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Hawaii may be the perfect destination if you’re a poker fan and looking for a place to play. Although there are some restrictions on where and how you can play, plenty of options are still available. This article will discuss the current Hawaii poker laws and provide tips on where to play. So continue reading if you’re ready to play at the tables!
Where to Play Online Poker in Hawaii?
Looking to play poker games in Hawaii? Check out our list of the best Hawaii poker sites!
BetOnline Poker
Ignition Poker
Everygame Poker
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Hawaii?
Gambling is a popular pastime in many parts of the world, and Hawaii is no exception. While no specific state law prohibits online gambling in Hawaii, there is a general prohibition against gambling.
As a result, it is unclear whether online gambling would be considered illegal under Hawaiian law. However, no one has ever been charged with engaging in online gambling in Hawaii.
So it is generally safe to assume that you can play for fun as long as you are not running an online gambling business. If you have any concerns, you should consult a lawyer to ensure you are not breaking any laws.
Hawaii Poker and Gambling Laws
Gambling has been a contentious issue in the United States for many years now. Various gambling-friendly measures have been attempted to pass on numerous occasions throughout the years, such as the 2008 online poker bill (HB 2422) and the 2017 internet gambling and lottery bill (SB 677).
None of them, however, were successful. Several pieces of gambling-related legislation, such as HB 348 (state lottery), HB 766 (shipboard gaming), or HB 855, are now being processed by the local legislature (state-sanctioned DFS monitoring and registration).
Meanwhile, the likelihood of any of those laws reaching the governor’s desk is essentially zero because lawmakers and businesspeople strongly oppose legalized gambling.
The current political atmosphere is perfectly shown by Hawaii’s recent efforts to outlaw video game loot boxes because they resemble legitimate gambling. It seems that for now, at least, the US will continue to take a hard line on gambling.
Regarding gambling, the Hawaii Statutes’ Section 712 lists the regulations that apply to land-based gambling. However, the legal position of iGaming is unclear because the statute doesn’t specifically address internet gambling and permits home games.
This can be confusing for people who want to gamble online, but consulting the history of the neighborhood police is the simplest method to resolve this conflict. It’s worth noting that playing on offshore sites is completely safe because, as you may have already surmised, no online players have yet been detained or even charged.
Hawaii Gambling Laws Resources
- Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1223: Gambling
- Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1220: Definitions Of Terms In This Part
- ibid.
- Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1231: Social Gambling, Definition and Specific Conditions, Alternative Defense
Short History of Gambling in Hawaii
Gambling has a long history in Hawaii, dating back to the Makahiki Festival of 1778. At this annual event, natives would gamble and blow things up long before Hawaii was even discovered.
However, when the Americans arrived in Hawaii, gambling had lost some of its appeal due to reform brought about by the island’s annexation.
Through the 1950s, legal horse racing gambling remained popular among locals. At one point, Hawaii’s various islands were home to twelve real money gambling tracks. However, horse racing would soon lose popularity in Hawaii.
In 2015, Hawaii lacked casinos and real money poker rooms because of the strong influence of Mormons and genuine Christians. Despite numerous attempts to construct a land-based casino, they have all been greeted with resistance.
Consequently, locals must travel off the island if they want to gamble for real money. Nonetheless, gambling continues to be popular in Hawaii, with many locals taking part in illegal games of chance regularly.
The Future of Gambling in Hawaii
Gamblers in Hawaii should not expect any major legislative adjustments to occur suddenly. Although Hawaii has had a negative attitude toward gambling and the lack of demand for anything to change, history has shown an appetite for it on the islands, regardless.
As more states legalize sports betting, the less conservative ones, such as Hawaii, may change their minds.
Since Hawaii is a popular vacation spot for Americans, anything changes there. Unfortunately, it will likely happen after some other states take the plunge and test the political and economic waters.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Hawaii poker laws are pretty lenient. Nothing stops you from enjoying a game of poker with your friends as long as everyone is of age and no one is making a profit off the game. Remember to brush up on the rules before you start playing, and you’ll be fine!
This article should have given you everything needs to know about Hawaii poker laws. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact a lawyer in your area. Remember, always play within the law and have fun! Thanks for reading!
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