Only two States in the US don’t allow for any kind of organised gambling at all, and Hawaii is one of them. The other state is Utah. This means you won’t find any casinos, race tracks, or sports books in this island state. Naturally, this also means no live poker rooms with Texas holdem, and definitely no online poker. 2020 Update: Is Online Poker Legal in Hawaii Yet? No, online poker isn’t legal in Hawaii and it probably won’t be anytime soon. Hawaii is one of the only two states in the United States that doesn’t have any form of legal gambling at all. That means no casinos, tribal or commercial. If you are playing online poker in Hawaii and want to understand how your state’s laws might affect you, we have developed a guide to how to play online poker in Hawaii. With this brief introduction to the basics of poker, it’s time to develop your own online poker strategy or join one of the legal online gambling communities. But when it comes to gambling and online poker in particular, are the residents of Hawaii just as lucky? As surprising as it may seem for a place that is full of amazing hotels and resorts, Hawaii has some very strict gambling laws. These laws can be found in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Title 37, Chapter 712. Hawaii’s Minimum Poker Age. The minimum age to play poker offshore with an online casino in Hawaii is 18 years old. Hawaii is one of many 18+ US poker states that does not allow for domestic poker rooms, leaving offshore as the only viable option for real money poker play on the island.
- Hawaii Online Poker Sites
- Hawaii Online Probate Records
- Hawaii Online Programs
- Hawaii Online Poker Tournaments
- Online Poker Hawaii
Important HI Notes
- Players from HI can legally play at offshore poker sites
- Online poker’s chance not as bleak as people think
- The state currently has no forms of legal gambling
- Offshore internet poker rooms are currently the only option
- Home poker games allowed provided no one makes a profit
It is illegal to operate an online poker site in the state of Hawaii. As with all forms of gambling in the Aloha State, no form of online gambling is legal within the state and there is no framework in the physical or planning stages that would allow this form of gambling now or in the future. There is no licensing structure for online poker operators, nor are there any current bills in the pipeline that seek to create a regulatory authority for online gambling. Offshore online poker rooms report, however, that players from Hawaii regularly visit their sites and play the game for real money which is legal to do.
Future Outlook of Online Poker in Hawaii – Estimated date of legalization: 2022-2023
The following graph tracks our expected legislation of online poker in Hawaii on a state law level. It is currently already legal on a Federal level. This graph monitors the current rise or fall of expected legalization.
One of the states with the most draconian laws governing gambling in the United...
Hawaii is the latest state to make a push to introduce legalized online poker...
Recent Activity
Hawaii has the dubious honor of being one of only two states in the US that has no regulated form of gambling; Utah being the other state. However, a bill (SB 677) to legalize online poker in Hawaii was introduced on January 20, 2017 by Senator Will Espero. Although it didn’t advance in the state legislature, this is a positive sign for the future.
One of the main reasons why other states are seeking to introduce online poker is due to the direct threat of competition on their own gambling industries by neighboring states. This is a problem that Hawaii does not face (due to its physical location, and also because it simply does not have a gambling industry to begin with). As such, this would not be a factor that lawmakers would consider if the question of online poker comes up.
It should be noted, however, that a number of attempts have been made in recent years to introduce some type of online gambling regulations.
In 2011, efforts were made to change the landscape of gambling in Hawaii through Senate Bill 755[A]. The bill essentially tried to redefine Texas Hold ’em and Omaha as games of skill and would have allowed state run organizations to hold tournaments and benefit from the revenues. In addition, there was also talk of introducing an online poker platform, with operators required to pay an astronomical fee.
SB 755 failed to obtain a hearing by the House Finance Committee, with the President for the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, Dianne Kay, stating at the time that, “Legalized gambling would introduce an undesirable element to our islands, and would have a highly detrimental effect on the tourist industry.”
In early 2012, when the Department of Justice issued its change of opinion regarding the interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act (that it now only applies to sports betting and allows all other types of online gambling), Hawaiian lawmakers Faye P. Hanohano, Agnus McKelvey and Joseph Souike jointly co-sponsored HB 2422[B] which would allow the establishment of an Hawaii internet lottery and the introduction of online gambling. The bill was proposed in conjunction with another, namely HB 231, specifically allowing citizens aged 18 years and over to play lottery games, poker and casino games. Allocated funds were to be used to improve public schools and universities, introduce scholarships and support rural residency programs and problem gambling charities.
