When and How to Bet Legally for Hawaii Sports Betting

Is sports betting in Hawaii legal?

Sports betting in Hawaii is not legal, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. House Bill 1308, originally proposed by Rep. Daniel Holt, made it further than any previous legislation, but ultimately failed due to disagreements over tax rates and licensing fees. Opposition from anti-gambling lawmakers and community groups also played a role.

The Senate originally passed the bill with amendments in early April. However, the House disagreed with the proposed 10% tax rate and $250,000 in licensing fees. While the revised version looked like it had a good chance of passing, disagreements over critical components of the proposal ended hopes that legal sports betting would arrive in Hawaii any time in 2025.

Assuming proponents are successful in 2026, Hawaii would become the 40th state to legalize sports betting, prepping the market for at least four potential Hawaii sportsbooks available on launch day.

Notable Hawaii sports betting developments

• Jan. 28, 2026: A new Tourism and Gaming Working Group is established in Hawaii to evaluate and potentially develop a framework for legal gambling in the state.
• Apr. 25, 2025: Hawaii’s House of Representatives and Senate reject HB 1308, ending hopes of legalized sports betting in Hawaii this year.
• Apr 8, 2025: The bill is returned from the Senate in amended form.
• Mar 4, 2025: The bill passes third reading and is sent to the Senate two days later.
• Jan 23, 2025: The House introduces HB 1308

Hawaii sports betting summary

Expected Hawaii sportsbook apps

If everything proceeds smoothly next year, at least four major sportsbooks are expected to go live. While the final lineup of Hawaii betting sites is a long way from being confirmed, some names are already emerging as potential contenders.

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics have all actively lobbied in favor of the bill and are likely to be first in line to receive licenses. Other prominent names, like Caesars, could also join the potential list of sportsbooks in Hawaii, depending on how the market takes shape.

Here’s what you can expect from the four sportsbooks that would potentially be available on launch day:

DraftKings 👑

• App Store rating: 4.8/5.0 ⭐
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

DraftKings is a leading U.S. sportsbook alongside FanDuel, holding 25% market share. Bettors flock to DK for many reasons, be it the attractive welcome offers, free-to-play games, or an unbeatable selection of props.

Those looking to place smarter bets should look into the platform’s Stats Hub. This valuable tool offers in-depth stats, trends, and past game data to help you spot high-value opportunities. DraftKings will also likely have one of the best Hawaii sports betting promos available, which right now is bet $5 or more and get $200 in bonus bets.

DraftKings’ platform is also favored for its great layout and design, as it’s easily one of the most user-friendly betting apps on the market. Fittingly, DraftKings also has one of the top-performing mobile apps on the market, boasting a 4.8-star rating on the App Store.

FanDuel 🔵

• App Store rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐
• Sign-up bonus: Up To $3,000 in Bonus Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

FanDuel is America’s best sportsbook by many metrics. The brand pioneered same-game parlays and continually comes up with ways to improve the feature. For instance, you can now swap legs on prebuilt SGPs and combine live bets on popular NFL props. Meanwhile, dedicated pages like Parlay Hub, Explore, and Quick Bets offer flexible, user-friendly tools to build your perfect wager.

All these features are complemented by competitive pricing, odds boosts, and valuable promotions for both new and existing bettors.

Like DraftKings, we love FanDuel’s excellent user experience on both desktop and mobile, with intuitive navigation, lightning-fast odds updates, and snappy loading times.

BetMGM 🦁

• App Store rating: 4.8/5.0 ⭐
• Sign-up bonus: Up To $1,500 First Bet Offer
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

BetMGM is another great option that could end up on the final list of legal Hawaii sportsbooks. The platform boasts one of the largest welcome bonuses on the market. Plus, its renowned MGM Rewards program offers many perks, including hotel stays and travel vouchers at MGM locations nationwide.

The betting experience is seamless thanks to a variety of advanced features, including Easy Parlay, enhanced SGP options with pre-built fixtures, early cashout, live bet tracking, and live streaming.

