Hawaii the Latest State to Consider Legalizing Internet Poker

Hawaii, one of two states that does not even offer a lottery, is in the process of considering three different bills that would allow for both land-based and online gambling including Internet poker.

Last month, the US Justice Department opened the doors for states to begin allowing both poker and casino games on the Web.

The first bill would allow for the establishment of a state lottery while the second bill calls for that lottery authority to manage an online gambling platform.  A third bill would look to establish stateside casinos in Hawaii.

From the Honolulu Civil Beat: 

House Bill 2316, whose co-sponsors include Speaker Emeritus Joe Souki, would do the following:

Establishes the Hawaii state lottery commission and authorizes the lottery commission to establish lottery gaming.

House Bill 2442, which also has Souki as a co-sponsor, would do the following:

Establishes the Hawaii internet lottery and gaming corporation for the purpose of conducting internet gambling in Hawaii. Allocates proceeds to capital improvements at public schools and the University of Hawaii system, scholarships and educational loan repayments for medical students who practice in Hawaii for 10 years, support for the family practice rural residency program, watershed protection, and reduction and prevention of problem gambling.

House Bill 2379, whose lead sponsor is Rep. Mele Carroll, would do the following:

Authorizes the Hawaiian homes commission to allow gaming on Hawaiian home lands and to consult with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 beneficiaries and designate specific Hawaiian home lands parcels for the purposes of establishing gaming operations. Creates the Hawaii gaming commission to regulate gaming operations. Imposes a wagering tax on gross receipts of gaming operations and provides for distribution to the general fund and Hawaiian home lands trust fund.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com