hawaii — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.