However, HB 2422 failed to advance in the state and was announced “dead” by a clerk at the Hawaii House of Representatives.
Most recently, Democratic Representative of Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored legislation introduced by Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz which seeks to reinstate the original meaning of the Wire Act. The Restoration of America’s Wire Act[C] seeks a blanket ban on all forms of online gambling. Gabbard said with the introduction of the bill: “There are many concerns that have been raised by the FBI and state attorneys general, with regard to abuse and money laundering. The Internet Gambling Control Act of 2014 will restore protections against criminal activity and misuse of online gaming platforms to pre-2011 interpretation of the law. This affects states like Hawaii directly that prohibit any kind of gambling.”
History of Gambling in Hawaii
Late 1800s – early 1900s – Horse racing enjoyed by Hawaiian royalty, rich landowners and plantation workers.
Hawaii Online Poker Sites
Land Based Poker in Hawaii
The laws governing gambling in Hawaii are the same laws which cover poker by default. Gambling, and therefore poker playing, is defined under Section 712-120 (4) as: “A person engages in gambling if he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”
The law goes on to define a contest of chance as, “any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.”
With such strict laws, the question remains: Is it possible to enjoy a game of poker in Hawaii in any form? If you’re looking to play real money poker in a public gambling establishment or online, then the answer is no. The law clearly states that you are not allowed to play the game for stakes in a live or online setting.
However, there is a small loophole in the law, and that is the fact that social gambling is allowed under very specific rules. You are allowed to take part in poker games where everyone is on level terms and no cut is given to the house. No corporation may benefit from the social game (for example, by serving drinks or food) and the game may not be played in public or in a business. All players need to be 18 years old or more. As such, a home poker game – under these restrictions – would be considered legal.
Gambling Laws in Hawaii
The laws that govern gambling in Hawaii are spelled out under the section entitled Land Based Poker in Hawaii above. In general, the law states that staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or uncontrollable future contingent to receive something of value is considered illegal gambling. No horse racing or off-track betting is allowed, nor is dog racing or off-track betting. Any form of gambling aboard ships is considered illegal under Hawaiian laws, as is the possession of gambling devices, such as slot machines.
It is illegal to possess gambling records, to promote gambling and to run a bookmaker operation.
The only type of gambling permitted is social gambling, which may not take place in a hotel, or other similar public place. Naturally, players of social games need to be of majority age.
In April 2014, the Honolulu City Council sought to tighten existing laws, making it illegal to own a gambling machine in a bid to crack down on illegal gambling in the capital. The bill, proposed by councilman Joey Manahan wants to give law enforcement more tools to counter the problem, and will make it a, “misdemeanor to manage, maintain, produce, possess or use the machines” according to West Hawaii Today[D]. “It would be punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1,000 fine.”
There are no legal casinos in Hawaii, despite the fact that over the years a number of lawmakers have shown that the introduction of a controlled and regulated gaming establishment would add much needed revenue to the state coffers.
In 2012, HB 2788[E] was introduced by Rep. Joe Souki that sought to create a giant, stand alone casino (without a hotel) on Waikiki. The operator would receive a 20 year license. The measure also called for the creation of a Hawaiian Gaming Control Commission, imposing a 15% wagering tax on the potential casino’s gross receipts. Proponents noted that the casino could bring in much needed employment opportunities for locals, regulate gambling and help the economy. However, opponents called slot machines the “crack cocaine of gambling” and eventually succeeded in halting the advancement of the bill.
Racing[F] was always considered a popular sport in Hawaii, starting in the late 1800’s, especially among the region’s royalty, rich landowners and plantation owners and several of the islands boasted horse racing tracks. Around the 1950s, after the war, the sport died out. Over the years, a number of efforts were made to bring racing back to Hawaii, however they were met with strong resistance by islanders who did not want to bring legalized gambling to the area. Today, the only place that horse racing can be seen is at some of the local rodeos such as the 4th of July Rodeo on the Big Island.
Hawaii is one of six states that do not have a lottery, although attempts in the past have been made to change this[G]. House Bill 2422 sough to create an internet lottery and gaming corporation which would have, “provided consumer protections and capture additional revenues for the benefit of the State that are currently flowing offshore to unregulated internet gambling operations.” The lottery would have overseen, “games of chance and games of skill, including lottery, poker and casino games.” The bill did not pass.
