Online Sports Betting in Hawaii 2024
Looking for your next gambling spot in the Aloha State? Currently, sports betting is fully illegal in Hawaii—no online or in-person betting is allowed. Still, the state’s strong sports culture keeps discussions alive, making Hawaii’s gambling future worth watching.
On this page, we’ll bring you the latest updates on HI betting laws, the best social sports betting sites, and tips for reporting your betting winnings. Dive in to get the full picture on sports betting in Hawaii!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover why online sports betting is not legal in Hawaii.
- Explore the top Hawaii sweepstakes sportsbooks.
- Stay updated on the latest HI gambling legislation news.
Best Social Sports Betting Sites in Hawaii
Hawaii sports betting laws prohibit residents from wagering real money on sports, but social sports betting remains an option. Sweepstakes sportsbooks are free to make picks and offer the chance to win prizes, making them a great alternative for Hawaii bettors.
Although the offering is limited, we found the best sweepstakes sportsbook available in Hawaii:
Overview of Hawaii Online Gambling
Hawaii enforces some of the strictest gambling laws in the US, prohibiting nearly all forms of gambling. Unlike other states, Hawaii has not pursued tax revenue from gambling and rejected a 2024 sports betting bill (HB2765), leaving both online and retail betting illegal.
This strict policy also bans casinos, lotteries, poker rooms, and scratch-off games. The only legal gambling alternative is sweepstakes betting, which uses virtual currency.
Here’s a quick overview of Hawaii’s limited gambling options:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | No | Prohibited; no legal or regulated online sports betting in the state. | — |
| Retail Sports Betting | No | Illegal; no in-person sports betting locations allowed. | — |
| Social Sports Betting | Yes | Sweepstakes betting allowed; virtual coins only with no real-money bets. | 18 |
| Online Casinos | No | Online casino gaming is not allowed. | — |
| Tribal Casinos | No | No commercial casinos permitted in Hawaii. | — |
| Lottery | No | State lottery is banned; no lotto or scratch-off games available. | — |
| Poker Rooms | No | Legal poker rooms are not available in the state. | — |
Top Sports and Teams to Follow in Hawaii
Hawaii may lack major professional sports leagues due to logistical hurdles, but it still has a rich sports culture, with dedicated fans cheering on local teams, athletes, and distinctive events.
Here’s a look at Hawaii’s popular sports scene to have an overview of what sports you can make picks on.
College Sports
College sports are central to Hawaii’s culture, with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine competing in NCAA Division I conferences like the Big West and Mountain West.
Events such as the Hawaii Bowl and Diamond Head Classic draw local fans and national attention. Hawaii’s pride also shone in the 2024 Olympics, with four US men’s volleyball team members hailing from the islands.
Ironman Triathlon
The Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona is a world-famous endurance race, combining a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. This challenging event draws elite athletes from across the globe.
Surfing Championships
Hawaii, the birthplace of modern surfing, hosts iconic events like the Vans Triple Crown, Duke’s Oceanfest, Pipeline Masters, and The Eddie on Oahu’s North Shore.
Pioneered by legend Duke Kahanamoku and carried on by champions like John Florence and Carissa Moore, these competitions celebrate Hawaii’s powerful waves and rich surfing heritage.
Tennis
Hawaii hosts notable tennis events like the Hawaii Open, which draws top international talent and showcases exciting matches that engage local fans and visitors alike.
Learn more about tennis betting with our linked page.
Golf
Hawaii hosts major golf tournaments like the Sony Open at Waialae, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, and the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua. Local legend Michelle Wie remains a celebrated figure, having made history as the youngest LPGA qualifier.
Read our guide on golf betting for more information.
Mixed Martial Arts
Hawaii is home to renowned UFC fighter B.J. Penn, a pioneer in mixed martial arts who has earned a place among the sport’s elite and brought recognition to Hawaii’s MMA scene.
Our page for UFC betting provides you a detailed guide.
Sailing
Hawaii is also represented internationally in sailing by Daniela Moroz, an Olympic-level athlete whose achievements bring pride and global attention to the islands.
Declaring Your Betting Winnings in Hawaii
According to the IRS, all gambling winnings are fully taxable, and Hawaii state tax authorities follow the same rule. Hawaii residents must report all income on their tax returns, including any winnings from out-of-state or international bets.
Here are simple steps to follow:
- Track Winnings.
Keep records of all betting winnings, including dates and amounts.
- Report on Federal Return.
Enter total winnings on Form 1040.
- Include on Hawaii State Return.
Add all winnings to your Hawaii state income, even if earned out-of-state.
- Deduct Losses (Optimal).
If itemizing, deduct losses up to your winnings amount.
- Submit Payment.
Calculate and pay any taxes owed by the filing deadline.
For the complete procedure, refer to our guide to sports betting taxes in the US.
Hawaii Sports Betting: What Comes Next?
The most recent update on Hawaii sports betting came in 2024 (HB2765), when a bill proposing a task force to explore legalization was introduced but did not advance, underscoring Hawaii’s cautious approach. Alongside Utah, Hawaii maintains a full ban on gambling due to social and economic concerns.
For now, sweepstakes sportsbooks provide a limited alternative for Hawaiians, though growing interest in potential tax revenue could lead to future proposals. Any shift is expected to be gradual, with a possible focus on a state-regulated online platform.
Stay tuned with the latest news on state gambling legislation as we track developments in Hawaii’s sports betting situation.
References
- HI HB2765 — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
- IRS Topic no. 419 on Gambling Income and Losses — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Hawaii residents can legally place sports bets if they are in a state where sports betting is allowed.
The legal age for participating in sweepstakes and social betting is 18.
Hawaii enforces a full ban on gambling due to social and economic concerns, and lawmakers have shown little interest in expanding gambling options.
