Hawaii Betting Bill Gains Governor's Support with Conditions
Governor Josh Green has indicated his support for Hawaii's mobile sports betting proposal, provided it includes robust measures to protect players from potential harm.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:According to local reports, Green will give House Bill 1308 his stamp of approval if it passes the state legislature with necessary safeguards.
As long as there's some safeguards with gambling addiction services and so on, if the legislature goes to the full way and passes it, I'll likely let it become law.
Introduced in January by Representative Daniel Hot, HB 1308 aims to establish a regulated online sports betting market in Hawaii with licenses for at least four online operators. The bill also includes provisions to legalize daily fantasy sports.
House and Senate Disagree on Oversight
The legislative process for HB 1308 has been contentious, with the bill now in a conference committee working to reconcile discrepancies between House and Senate versions.
A key point of contention between the Senate and House centers on which government entity should regulate sports betting under HB 1308. The difference of opinion is fueled by the state's lack of an existing gambling framework.
While the House favored the Department of Consumer Protection for the role, the Senate shifted oversight to the Department of Law Enforcement due to viability concerns from the department.
More Regulation News
Tax Rates and Fees at Center of Negotiations
The original version of the bill did not include tax details, but during Senate floor debates, a minimum 10% tax rate was added as an amendment. The current version also mandates a $250,000 licensing fee, valid for 5 years, for sports betting operators. It requires suppliers to pay a $10,000 licensing fee.
A few days ago, the House voted to reject the Senate's revisions of the measure, sending the bill to a conference for further negotiation.
The conference committee consists of six lawmakers, three each from the Senate and House. The group will seek a mutually acceptable solution regarding the tax rates and fees and other disputed provisions.
However, as the legislative session deadline approaches, lawmakers in Hawaii have until May 2 to advance HB 1308.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Business
Fitch Analysts Paint Potentially Dire Picture of US Casino Operators' Future in Macau
Apr 25, 2025
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Hawaii Betting Bill Gains Governor's Support with Conditions