Polls show that Hawaiians are practically evenly split between those in favor of a state lottery and those against it.
The only real form of gambling permitted under Hawaiian law is social gambling, which is governed by statutes 712-1231[H]. Social gambling under the law is:
“gambling in which all of the following conditions are present: (1) Players compete on equal terms with each other; and (2) no player receives, or becomes entitled to receive, anything of value or profit, directly or indirectly, other than the player’s personal gambling winnings; and (3) No other person, corporation, unincorporated association, or entity receives or becomes entitled to receive, anything of value, or any profit, directly or indirectly, from any source, including but not limited to permitting the use of premises, supplying refreshments, food, drinks, service, lodging or entertainment; and (4) it is not conducted or played in or at a hotel, motel, bar, nightclub, cocktail lounge, restaurant, massage parlor, billiard parlor, or any business establishment of any kind, public parks, public buildings, public beaches, school grounds, churches or any other public area; and (5), None of the players is below the age of majority; and (6) the gambling activity is not bookmaking.
Author:Joseph Falchetti (twitter)
(C) Copyright PokerWebsites.com, 2018
References and Citations
The island state of Hawaii is one of the premium vacation destinations on the planet, with luscious beaches, scenic volcanos (let’s hope they stay that way), and dense tropical landscapes. It’s hard to be dealt a bad hand in a place like that! Residents and visitors to the region who enjoy playing Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha can have their cake and eat it too, because the best online poker for 18+ bettors is legally available over the Internet.
Although there are no domestic poker rooms on the island, over 18 poker players can access the best online poker sites on the net. Don’t just play in the surf: A quick readthrough of our Hawaii poker guide will have you paddling out to the top offshore casinos and dropping in on real money poker tournaments and cash table play.
The best part is, the online poker games Hawaii has to offer are available to those in the area that are 18 and up, so if you’re a legal adult, you can become a legal member. Read on to discover mobile poker options, bonus offers, and everything else that will prepare you for the best poker online in HI.
Best Online Poker Sites For Hawaii That Accept 18 And Up Members
| Poker Site | Bonus | Rating/5 | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% Max $500 | 4.7 | ||
| 2 | 100% Max $1,000 | 4.3 | ||
| 3 | 125% up to $1,250 | 4.3 | ||
| 3 | 100% Max $1,000 | 4.2 |
Is Poker Legal In Hawaii For 18+ Players?
Domestic poker for real money is not allowed within the borders of Hawaii, but online poker with an offshore casino is accessible in the Aloha State. Offshore gambling is not defined in US or HI state gambling laws, leaving a tidal wave sized loophole allowing for regional 18 and over bettors to play poker online. Eighteen-year-olds can safely play poker with any top-rated online casino recommended on this page without fear of penalty from any authorities.
Hawaii’s Minimum Poker Age
The minimum age to play poker offshore with an online casino in Hawaii is 18 years old. Hawaii is one of many 18+ US poker states that does not allow for domestic poker rooms, leaving offshore as the only viable option for real money poker play on the island. The offshore casinos recommended on this page are available to HI gamblers and offer safe and reliable online poker tournaments and cash tables that rival the best Las Vegas resorts.
Retail Poker Rooms In Hawaii
Unfortunately, there are no retail poker rooms or casinos located inside the borders of the state of Hawaii. Unlike other states in the USA, Hawaii is not in favor of legalizing regulated gambling and has passed legislation that strictly forbids all forms of gambling that are based on the island. For now, poker players in HI will need to rely on the gambling options available online with offshore casino betting sites.
Types Of Online Poker Available In Hawaii
The best online poker rooms offer the main three variants of poker that are popular in the US. If you don’t know the rules, each site will explain them in detail, so you can refine your poker strategy for each one. The poker games available are the following:
Hawaii Online Probate Records
- Texas Hold ‘Em (aka Texas Holdem, or simply Holdem)
- Omaha Hi/Lo
Online Poker Cash Tables In HI
At online poker sites, you will have the option to play cash table games or participate in poker tournaments (see below). Cash poker tables are the fastest way to play your hand, as the contests are over in a matter of minutes.
Many sites allow you to play multiple poker hands across multiple tables at once. This is called multi-tabling, and you can participate both online via a web browser or through dedicated PC software downloadable from your site of choice. We don’t recommend multi-tabling for 18+ poker beginners, but once you get your sea legs, go all in!