BetMGM is on par with DraftKings and FanDuel when it comes to the range of events and markets. It also accepts plenty of payment options, although it could speed up its withdrawal processing time.

Caesars 🏛

• App Store rating: 4.7/5.0 ⭐
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 10 Wagers
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Caesars is a sports betting industry giant that is likely to launch in Hawaii upon legalization. Users can enjoy betting on over 25 sports, including a wide range of proposition bets on popular events, advanced microbetting options, early cashout, and NFL live streaming.

Caesars stands out for its number of daily boosts, which sometimes include over 50 enhanced odds on specific markets. Bonuses and promotions are some of the most rewarding among U.S. sportsbooks, including a renowned rewards program supported by Caesars Entertainment.

The user experience rivals that of other top sportsbooks, thanks in part to its clean, easy-to-use interface and a well-organized bet slip.

Fanatics 🧢

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in FanCash Immediately
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Unlike more established contenders in the Hawaii sports betting race, Fanatics is a relative newcomer, having only entered the market in 2023. Despite its relatively short existence, the brand has managed to catch up to the competition with its standout promotions, powerful software, and player-friendly banking limits.

Fanatics also sets itself apart with unique features, like the Fair Play policy, which voids all player prop wagers affected by a player’s injury. The FanCash rewards program is also interesting, as it’s based on your wager’s risk level — the riskier the bet, the more FanCash (merchandise credit) you receive.

Fanatics offers a refreshing alternative for bettors who want to step away from the usual big-name sportsbooks and explore something new.

Hawaii sports betting neighbors

As an island state located approximately 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland, Hawaii doesn’t have any obvious sports betting neighbors. The closest states that offer sports betting are Oregon and Washington, since California hasn’t legalized it. 

Oregon sports betting was introduced in 2019 and DraftKings is the official sportsbook of the Oregon Lottery, making it the only approved online betting site in the state. Washington sports betting was legalized in 2020, but is only available exclusively at the state's tribal casinos.

Meanwhile, the quest to enact legal California sports betting has hit numerous roadblocks, including opposition from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and a pair of rejected proposition votes. 

Hawaii sports betting step-by-step start guide

If sports betting in Hawaii becomes legalized, the setup process is expected to follow the same playbook as other regulated states. From registering your account to making deposits and cashing out winnings, here’s what your experience will likely look if the market goes live.

1. Select a sportsbook licensed in Hawaii

Decide what features you value in a sportsbook before making your decision. Our detailed sportsbook reviews can help you get a clearer picture of what each of these brands would offer, along with any potential pitfalls. Be sure to only choose a site that is licensed and regulated by Hawaii gaming officials. 

2. Register online

Once you’ve made your choice, head to the sportsbook’s website or download its mobile app. You’ll usually see a 'Sign Up' or 'Join' button leading to a registration page. Here, you’ll need to provide basic details, including your name, DOB, email address, location, and a part of your Social Security number.

If applicable, enter a corresponding promo code (we will list all valid codes on this page).

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

After your account has been activated, head over to the Cashier. Choose from the available banking methods and complete the required payment details to fund your account. Make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions of any welcome bonus you want to claim. You'll want to make sure you deposit enough to unlock the offer.

4. Select and finalize your bet

Your deposit should go through almost immediately, after which you can finally start placing wagers. Navigate between different sports and events, carefully choosing the markets you want to bet on. Click or tap on the corresponding odds and you’ll see the selection appear on your bet slip. Enter the stake amount, review the bet, and submit it.

5. Win and withdraw your payout

If your bet was successful, you can instantly request a withdrawal (barring any bonus wagering requirements). Head back to the Cashier and navigate to the Withdrawal tab. In some cases, you'll have to use the same method you did for a previous deposit. Enter the amount you wish to cash out, submit the required payment details, and complete the withdrawal.

The winnings should hit your bank account the same day (or within a few days, at most). The withdraw speed usually depends on the banking method and the sportsbook’s withdrawal policy.

