Attempts to Legalize Internet Poker, Casinos in Hawaii Fail

Hawaii is the latest state in the US to propose legalizing Internet poker only to have such efforts stall in the legislature.

A series of three related bills that included the legalization of Web poker, brick and mortar casinos and a state lottery were introduced back in January. 

Rep. Angus McKelvey introduced the online poker measure that would have provided for a state lottery to oversee and regulate Web gambling activity. 

Hawaii is one of only two states in the US that does not permit any form of gambling including a state lottery. 

Hawaii is expected to begin studying the potential impacts of legalized gambling on the island, however, with new legislation. 

“Those opposed to legalized gambling argue that all forms of gaming are ‘immoral’ and will lead to an increase in crime, addiction, and the breakdown of families and communities,” the study bill states.

- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com