Are There Hawaii Casinos? The Complete Guide to Hawaii Gambling. So, you want to know if there are any casinos in Hawaii. It could be curiosity or the desire to spend part of your island vacation playing slots. Regardless of your motivation, read on for all the information you need about Hawaii casinos.
Does Hawaii Have Casinos?
On the contrary, there are no casinos in Hawaii. No casinos exist on the Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or Big Island islands. You won’t find a single casino in either Honolulu or Waikiki. This statute is only present in two states: Hawaii and Utah.
Gambling of any kind is forbidden in Hawaii. Hawaii has no usual gambling establishments, including casinos, lotteries, sportsbooks, and bingo halls. Even cruise ships must close their in-house casinos when in Hawaiian waters. Put another way, if you’re planning on gambling while on vacation in Hawaii, you can put down your poker chips and slot machines.
Why Aren’t There Any Hawaii Casinos?
The absence of casinos in Hawaii can be attributed to various factors. Casinos would, first and foremost, detract from Hawaii’s unique vibe. The picturesque landscapes, welcoming locals, and tranquil atmosphere are the main draws for tourists to Hawaii. The introduction of gambling establishments would eliminate most of that.
Secondly, the area would be more efficiently utilized as a tourist attraction. Most places that open casinos and other forms of gambling do so to increase local tax income. It was, after all, one goal of the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to boost funding for Native American tribes. In Hawaii, meanwhile, the site would be better put to use financially if it were developed as a tourist attraction.
Lastly, the cost of a trip to Hawaii is high enough. Gambling is expensive enough without adding the risk of losing money. Last but not least, some legislators are concerned that casinos in Hawaii may attract other undesirable activities. At this time, Hawaii is entirely secure. It may not be as safe as twenty years ago, but it’s still far safer than most American states. Lawmakers are concerned that bringing gambling to the islands might lead to a rise in crime and a loss in safety despite the generally low crime rates.
What Happens If You Gamble in Hawaii?
Gambling is typically regarded as a misdemeanor in Hawaii. The amount that is considered a felony is determined by the sort of gambling, although it might range from $500 to $1,000 in a single day. Avoid gambling in Hawaii at all costs. Please do not do it. Instead, take advantage of the restaurants, beaches, and hiking.
Are There Plans to Open Any Casinos in Hawaii?
I don’t think so right now, but that can change. A significant dent was made in Hawaii’s budget because of the COVID-19 outbreak. To fix this money crisis, a few people introduced legislation to legalize gambling in some form. But before they could even get off the ground, every single gambling idea was struck down. It follows that Hawaii will be devoid of casinos for the time being.
Developing a gambling establishment on DHHL property has been the subject of some speculation. More low-cost housing for Native Hawaiians would be one of the intended uses of the proceeds. Most Native Hawaiians are against this plan. Native Hawaiians would rather see the little parcel of land still in their possession preserved than transformed into a casino.
Where Do Hawaii Locals Go to Gamble?
Everyone wants to know where the Hawaiians bet since the Aloha State has no casinos. While it’s true that many people avoid gaming altogether, it’s far from universal.
There’s a good reason why many Hawaiians call Sin City the “9th island.” Many Hawaiians love to take a trip to Sin City, where those with an unhealthy obsession with gambling can let it all out.
