Hawaii back on the US internet gambling radar

Hawaii is the latest US State to reconsider internet gambling following the US Department of Justice’s reversal in opinion late last year.

House Bill 2422 has been submitted to the Hawaiian state legislature, that if passed, will create a “Hawaii internet lottery and gaming corporation” (HILGC) authorised to offer games of chance and games of skill over the internet which would include poker, lottery and casino games.

Provisions are included in the bill for the need to acquire the services, on a tender bid basis, of an internet gaming provider on condition that the successful company has not offered internet services to American’s in the past.

The bill allows for intrastate real-money wagering as well as a free-to-play internet offering to citizens residing both in and out of the state.  Additional provisions include the hosting of no more than two land-based gaming events per year related to the HILGC’s internet offering with the purpose of attracting tourists to the state as well as an option allowing the body to enter into like-minded multi-state agreements.

A second bill introduced to the Hawaiian legislature makes provision for the establishment of a state lottery.  Bill HB2316 specifies only land-based games and excludes any provision for internet gambling.

Both bills are sponsored by long-time gambling proponent House Speaker Emeritus Joseph Souki, Representative Faye Hanohano and Representative Angus McKelvey.

Readers will recall online poker bill SB755, introduced to the Hawaii Legislature back in April 2011, that enjoyed remarkably fast and positive progress through the various committees only to be stymied by a legislative deadline effectively rendering it dead for the remainder of the year .

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