Hawaii seeks to ban DraftKings & FanDuel with sports betting bill

Hawaii, which is on its way to authorizing in person sports betting and poker on the island of Oahu, is seeking a bill to completely prevent gambling giants DraftKings and FanDuel from gaining access to the gambling industry, which will soon emerge in the pacific state.

The bill to permit these specific gambling operations in a part of the pacific state was introduced by two of the state’s legislators, House Vice Speaker John Mizuno (D-District 28) and state Rep. Daniel Holt (D-District 29).

The Sports Betting Bill would prevent seasoned companies like DraftKings and FanDuel from receiving a gaming license in Hawaii. However, according to Holt and Mizuno, only proven Hawaii firms and residents would be eligible to apply for a gaming license. Only businesses with a Hawaii domicile are now permitted to request gaming permits, according to the law. Key participants in the enterprise must have lived in Hawaii for at least 35 years.

“We don’t want a mainland corporation coming in and just taking all the money,” Mizuno said.

According to Mizuno, an estimated over 500,000 Hawaiians travel to Las Vegas on a yearly basis due to gambling limitations in Hawaii, with many of them making several trips to Southern Nevada. He stated that the state could benefit from revenue worth millions in the United States.

“With Hawaii residents dropping a billion dollars in Las Vegas every year, I think a sports and card gaming bill warrants at least a discussion,” Mizuno said.

Mizuno continued by saying that if gambling were such a terrible thing or a criminal offense to carry out, then a good number of states would not have legalized it. He urged the house to reach an agreement where the state’s economy will have to benefit from the gambling industry, rather than have its citizens travel to go boost the foreigner’s economy.

“If crime is associated with gambling, why is gaming legal in 48 states and why are so many Hawaii residents going to Las Vegas? The people I know who enjoy trips to Las Vegas are mostly kupuna (grandparents, elders), not criminals. I feel it is important to discuss options to keep local money in the local economy,” he added.

Both Holt and Mizuno also proposed specifics on what the facility will be like. Rather than have typical casinos, they are looking forward to having a replica of a fitness facility in terms of size and also having gaming parlors. A maximum of 25,000 square feet would be allowed for each authorized gaming room. About 10–30 poker tables may be accommodated at each venue.

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