Hawaii Sports Betting: Legality and Top Online Platforms
Hawaii, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle, is also one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. when it comes to retail gambling.
Unlike many states that have embraced legalized sports betting following the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), Hawaii has maintained a staunch anti-gambling stance.
However, recent legislative developments and the availability of offshore sportsbooks have created opportunities for residents to engage in sports betting legally.
The current state of sports betting in Hawaii, its legal framework, the legislative push toward local casinos, and recommends the top online sports betting sites for Hawaiian residents today:
Bovada BetOnline Bookmaker EU
The Legal Status of Sports Betting in Hawaii As of June, 2025, retail sports betting is not yet legal in Hawaii through state-regulated platforms. Hawaii, alongside Utah, remains one of only two U.S. states with no legalized form of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, or sports betting. The state’s gambling laws, rooted in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 712, strictly prohibit bookmaking and other forms of gambling activities within state borders. Even informal betting among friends, if it involves tracking wins and losses, could technically violate state law.
Despite this prohibition, there is a critical loophole: offshore sportsbooks. These international platforms, operating legally in jurisdictions like Costa Rica, Panama, or Curacao, are accessible to Hawaiian residents. Since there are no state or federal laws explicitly criminalizing the act of placing bets with offshore operators, residents can legally wager on sports through these sites. This has made offshore sportsbooks the primary avenue for sports betting in Hawaii, with platforms like Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker EU leading the market.
Recent Legislative Developments
In recent years, Hawaii has shown signs of softening its anti-gambling stance, particularly with regard to online sports betting. In 2025, significant legislative progress was made with House Bill 1308 (HB 1308), which aims to legalize online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS). The bill passed the Hawaii Senate in April 2025 and is now awaiting final approval from the House and the signature of Governor Josh Green. If signed into law, HB 1308 would allow up to four online sports betting operators in the state, with a proposed tax rate of 10% and a $250,000 licensing fee.
The push for retail sports betting has been driven by economic arguments, with proponents like Senator Angus McKelvey highlighting the need for additional state revenue to address economic challenges, including inflation and federal funding cuts. Native Hawaiian organizations, such as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), also support the bill, seeing gambling as a potential path to economic prosperity for Native Hawaiian communities. However, opposition remains strong, with critics like Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm and social service groups warning of increased crime and problem gambling.
If HB 1308 becomes law, regulated sportsbooks like BetMGM or FanDuel could enter the market by January 1, 2026, offering a legal alternative to offshore platforms. Until then, offshore sportsbooks remain the only legal option for Hawaiian bettors.
Why Offshore Sportsbooks Are Popular in Hawaii.
Given the absence of state-regulated sports betting, offshore sportsbooks have filled the gap for Hawaiian sports fans. These platforms offer several advantages:
Accessibility: Offshore sportsbooks are available to residents aged 18 and up, lower than the typical 21-year-old requirement for regulated U.S. sportsbooks. They can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, or computers from anywhere in Hawaii.
Variety of Markets: Offshore sites cover a wide range of sports, from mainstream leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to niche markets like surfing, rugby, and esports. This is particularly appealing in Hawaii, where surfing is a state sport.
Bonuses and Promotions: Offshore sportsbooks offer generous welcome bonuses, often enhanced for cryptocurrency deposits, and ongoing promotions like reload bonuses and free bets.
Cryptocurrency Support: Many offshore platforms prioritize cryptocurrency transactions, offering faster payouts, lower fees, and exclusive bonuses for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins.
Reputation and Longevity: Leading offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline have operated for over two decades, building trust among bettors through reliable payouts and customer service.
However, bettors should exercise caution when choosing offshore platforms, as not all are reputable. As an example, one of the largest offshore sports betting sites Sportsbook.ag is considered a scam site. It is black listed by online sportsbook rating site XSportsbook.com. Sticking to well-established sites with strong track records, like the ones recommended below, ensures a safe and secure betting experience.
Top 3 Recommended Online Sports Betting Sites for Hawaii
Based on reputation, user experience, betting options, bonuses, and reliability, the following are the top three offshore sportsbooks for Hawaiian residents in 2025:
- Bovada The Gold Standard for Hawaiian Bettors Overview: Bovada is widely regarded as the best online sportsbook for Hawaiian residents, thanks to its user-friendly platform, extensive betting markets, and stellar reputation. Operating legally out of Costa Rica since 2011, Bovada has served Hawaiian bettors for over a decade, consistently ranking at the top of industry reviews.
Key Features: Betting Markets: Bovada offers a vast selection of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, UFC, and niche markets like surfing and esports. Hawaiian bettors can wager on University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors games, with custom prop bets available via the #WhatsYaWager feature on X.
Bonuses: New users can claim a 75% deposit match up to $750 with cryptocurrency (no bonus code needed) or a 50% match up to $1,000 with code BV1000 for other methods. The crypto bonus has a low 5x rollover requirement, making it easier to cash out winnings.
Mobile Experience: Bovada’s mobile platform is seamless, offering all desktop features, including live betting and streaming for select events.
Banking Options: Supports cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin), credit/debit cards, MatchPay, and vouchers. Crypto withdrawals are processed within hours.
Customer Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support with a reputation for quick resolutions.
Why Choose Bovada?: Bovada’s simplicity and reliability make it ideal for both novice and experienced bettors. Its long-standing reputation, fast payouts, and tailored markets for Hawaiian sports fans (e.g., Rainbow Warriors and surfing) set it apart. For those seeking a no-frills, trustworthy platform, Bovada is unmatched.