Hawaii sports leagues and teams to bet on

Due to its unique geographic location and overall distance from the mainland U.S., Hawaii doesn’t host any major league teams.

Still, this won’t stop Hawaiians from betting on their favorite franchises across the country. When sports betting in Hawaii does becomes official, eligible residents will have the freedom to place wagers on all NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL teams, exploring a wide range of betting markets and features for the "Big Four" North American leagues. 

Of course, the sportsbooks won’t be limited to major American leagues. They also feature many other popular leagues and competitions from all over the world, including Formula 1, UFC, soccer, cricket, rugby, and more.

Hawaii sports betting and the taxman

The details regarding sports betting taxation in Hawaii are yet to be determined. The rejected April 2025 proposal included a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue, but that number could change the next time a proposal is introduced in the House and Senate.

Many regulated states have reevaluated their sports betting tax rates due to higher revenue than expected, as well as growing concerns over problem gambling. In Hawaii, similar fears are urging calls for higher taxes on operators to fund prevention and treatment programs, with lawmakers pushing sportsbooks to contribute more to public welfare.

What’s missing from Hawaii sports betting?

The current framework for Hawaii sports betting still has a few unanswered questions regarding the types of bets that will be allowed. Based on how other states have handled regulations, here are a few forms of wagers that may be off-limits once the market goes live.

Politics ❌

Betting on political events, like presidential or local elections, is almost always prohibited in regulated U.S. markets. Hawaii is likely to follow suit, since wagering on elections raises ethical concerns and could be seen as undermining the democratic process.

Entertainment award ceremonies 🎬

Wagering on events like the Oscars or Grammy Awards may also be restricted. These outcomes are often determined by small, private voting groups, making them more vulnerable to leaks or manipulation, which is why many states prohibit them.

Esports 🎮

Esports betting is a little more complex. While it's allowed in some states, with certain age and game restrictions, others treat it with caution due to the influence it may have on the younger audience and the difficulty in monitoring competitive integrity. At this point, it's unclear whether a potential Hawaii sports betting law would include eSports or not. 

What about daily fantasy sports? 🏈

Hawaii plans to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) alongside sports betting. If the bill is signed into law, major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel would be cleared to offer their DFS contests alongside traditional sports betting options. Hawaii is one of the few remaining states that hasn’t regulated fantasy sports so far. 

Hawaii college sports betting 🎓

Betting on collegiate sports is another grey area in the U.S. sports betting scene. Most regulated states allow it, but some impost limitations on betting on in-state teams or games involving local schools. Additionally, some restrict player prop bets on any college athletes. 

The most recent Hawaii sports betting bill did not explicitly address whether betting on collegiate sports would be permitted.

Responsible Hawaii sports betting

Hawaii currently lacks any dedicated state-level resources for responsible gambling, which makes sense considering its longstanding prohibition on all forms of gambling up until now. However, the rejected HB 1308 did include provisions to establish a problem gambling prevention and treatment fund.

A comprehensive support system will likely be set up once legal sports betting rolls out. It would include a state-run helpline, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with various professional treatment providers.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Hawaii

Sports betting is not currently legal in Hawaii. However, residents should still avoid online sportsbooks that claim to be available in the state. They are unregulated (at best) and at worst, potentially predatory or outright scams. 

SBR keeps an extensive list of blacklisted sportsbooks. You should never try to play at any of these providers. Just be patient and wait for Hawaii legislation to pass. You can also travel to a neighboring state that has legal sports betting (though this is admittedly more difficult in Hawaii compared to other unregulated states).

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Nearly 40 states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

The most recent state to launch legal sports betting is North Carolina, with eight sportsbooks arriving in the Tar Heel State on March 11, 2024.

However, Missouri is the most recent state to legalize sports betting, with a launch scheduled for December 1, 2025. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates as they're announced by following our Missouri sportsbook promos page, or read about which Missouri sports betting apps we recommend. 

The state closest to offering legalized sports betting next is Oklahoma, but even if legislation is passed, we don't expect a launch until the first half of 2026 (at the earliest).