Illegal gambling rooms in Hawaii remain a significant issue, but Gov. Josh Green (D) and lawmakers aim to tackle the problem with a new law.
This week, Green signed Senate Bill 2197, which increases penalties for landlords who lease property to individuals running illegal gambling operations. The legislation, introduced in January by state Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kauai), amends the definition of “advances gambling activity” to remove language that previously protected landlords from certain charges related to their tenants’ actions.
Under the old law, landlords could only be prosecuted for advancing gambling activity if they made “no effort to prevent” illegal gambling on their properties. The new law holds property owners responsible for ensuring their tenants are not conducting illegal activities.
Hawaii and Utah are the most restrictive states regarding gambling and the only two in the U.S. that do not allow commercial or tribal casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, a lottery, iGaming, or sports betting. Despite this, Hawaii’s gambling addiction rate remains high compared to the national average.
Hawaii is a major feeder market for Las Vegas casinos. Those who can’t afford to travel to Southern Nevada often turn to underground gambling options, where illegal slot machines and table games are common.
The new law aims to reduce the problem for Hawaii law enforcement by imposing harsher penalties on landlords who ignore illegal activities on their properties.
This week, Green signed Senate Bill 2197, which increases penalties for landlords who lease property to individuals running illegal gambling operations. The legislation, introduced in January by state Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kauai), amends the definition of “advances gambling activity” to remove language that previously protected landlords from certain charges related to their tenants’ actions.
Under the old law, landlords could only be prosecuted for advancing gambling activity if they made “no effort to prevent” illegal gambling on their properties. The new law holds property owners responsible for ensuring their tenants are not conducting illegal activities.
Hawaii and Utah are the most restrictive states regarding gambling and the only two in the U.S. that do not allow commercial or tribal casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, a lottery, iGaming, or sports betting. Despite this, Hawaii’s gambling addiction rate remains high compared to the national average.
Hawaii is a major feeder market for Las Vegas casinos. Those who can’t afford to travel to Southern Nevada often turn to underground gambling options, where illegal slot machines and table games are common.
The new law aims to reduce the problem for Hawaii law enforcement by imposing harsher penalties on landlords who ignore illegal activities on their properties.
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