Hawaii Puts Gambling Expansion on Pause as Sports Betting Bill Moves Forward

Hawaii lawmakers are once again weighing the future of gambling in the Aloha State, but broader expansion efforts appear to be on hold as the 2026 legislative session shifts focus to other priorities.

The development comes as House Bill 2570 continues to move through the legislature. The proposal would establish a regulated framework for sports wagering in Hawaii, outlining licensing requirements, oversight mechanisms and tax provisions. If enacted, the bill would place regulation under the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism while directing a portion of proceeds toward responsible gambling initiatives.

Hawaii Holds Off on Gambling Expansion

HB 2570 has cleared initial committee stages, but it has not yet become law. Hawaii remains one of only two states in the country without any form of legalized gambling, and opposition to expansion remains strong among certain lawmakers and community groups.

While sports betting discussions continue, more expansive gambling proposals have stalled this session. Measures that would have introduced broader casino gaming or other forms of wagering have not gained significant traction, signaling continued hesitation within the legislature.

For platforms operating in the skill-based and sweepstakes gaming space, Hawaii’s cautious approach reflects the wider uncertainty facing the industry across the United States.

Earlier this week, Tennessee lawmakers advanced legislation aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos, underscoring how states are reassessing alternative gaming models. That bill passed a Senate panel and now moves further along in the legislative process, adding to the growing scrutiny around sweepstakes-style platforms.

Taken together, the developments in Hawaii and Tennessee highlight the evolving and fragmented nature of US gaming regulation. While some states explore regulated sports betting frameworks, others are tightening restrictions around sweepstakes casino operations, leaving operators to navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape.

As Hawaii continues to debate whether sports betting has a place in the state, the outcome of HB 2570 will be closely watched by stakeholders across the gaming sector.

References:

Hawaii HB 2570