Hawaii Passes Three Bills to Target Illegal Game Rooms

Hawaii has taken new steps to shut down illegal gambling operations on Oahu by approving three separate bills aimed at addressing ongoing public safety concerns. Local officials say the focus is on improving enforcement and coordination between city departments and law enforcement.

Good to know

• All types of gambling remain illegal in Hawaii, including casinos and daily fantasy sports.
• Over 60 illegal gambling operations have been closed in the past year.
• New laws focus on equipment fines, building violations, and landlord cooperation.

The three measures—Bills 11, 12, and 13—were created to support city agencies in tackling illegal game rooms, which have been especially active along the Waianae Coast. Officials are hopeful that these tools will allow them to act more effectively across Oahu.

City Councilmember Adria Tupola outlined how each bill plays a different role. She explained, “Bill 11 is actually creating fines for our gambling devices. Bill 12 strengthens the relationship between DPP and HPD when we crack down on building violations, and bill 13 specifically addresses that landlords work with HPD.”

Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm echoed the urgency of the issue, stating that illegal game rooms are not isolated to one area. He said more than 60 such locations were shut down over the past year and expressed confidence that the new laws “will help strengthen their efforts.”

Even as illegal gambling continues to be a problem in Hawaii, the state has never legalized any form of gambling—casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and daily fantasy games are all banned. Several bills have been introduced in the past to legalize gaming in some form, but none have passed.

In contrast, most other U.S. states have moved in the opposite direction. Sports betting is now legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., and although online casino gaming is less widespread, it is active in seven states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Connecticut.

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