Best Online Casinos for Players in Hawaii in 2024

Introduction

Mark Twain portrayed Hawaii as the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean, so it comes as no surprise that it is usually on the short list of dream destinations for a summer holiday!

This constituent state of the United States is formed of a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean with a well-known capital city named Honolulu.

Hawaii seems to have it all - a perfect tropical climate, numerous heavenly-looking beaches, beautiful scenery, and active volcanoes - but there is still something missing!

Hawaii is just not among the most gambling-crazed states! We may even say it belongs to those with the strictest gambling laws in the US.

Yes, Hawaii is generally a fantastic place for vacation, but that also depends on your own definition of vacation. This is undoubtedly a perfect place for those simply looking to relax on the beach, enjoy beautiful scenery, and indulge in eating and drinking!

However, if you are a casino fan who'd love to visit the Aloha state and spend some of your time enjoying your favorite game of poker or blackjack, you'd be disappointed to know that any form of gambling is strictly forbidden!

Although other US states have made significant moves toward legalizing sports betting and online casino gaming, Hawaii (together with Utah) shows no interest in wanting to permit gambling or betting on any type of game!

This includes prohibiting daily fantasy sports, dog or horse racing, poker, charitable gambling, and even state lottery and bingo!

But that's not all!

You'd imagine people could try their luck on cruise ships, but the authorities also prohibit gambling on Hawaiian waters!

So, if you are on a cruise to the Hawaiian islands, going to the onboard casino will not be an option as long as you are in Hawaiian waters, as it will be closed.

Luckily for Aloha state, this strict prohibition doesn’t seem to hurt its visitor numbers whatsoever.

There is an opinion that traditional hotels are profitable enough without slot machines - and many believe that adding them would detract from the vacation experience.

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Why Hawaii Doesn’t Have Any Casinos?

A total of 48 US states legalize gambling at some level; however, Hawaii and Utah have banned all forms of gaming - the latter being even less gambling-friendly than Hawaii.

How is that possible?

There is no universal legalization of gambling across the country, despite popular belief. The federal government does not have the power to regulate this matter; it is the responsibility of each state.

The first of several reasons this Aloha state doesn't have any casinos is the belief that gambling would ruin the setting of Hawaii.

The main features that attract visitors include friendly citizens, beautiful nature, and a calm atmosphere, much of which would be ruined by the hype that casinos and betting carry with them!

Moreover, most Hawaiians vehemently oppose gambling, thinking it will destroy the family atmosphere and lead to more chaos or problems.

Secondly, although gaming enthusiasts claim that the state can use the revenue from the casinos, Hawaii believes its land is better used for tourism.

Besides, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act from 1988 was passed to increase the amount of money for Native American tribes, but for Hawaiians, the land is definitely more financially beneficial.

Lastly, Hawaiian lawmakers fear that casinos will bring higher crime rates. Namely, the Aloha state boasts a title of being relatively safe thanks to the lowest gun death rate, plus the lowest likelihood of passing away since its high ratings of mental health and low obesity rates.

Hawaii Recommended Online Poker Rooms

Attempts to Legalize Gambling

Judging by numerous failed attempts to create an online lottery and gaming corporation, we can conclude that Hawaii will remain a perfect place for tropical activities and relaxing vacations for a long time!

Although lawmakers pitch gambling bills on a yearly level, with a view of gambling as a chance to raise money without having to hike taxes, they fail every time.

Ever since Hawaii became the 50th US state in 1959, it has been a gambling-free zone, and much to our surprise, even horse race betting and bingo are not allowed.

In addition, the state even lacks an official state lottery, making it one of only six US countries without it.

A bill was introduced in 2012 aiming to establish an online lottery and gaming corporation. This would have allowed states to run their own lotteries and offer online poker and casino games; however, it failed to gain traction.

In 2021, a bill was introduced to create a sports gambling task force that would examine the economic feasibility of implementing sports gaming in Hawaii, but it died at the committee level.

The same happened a year later, only that bill specified that sports wagering shall not be considered games of chance or gambling.

Once again, in 2023, a bill made some noise in the House but was defeated.

In February 2024, Senator Ronald Kouchi introduced House Bill 2765, which would legalize poker and sports betting apps in Hawaii. However, this bill failed to advance past the halfway point of Hawaii’s legislative session.

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Is There Anything Legal in Terms of Gambling in Hawaii?

The islands of Aloha prohibit almost everything that comes to your mind regarding gambling – bingo, poker, sports betting, casino games, and daily fantasy sports.

Still, the law doesn't expressly prohibit online play, i.e., it does not specifically mention online gambling or similar terms in its regulations, though the general ban is broad enough to cover all internet gambling actions.

However, as far as we know, the state has never prosecuted anybody for playing at online casinos. But, since there is no regulated online gambling in Hawaii, the only option available is to play on offshore sites.

But what happens if you violate the law concerning other games?

If you get caught engaged in gambling, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and face imprisonment or paying a high fine.

However, social gambling is allowed, provided it does not involve persons under 18 years of age, bookmaking, or profits for organizers. It also must not occur in most public places.

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Depositing and Withdrawing when in HI

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

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Conclusion

Hawaii is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, but when it comes to gambling, it’s a strict no-go. The islands have some of the toughest gambling laws in the US, banning everything from sports betting to poker and even lottery games. This ban extends to cruise ships in Hawaiian waters, so you won’t find any casinos floating by either.

Despite lacking gambling options, Hawaii remains a popular destination for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The state focuses on tourism, and many visitors come for the stunning views and beachside relaxation, not for gaming.

Attempts to introduce gambling have consistently failed, with proposed bills for online lotteries and sports betting not making it past the initial stages. So, if you’re headed to Hawaii and love to gamble, your best bet is to stick with online casinos that accept players from the state. Just remember, playing on offshore sites can come with its own set of risks.

To help you navigate the wealth of online offshore and international options, we created a list of all Hawaii-friendly online casinos below. Browse the list and find the most suitable gaming site by checking out our unbiased casino reviews and player ratings. Each review also highlights any available bonuses, including sign-up offers and no-deposit deals, which could influence your final decision. To make it even easier, use the search filters to narrow your options by software and games, currencies, banking, country and other features. 

Even though Hawaii’s land-based gambling options are limited, this page ensures you have access to quality online alternatives that bring the excitement of gaming directly to you.

To stay up-to-date on all Hawaii-related gambling, visit worldcasinodirectory.com, another excellent source on the state’s and overall USA casino and gaming industry.

Hawaii.gov is your destination for official legal updates, while the American Gaming Association providers trending industry insights. 

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Written by: Michael Shackleford