Lawmakers are reviewing a bill to legalize gambling in Hawaii with casinos in mind, potentially having a presence in current and future venues.

Senate Bill 893 proposes a 20-year license for casinos in the Hawaii Convention Center and the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. It also suggests the establishment of a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee casino licensing and gaming violations.

The bill would implement a 15% wagering tax on gross receipts, with funds allocated to the Department of Education, a program for compulsive gamblers, and public security at casino facilities.

Opposition to these developments exists, including Senator Kurt Fevella, who expressed concerns about gambling at family-oriented locations such as the Aloha Stadium and Convention Center, which host events like graduations, sports, proms, the Great Aloha Run, and family parties.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Current Hawaii Casino Laws

Hawaii has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country. Current gambling laws prohibit all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and fantasy sports. However, HI players do have access to offshore casino sites that offer Vegas-style casino games.

If the local Hawaii legislature approves new casino legislation, Utah will be the only state to have completely banned all forms of gambling.

Offshore Casino Games

Offshore casinos available to players in Hawaii offer a comprehensive selection of online casino games. These games often include classic table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, where players can engage in a real-time gaming experience against virtual dealers or live dealers (at select sites).

Additionally, a wide variety of virtual slot machines are powered by random number generators. Online slots typically range from 3 to 5 reels and include numerous pay lines. Spins are also as low as $0.01 at some sites.

Video poker games provide an additional mode of entertainment, combining the excitement of virtual slots with the strategic elements of poker.

Furthermore, offshore gambling platforms often feature specialty games like bingo, keno, and scratch cards, ensuring that players have an extensive array of entertainment options.

Dick Anagnost, one of the owners of the new Revo Casino and Social House in Conway, New Hampshire, told the media that the casino is expected to open February 1st, 2025. Anagnost also stated that more than 70 employment positions are already filled, and two local charities (Mount Washington Valley Promotions and the North Conway Community Center) are already poised to benefit.

The new charitable gaming casino is in Shurfine Plaza, which also houses the New Hampshire liquor store. Revo will move into the suite that used to be a grocery store. The new facility will be 11,800 square feet and include a bar, a restaurant, multiple table game options, and electronic gaming machines offering slots, video poker, and more.

Before the new casino can open, the building has to undergo a plumbing, electrical, health/safety building, and a Liquor Commission inspection. Anagnost said, “If we pass all of that, our (certificates of occupancy) would probably be issued Jan. 28 or 29, and probably 48-72 hours after that, we’d be open for business.” He also stated that a soft opening could possibly occur before February 1st.

On opening day, the casino will feature 75 gaming machines and table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. An adjacent smoking room with some gaming machines will allow patrons to smoke and enjoy gambling while the main casino floor remains smoke-free.

Anagost also stated that the casino has had more than 200 applicants and that the local community has supported the project, “I don’t think anyone in any of the casinos we’ve opened across the state has received so much attention.”

New Hampshire Casinos

New Hampshire currently has no commercial casinos but has 14 charitable casinos where a portion of the profits go to local charities. These casinos are no different from what you would find anywhere else in the USA except for how the revenue is disbursed.

Current NH gambling laws mandate that 35% of casino game profits go to charity, while another 10% goes to the New Hampshire Lottery for the state’s educational fund. This system has proved beneficial to the state’s bottom line, helping fund educational programs across the state.

However, while online casino options are limited to offshore sites, both in-person and online sports betting have been legal in the state since 2019. Sports betting in the state must also give 51% of online revenue and 50% of in-person revenue to the state.

The Virginia General Assembly is currently deliberating a proposal to establish a resort-style casino in Tysons, Fairfax County. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, the bill aims to create an entertainment district with a casino, hotels, a convention center, and performing arts venues.

While labor unions support the casino, this initiative has sparked a robust debate among lawmakers, community members, and industry stakeholders.

Senate Bill 982, introduced by Senator Surovell, seeks to amend existing legislation to designate Fairfax County as an eligible host locality for casino gaming. The bill outlines specific criteria for the proposed location within the county and mandates a local referendum to secure voter approval before any casino development can proceed.

Potential Revenue

Proponents of the Tysons casino project highlight significant economic benefits. Senator Surovell points out that Virginians contribute approximately $300 million in annual tax revenue to Maryland by patronizing MGM National Harbor. By establishing a casino in Tysons, these funds could be redirected to support Virginia’s public services, including education and infrastructure.

Opponents’ Concerns

Conversely, some community members and organizations have raised objections. The McLean Citizens Association, for instance, has mobilized opposition, citing concerns about introducing gambling into the community.

Additionally, a group of former national security and intelligence professionals cautions that the casino’s proximity to sensitive government facilities could pose security risks, potentially making personnel with security clearances vulnerable to exploitation.

Virginia Gambling Laws

Virginia has three casino locations and several slot parlors. Offshore casinos can also accept VA players, as no state gambling laws forbid their use.

Domestic casinos were first launched in 2022, when the temporary Hard Rock Bristol opened its doors. The state allows commercial gaming facilities to accept players over the age of 21 and offer class III table games (blackjack, slots, baccarat, roulette, etc.).

Regulatory and Approval Process

For the casino project to materialize in Fairfax County, the following steps must be completed:

• Legislative Approval: The General Assembly must pass Senate Bill 982 to authorize Fairfax County as a potential casino host.
• Local Referendum: Upon legislative approval, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would be empowered to hold a referendum, allowing residents to vote on the casino proposal.
• Development Planning: If the referendum passes, detailed plans for the entertainment district will be developed, followed by zoning approvals and construction.