Recommendation: Use cryptocurrency for deposits to unlock the $750 bonus and enjoy faster payouts. Visit Bovada to sign up and start betting today.
- BetOnline
Best for Competitive Odds and Variety Overview: BetOnline, regulated in Panama, has been a trusted name in online sports betting for over 20 years. Known for its early line releases, competitive odds, and extensive betting markets, BetOnline is a top choice for Hawaiian bettors who value variety and flexibility.
Key Features: Betting Markets: Covers over 25 sports, including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, boxing, golf, and surfing—a popular option in Hawaii. BetOnline’s live betting platform is one of the best, with real-time odds updates for in-play wagering.
Bonuses: New users can claim a 50% deposit match up to $250 with code FREE250 (1x rollover) this is in free sports bets and also has 100 free spins. Or a 100% crypto match up to $1,000 with CRYPTO100 (14x rollover). Regular current customer promotions include free bets and reload bonuses.
Mobile Experience: BetOnline’s mobile site is optimized for speed and ease of use, making it a favorite among mobile bettors.
Banking Options: Accepts cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple), credit/debit cards, bank wires, and e-wallets. Crypto payouts are processed quickly, often within 24 hours.
Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, with a VIP program offering exclusive perks like prioritized withdrawals.
Why Choose BetOnline?: BetOnline stands out for its comprehensive sports coverage and early odds, allowing bettors to lock in favorable lines. Its dedicated surfing betting page and live betting options make it a great fit for Hawaiian sports fans. The platform’s modern interface and generous bonuses add to its appeal.
Recommendation: Use code CRYPTO100 for the $1,000 welcome bonus or opt for crypto to maximize your deposit match. Sign up at BetOnline to explore its surfing odds and live betting markets.
- Bookmaker EU
A Reliable Choice for High Limits Overview: Bookmaker EU, one of the oldest offshore sportsbooks, has been serving bettors since 1986. Licensed in Curacao, it is known for its high betting limits, competitive odds, and professional-grade platform, making it a favorite among serious bettors in Hawaii.
Key Features: Betting Markets: Offers a broad range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, tennis, and niche markets like esports and political betting. Bookmaker EU is particularly strong in prop bets and futures.
Bonuses: New users can claim a 100% Risk FREE Sports Bet up to $400 use promo code GET100 (1x rollover) or a 25% cash bonus up to $500 for other methods (rollover varies by promotion). Reload bonuses and loyalty rewards are available for regular players.
Mobile Experience: The mobile platform is clean and functional, supporting all betting options, including live wagering.
Banking Options: Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. Crypto payouts are fast and fee-free.
Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, with a reputation for professionalism.
Why Choose Bookmaker EU?: Bookmaker EU is ideal for bettors who prioritize high limits and a no-nonsense betting experience. Its long history and focus on security make it a trusted option, while its competitive odds and prop bet variety appeal to strategic bettors.
Recommendation: Use cryptocurrency for the $500 welcome bonus and faster withdrawals. Visit Bookmaker EU to explore its high-limit betting options. Tips for Safe Sports Betting in Hawaii While offshore sportsbooks offer a legal way to bet in Hawaii, bettors should follow these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience: Choose Reputable Platforms: Stick to well-established sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker EU, which have decades of experience and strong security measures.
Use Cryptocurrency: Crypto transactions are faster, more secure, and often come with bigger bonuses. Bitcoin and Ethereum are widely accepted.
Read Bonus Terms: Understand rollover requirements and other conditions before claiming bonuses to avoid surprises.
Shop for Odds: Sign up with multiple sportsbooks to compare odds and maximize value on your bets.
Gamble Responsibly: Set a budget, avoid chasing losses, and seek help if gambling becomes problematic. Resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline
(1-800-522-4700) are available.
The Future of Sports Betting in Hawaii Hawaii’s sports betting landscape is on the cusp of change. If HB 1308 is signed into law, the state could see regulated online sportsbooks by 2026, potentially attracting major operators like BetMGM and FanDuel. This would provide a safer, more transparent betting environment and generate significant tax revenue for the state. However, opposition from law enforcement and social service groups could still derail the effort.
In the meantime, offshore sportsbooks remain the best option for Hawaiian bettors. Platforms like Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker EU offer a legal, secure, and feature-rich betting experience, catering to the diverse interests of Hawaii’s sports fans. Whether you’re wagering on the Rainbow Warriors, the NFL, or a local surfing event, these sites deliver the tools and markets you need.
Sports betting in Hawaii exists in a unique space: While state-regulated betting is not yet available, offshore sportsbooks provide a lawful and accessible alternative. With legislative efforts like HB 1308 gaining traction, the Aloha State may soon join the majority of U.S. states in offering regulated online sports betting.
Until then, Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker EU stand out as the top choices for Hawaiian bettors, offering robust platforms, generous bonuses, and a wide range of betting options. By choosing reputable sites and betting responsibly, Hawaiian sports fans can enjoy the thrill of wagering while staying within the bounds of the law.
For the best experience, sign up with Bovada for its simplicity and reputation, BetOnline for its competitive odds and surfing markets, or Bookmaker EU for high limits and professionalism. As Hawaii’s sports betting landscape evolves, these platforms will keep you in the game.
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