Over 18 Poker Tournaments In Hawaii
The top-rated online poker sites that we recommend on this page feature a large variety of poker tournaments available to gamblers within Hawaii’s state lines. Most tournaments have buy-ins as low as $5 and feature jackpot pools that can reach seven figures.
Poker tourneys range from quick Sit ‘N’ Go events where you compete against 10 or so players to multi-day events where you compete against thousands.
Poker tournament schedules are posted now and always updated, so browse the available times, entry fees, and jackpots to see which competition is best suited to your style of play – and your bankroll!
HI Online Poker Banking Options
When visiting one of the reputable online poker sites that we recommend, you’ll notice that the use of cryptocurrency is preferred across the board. That is because crypto is unregulated and can be freely deposited and withdrawn without any bank or government oversight slowing down transactions.
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Tether, Ethereum, and Litecoin are accepted at most poker sites, and they are the only means of deposit that will provide a same day payout. Bonus cash offers are often increased when crypto used, too, giving members every reason to abandon traditional methods of payment and get on the Bitcoin bandwagon.
Below are other common options for banking. Just remember, these include various transaction waiting times and added fees that you avoid when using Bitcoin and supported altcoins.
- Deposit: Credit/Debit Cards, Wire Transfers, Cashier’s Checks, P2P Services (MoneyGram, Western Union), Money Orders
- Withdrawal: Wire Transfers, Cashier’s Checks By Courier, P2P Services, Money Orders
Hawaii Online Programs
Hawaii Online Poker Bonus Options
Hawaii Online Poker Tournaments
Offshore poker casinos that offer their online betting services to the Hawaii region are eager to attract new members and are always coming up with new promotions that enhance gamblers’ bankrolls with bonus cash. Most online poker bonuses that we’ve often seen are welcome bonuses for first-time players, matching your initial deposit to the tune of $500 to $1000 or more.
Poker bonus cash is distributed into gamblers’ accounts in small increments based on the earning of rewards points. These points are acquired through the completion of poker games at cash tables or in select tournament play. The bonus cash can only be earned during the first 30 days of membership, so don’t delay – The more you play, the more they pay!
HI Mobile Poker Apps For 18+
Online Poker Hawaii
Each one of our recommended online poker sites features mobile gambling through the use of web apps. These applications do not require any downloads or updates, as they are browser-based.
Just click on the link to one of our recommended poker sites above using a current mobile browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox), and the onboard technology will conform to screen sizes and act just like a downloadable iPhone poker app or Android poker app.
All of the options featured at these online casinos are also available on their web apps, making for a complete mobile poker experience on iPads, iPhones, and Android-based smartphones and tablets.
Live 18 And Up Poker In HI
Because of the nature of poker rules, live poker is not a necessary option for online play. Unlike the game of blackjack, for example, poker does not involve any attempt to attain money from the house, so the presence of a live dealer is unnecessary. All online poker games use certified, audited RNG (random number generation) technology to ensure an honest shuffle and a fair draw, every time.
That said, the poker games presented at our preferred online casinos are “live” in that you are competing against actual human opponents in a real-time atmosphere. Many professional World Series of Poker players learned the ropes playing poker online, so it can accurately prepare Hawaii gamblers for live poker if and when they visit a casino in another state.
There are no poker rooms for real money in Hawaii. The state has passed laws that strictly forbid all forms of gambling, and they do not appear to be inclined to change their mind on the subject any time soon. For now, an offshore casino site is the best option for HI bettors to play poker.
Because of the way that state and federal gambling laws are designed, players that are 18 years old and up can play poker online for real money with an offshore casino. Until HI lawmakers change their stance on gambling, online poker rooms operating offshore are the best bet for those in the region.
Absolutely. There are no laws that currently prevent people that are inside the borders of Hawaii from participating in online poker for real money with an offshore casino. These offshore poker rooms offer a full bevy of gaming options that are available to those that are 18 or older, with full casino games, live dealer table games, and even sportsbooks and racebooks in many cases.
Some, but not all, of our recommended online casinos offer free play poker for their real money games. This can be a vital tool in the bag of any poker player, as the games operate identically to when cash is on the line. Don’t learn the ropes with money at risk. Play video poker for free online to develop the best poker strategy. (You can find video poker in the “Casino” section of your poker site of choice.)