Hawaii Casino Regulation Picking Up Speed

Casino News - February 11th, 2010 - Written By Glen

In February, legislators had announced a proposition that would being legal, regulated, and taxed casino gambling to the state of Hawaii. In order to combat the budget crisis gripping the tropical paradise, legislators had viewed casino expansion as a proverbial ace in the hole. Like many other states legalizing gambling, Hawaii's state wide initiative has been moving forward at a pace that would make the hare look more like the tortoise.

According to the Honalulu Advertiser, the two correlating bills, HB 2759, an dHB2251, have both passed through two thirds of the required votes.

The first bill, HB 2759, is the proposal for the casino licensing, while HB2251 would establish a gaming commission that would regulate the body.

The bills have already moved through the Judiciary Committee. As with any expansion of gambling in any state, opposition had spoken out against these bills. Both the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Honolulu Prosecutor, Peter Carlisle, have given their querulous outcry against the legislation.

Under the current incarnation of the legislation, 80% of taxes collected will go to the Hawaiian Homes and 20% to the sates general fund.

The bills are currently en route to the Finance Committee. In order for the bills to continue with their forward movement, the Committee must decide on their existence prior to February 26th.

Until these bills pass, the only option for casino gambling in a state that relies heavily on tourism for its survival will only have Hawaii Online Casinos to keep them afloat. Unfortunately, online casinos are not yet a taxed industry, so the state sees none of this money in proceeds. Other than online gaming, players would have to travel to California in order to simply enjoy a slot game or otherwise.