Online Gambling in Hawaii: Legal or Not?
Alongside Utah, Hawaii remains one of the two states that prohibit all forms of commercial gambling. While many other states have at least charitable gaming or state-run lottery, Hawaii maintains a total ban on such activities. This means that online casinos, sports betting, poker, and horse racing are illegal. The only exceptions are sweepstakes casinos and social bingo in private locations with no profit for hosts. The legal gambling age for social gaming in Hawaii is 18, but the online casinos may impose limits of their own.
| Gambling type | Legal | Minimum age | Who regulates |
|---|
| Online casinos | No | - | - |
| Social casinos | Yes | 18+ | Unregulated |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Yes | 18+ | Unregulated |
| Bingo | Yes | 18+ | Hawaii State Department of Taxation (charity oversight) |
| Lottery | No | - | - |
| Online poker | No | - | - |
| Online sports betting | No | - | - |
| Daily fantasy sports | No | - | - |
Best Hawaii Sweepstakes Casinos for HI Players
Residents can legally play at Hawaii sweepstakes casinos that don’t require real money deposits but still allow them to redeem cash prizes. After testing and reviewing all the options, we are ready to share the best sweepstakes casinos in Hawaii.
Launched in 2024, Megabonanza Casino is among the top sweepstakes casinos in Hawaii, offering a rich promo scheme and a diverse lobby. New players get a package of free coins and can additionally boost the bankroll for around $9.99. Ongoing promotions include surprise coin drops, free coins on Instagram and Facebook, and daily login bonuses. There are also several purchase bundles for a reasonable fee.
While there are no table games, Megabonanza Casino hosts live dealer games such as roulette, blackjack, and Sic Bo, as well as exclusive Gold Coin games. For example, Book of Riches 8, Avalon the Lost Kingdom, and Heroes Gathering.
Pros
- Over 800 online slots from 16 developers
- Native iOS app with a 4.8/5 rating
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Bank Transfer
- Every play with gold coins gives access to Mega Jackpots up to 20 million GC
Cons
- Doesn’t have a dedicated VIP program
If you are looking for the best online casino in Hawaii with a free-to-play model, consider Golden Hearts. Launched in 2020 and based in Boston, it hosts hundreds of slots and scratch games. Here, residents can also play poker and instant win games. For example, Old School Jacks or Better, Cash Cow, and Book of Keno.
When registering at Golden Hearts, players get a generous welcome package and a $9.99 First Purchase bonus. Regular promos include coin drops, refer-a-friend program, and Daily Bonus Wheel. A portion of optional purchases supports registered non-profit organizations, adding a social benefit to play.
Pros
- Great website navigation and sleek design
- Android app with over 1 million downloads and a 4.7/5 rating
- Daily Bonus Wheel, which players can spin every 24 hours, and win free coins
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, Skrill, and savings/checking accounts
Cons
- If the account remains inactive for 60 days, all coins are cancelled, and players may be charged a monthly account dormant fee
Dara Casino is a promising new site launched in 2024. Here, Hawaiians can easily find everything they need for a great pastime. New users receive a generous package of gold and sweeps coins, while regular players can benefit from a daily login reward, random prize drops, social media promotions, and even a mail-in request bonus.
The lobby includes hundreds of slots, linked to a single progressive jackpot exceeding 300 million GC. The games are supplied by leading software providers such as Hacksaw Gaming, 3 Oaks Gaming, and Booming Games. Other Dara Casino advantages include fast redemption, 24/7 customer support, and affordable purchase packages starting at $5.
Pros
- Over 500 slots, including Green Chilli, Buddha Megaways, and Moon Sisters
- Supports Visa, Mastercard, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- A good selection of ongoing promotions
- Gaming Labs Certified
Pros
- Doesn’t have table games
Modo.us is a US-owned and operated sweepstakes casino partnering with such giants as PBR, BWT Alpine, and Spire Motorsports. It stands out among competitors for its large, diverse lobby, which includes over 1,000 slots, 50 instant win games, and a decent selection of table and live dealer titles. Modo.us also hosts proprietary games that Hawaiians won’t find elsewhere.
New players are given a package of gold coins for an easy start, while regular users can enjoy a referral bonus and social media prize drops. There’s also a Modo Ranks VIP program with automatic enrollment and 6 tiers. Its benefits include access to live chat priority support, higher daily bonuses, rank rewards, and more.
Pros
- Over 1,400 casino style games from top providers
- Modo Daily hunts and tournaments
- Power Chance Jackpots from Playson with a constantly growing jackpot
- Proprietary games, including Dice, Limbo, Blackjack, Wheel, Roulette, and Plinko
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
Due to the lack of state-licensed options, some Hawaiians turn to offshore online casinos. But they pose security and fraud risks, so we recommend choosing sweepstakes casinos instead.
