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Pukalani Today
By the People, for the People
Hawaii Lawmakers Debate Legalizing Sports Betting and Cruise Ship Gambling
Proposals to allow sports wagering and cruise ship gaming face an uphill battle in the state legislature.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The Hawaii state legislature is debating whether to end the state's prohibition on gambling. A bill that would legalize sports betting passed a House committee, while a proposal to allow gambling on cruise ships stalled. Another bill to create a state lottery and gaming corporation also remains stalled. Lawmakers are divided on the issue, with some seeing sports betting as a "foot-in-the-door" for further gambling expansion, while others remain firmly opposed to any new forms of gambling in the state.
Why it matters
Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states that prohibit all forms of gambling. The debate over legalizing sports betting and cruise ship gambling highlights the ongoing tensions in the state over whether to end this longstanding prohibition, with proponents arguing it could generate new revenue and opponents concerned about the social impacts of expanded gambling.
The details
A bill that would legalize sports wagering passed the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology by a vote of 4 to 3. However, another bill that would allow gambling on cruise ships while docked in Hawaii ports stalled in a House committee. Lawmakers are also debating proposals to create a state lottery and gaming corporation, as well as banning a new form of online "prediction markets" gambling. The legislature is divided, with some seeing sports betting as a "foot-in-the-door" for further gambling expansion, while others remain firmly opposed to any new forms of gambling.
- On February 13, 2026, a House committee voted to pass a bill legalizing sports betting.
- On February 13, 2026, a House committee deferred a bill that would allow gambling on cruise ships docked in Hawaii.
The players
Kyle Yamashita
A Democratic state representative who voted for the sports betting bill, but expressed concerns that it could be a "foot-in-the-door" for further gambling expansion.
Greggor Ilagan
The chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology, who deferred the cruise ship gambling bill.
Scot Matayoshi
A Democratic state representative who introduced a bill to prohibit a new form of online "prediction markets" gambling.
What they’re saying
“I believe it is a foot-in-the-door kind of bill, but I do believe the Legislature needs to have discussions on this issue.”
— Kyle Yamashita, State Representative (hawaiitribune-herald.com)
What’s next
The sports betting bill and the proposal to create a state lottery and gaming corporation will now move to the full House and Senate for further consideration. The cruise ship gambling bill appears to have stalled, while the bill to ban prediction markets gambling still needs to clear additional committees.
The takeaway
Hawaii's longstanding prohibition on gambling faces renewed scrutiny, as lawmakers debate legalizing sports betting and cruise ship gambling. The outcome of these proposals will shape the future of gambling in the state, with proponents arguing it could generate new revenue and opponents concerned about the social impacts.
