The State of Hawaii will be considering legalizing online poker, and possibly other casino games, in the coming legislative session. While a similar bill was defeated in the Hawaiian House last March, State Sens. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon introduced the bill in late January. The specifics of the bill are very much in line with similar provisions passed in Nevada and Delaware, and proposed in New Jersey, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Iowa.
Of note, the draft bill would allow for joint player pools with other states that had legalized online poker, a feature that is also being considered in Nevada.
This bill must still pass both the Hawaiian House and Senate, and finally be signed into law by Governor Neil Abercrombie, before it would take effect. Riding a wave of renewed interested, the legislative process in Hawaii will be worth monitoring by all gaming attorneys, as well as those interested in Internet poker law in general.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic or pursuing a gaming venture, please feel free to contact us.
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