Jeremy Olson, Technical Content Lead
Best Hawaii Online Casino Sites With Native Apps
Nowadays, more and more players choose Hawaii casino apps over browser platforms. Thus, they can play games and claim bonuses anytime, anywhere, without being stuck at home. Modern applications are fast, convenient, and good-looking, offering players a variety of personalization features, one-tap payments, and advanced data protection. If you have never played through native apps before or want to find a new favorite, here is our curated list of the best HI online casino sites worth trying.
| # | Casino | Google Play Rating | App Store Rating | | | | |
|---|
| 1 | | Google Play Rating 4.6/5 | App Store Rating 4.7/5 | | | | |
| 2 | | Google Play Rating 4.5/5 | App Store Rating 4.7/5 | | | | |
| 3 | | Google Play Rating 4.4/5 | App Store Rating 4.6/5 | | | | |
| 4 | | Google Play Rating 4.1/5 | App Store Rating 4.4/5 | | | | |
| 5 | | Google Play Rating - | App Store Rating 4.8/5 | | | | |
What Bonuses Can Hawaii Players Get?
The best Hawaii online casinos offer new and existing customers a variety of bonuses, such as welcome packages, daily logins, purchase boosts, and referral programs. The most popular options are covered in the sections below.
Sign up & First Purchase Bonus
At Hawaii sweepstakes casinos, new customers can claim different types of welcome bonuses, which can include free spins and a combination of gold and sweeps coins. In addition, some online casinos offer first purchase bonuses that reward players with more coins at a discounted price. For example, Megabonanza Casino offers a 150% match for $9.99.
Daily Login Bonus
Another popular promo at HI online casinos is the Daily Login bonus. As the title suggests, it rewards players with a small portion of coins for logging in every day. Typically, the rewards increase with each consecutive day and reset if a day is missed. Golden Hearts, however, features something different: a Daily Bonus Wheel, which players can spin every 24 hours.
Promo Codes
Promo or bonus codes represent a combination of letters and numbers that players need to insert to unlock additional rewards like free coins, extra spins, or raffle entries. Usually, they are offered during special events or launches and can add value without spending any money. Most codes have short expiration periods, so players should check newsletters and social media to find valid offers.
Refer-a-friend & Social Media
The referral program lets players earn extra coins by inviting their friends to the game. To claim this Hawaii online casino bonus, users need to share a unique referral link and wait while a friend makes a qualifying action. HI sweepstakes casinos like Dara Casino and Modo.us also offer additional gold and sweeps coins through social media promotions.
Online Casino Games Available to Hawaii Residents
Social and sweepstakes casinos in Hawaii offer a variety of games, including slots, table games, specialty titles, and live dealer options. All of them are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Online Slots
Slots are the backbone of Hawaii casino sites. They come in hundreds of variations, from traditional 5-reel machines to branded and 3D slots with immersive designs. If you like progressive jackpot slots, we recommend Dara Casino, where hundreds of machines are linked to a single prize pool exceeding 300 million gold coins.Table Games
Hawaii online gambling sites offer multiple table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Despite more complex rules, they allow HI players to experience full immersion in the game while enjoying better odds. Before joining a table, even with free bets, we recommend reading the rules and mastering basic strategies.Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games allow residents to interact with professional dealers in real time. Thanks to HD quality and authentic settings, Hawaii players can experience the real atmosphere of brick-and-mortar casinos without having to visit them. To try live casino games, head to Modo.us, which offers Crash Live, Crazy Time, Prestige Blackjack, and other options.Online Poker
Another popular category of casino games that Hawaiians enjoy is video poker. It offers a perfect blend of online slots and traditional poker without the stress of playing against a real dealer or other players. To try poker, head to Golden Hearts with Old School Jacks or Better, Texas Hold’em, 3 Card Poker, and other popular variations.Specialty Games
Hawaiian sweepstakes casinos are also rich in specialty games. They include keno, bingo, scratch cards, and instant win games with bright designs and simple rules. Online casino games in this category also include fish and arcade games with low betting limits and diverse features.
Supported Payment Methods
While online gambling sites in Hawaii don’t require deposits, they still allow players to purchase additional coins and redeem real prizes. To do that quickly and safely, residents need reliable payment options. Most Hawaiians choose traditional bank cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, because they are widely accepted, secure, and don’t require intermediaries. Other popular options include digital wallets such as Skrill and PayPal, which are faster and usually have lower fees than credit and debit cards.
Modern-day players prefer mobile payment processors like Google Pay and Apple Pay or cryptocurrencies. The first allows one-tap transactions on mobile, while crypto is perfect for instant, anonymous payments. The choice always depends on your preferences and priorities. But regardless of which payment method you choose, always read the terms and conditions attentively to avoid unnecessary fees and limitations.
Are Online Casinos in Hawaii Legal?
In the Aloha State, real money casinos are prohibited. However, residents can legally gamble at social and sweepstakes casinos, which don’t require real money deposits.
Hawaii’s Gambling Laws
Since 1959, the gambling policy effectively banned all gambling in the state. Private games are legal as long as there are no entry fees and the hosts don’t earn profits. Charitable and private games are overseen by the Hawaii State Department of Taxation.
Unlike most states, Hawaii and Utah have the most restrictive gambling laws in the US. For broader options, Hawaiians can travel to New Jersey or Rhode Island, where commercial casinos, lotteries, and sports betting are allowed. To learn more about Hawaii gambling laws, residents can check out the Gambling Offenses and Social Gambling sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports are still illegal in Hawaii, despite the growing popularity of these games. While many states have legalized DFS, including several neighboring states like California and Oregon, Hawaii has yet to follow suit. Because of this, you won’t be able to access both FanDuel and DraftKings, which are two of the most popular DFS platforms in the United States.
Sports Betting
Like Daily Fantasy Sports, sports betting is currently illegal in Hawaii. While there have been efforts to legalize sports betting in the state, these attempts have not yet come to fruition. This means that you won’t be able to place bets on your favorite teams or sporting events at this time. However, with the growing popularity of online sports betting and recent considerations in September 2023, this may change in the near future.
Horse Betting
Horse betting is one of the oldest forms of gambling and has come a long way since its inception in the 1930s. However, Hawaii has yet to consider horse racing and it continues to remain illegal. Even more popular and legal forms of horse betting, like pari-mutuel wagering, are not allowed in the state.
Lottery
There is currently no state lottery in Hawaii, making it one of only a handful of states without this type of gambling. You won’t be able to find traditional forms of lottery like Mega Millions, Powerball, or state lottery competitions. In addition, many stores won’t sell scratch-offs since promoting gambling can be considered a class C felony.
Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Hawaii
Hawaii doesn’t impose taxes on winnings because gambling activity is prohibited in the Aloha State. However, Hawaiians who win money from gambling outside the state must still report those winnings on their income tax returns.
When Will Hawaii Legalize Online Casinos?
Online gambling in Hawaii remains almost non-existent, and the latest bills that could change the online gaming industry in the Aloha State include:
- SB 677, introduced by Senator Michelle Kidani. It aims to create a regulatory body to oversee online gambling in the state. According to the bill, funds could be used to support education and rural projects.
- SB 3303 and HB 2570 aim to legalize online sports wagering with a 15% tax on gross revenue.
- HB 2222 and SB 893 aim to authorize a commercial casino in Honolulu or the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District.
- SB 1507 proposes to establish the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation to regulate wagering in the state.
Since the state is against all forms of gambling, it is unlikely that online casinos will be legalized anytime soon. However, recent attempts to establish governing bodies have sparked cautious optimism, and we will continue to track the news as it unfolds.
Land Based Casinos in Hawaii
While you might have heard of The Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, it has nothing to do with the Aloha State, as it is located in California. Hawaii doesn’t have any brick and mortar casinos due to strict anti-gambling laws. That is why many residents travel across the Pacific to visit commercial casinos in other states. The most popular options include Las Vegas and California due to frequent flights and resort casinos. Some Hawaiians gamble on cruises, where casinos become legal once ships are in international waters.
Responsible Gambling
It is easy to get carried away when playing slots and table games, so using safe gambling tools offered by Hawaii online casinos is extremely useful. They include daily, weekly, and monthly limits on how much players can spend and lose. Hawaii residents can also set reality checks and cooling-off periods, or even opt for self-exclusion. Other precautionary measures include playing with money you feel comfortable losing and never chasing losses. You should never start playing when stressed or angry.
Most Hawaii sweepstakes casinos also provide contact information about free, anonymous gambling support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
Conclusion
The Aloha State remains one of the strictest gambling markets in the US. Here, players won’t find tribal casinos, sports betting, or online poker. However, residents can still play social bingo and access sweepstakes casinos with a free-to-play model.
After testing the market, we recommend the following Hawaii online casino sites: Golden Hearts, Modo.us, Dara Casino, and Megabonanza Casino. They operate on a sweepstakes model, offer hundreds of games in their lobbies, and boast rich promotional schemes that make gambling fun and rewarding. We’ll continue monitoring the market to give you the latest updates on online and offline gambling in Hawaii.
