Let's cut right to the chase: sports betting is not legal in Hawaii. The Aloha State is famously strict when it comes to gambling—in fact, along with Utah, it’s one of the only states in the nation with practically no legal gambling of any kind. That means no state-regulated sportsbooks, no casinos, and not even a lottery.
For sports fans on the islands, it can feel like you're stuck on the sidelines. But that’s not the whole story.
The Reality of Sports Betting in Hawaii
While you can't walk into a casino and place a bet, there's a practical workaround that thousands of Hawaiians use every day: offshore sportsbooks. For years, residents have been turning to top-tier international betting sites like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS to get in on the action.
These platforms operate from outside of U.S. jurisdiction, which puts them in a unique legal gray area. Since Hawaii's laws are written to stop gambling businesses from operating within the state—not to prosecute individual bettors for placing wagers online—these offshore sites effectively fill the void in the market.
To give you a clearer picture of the current situation, here's a quick rundown.
Hawaii Sports Betting Status At a Glance
| Category | Status / Information |
|---|---|
| State-Regulated Sports Betting | Illegal |
| Retail Sportsbooks | None |
| Online Sportsbooks (In-State) | None |
| Primary Betting Option | Offshore Sportsbooks |
| Minimum Betting Age | 18-21 (at offshore sites) |
| Recent Legislation | Failed (e.g., HB 1815 in 2022) |
As you can see, the path for sports betting in Hawaii leads directly to established international platforms.
Why Offshore Sites Are the Go-To Option
The total lack of local options has made trusted offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Sportsbetting.ag, and Bookmaker.eu the go-to choice for Hawaiian sports fans. These aren't fly-by-night operations; they are established companies that provide a secure and feature-packed way to bet on everything from the NFL to NCAA games.
These international sites are a solid and reliable alternative for bettors in the Aloha State.
The bottom line for residents is this: even though Hawaii has zero state-sanctioned sports betting, using a reputable offshore sportsbook like Xbet or BUSR is a common practice that hasn't led to prosecutions.
Don't expect this to change anytime soon. Despite a few legislative pushes, like HB 1815 back in 2022, every attempt to legalize sports betting in Hawaii has fizzled out. The state's deeply entrenched anti-gambling stance means that, for the foreseeable future, platforms such as BetAnything, Cosmobet, and Bet105 will remain the primary venues for sports bettors in Hawaii.
To see just how much Hawaii differs from the mainland, you can explore our full guide on legal sports betting states.
Exploring Hawaii's Strict Anti-Gambling Culture
Why has Hawaii stayed on the sidelines while most of the country has jumped headfirst into sports betting? The answer isn't simple policy; it's rooted in a deep-seated cultural and historical resistance to gambling that’s woven into the state’s DNA. Unlike most of the mainland, Hawaii has never had a lottery, horse racing, or tribal casinos. For many residents, commercial gambling is a completely foreign concept.
This long-standing aversion has created a powerful social current that consistently pushes back against any talk of gambling expansion. It's more than just a political stance—it reflects community values that prioritize protecting residents from the potential social fallout of betting. This creates a nearly insurmountable wall for any pro-betting legislation trying to find its footing.
The Influence of Local Coalitions
You can't talk about Hawaii's gambling laws without mentioning the powerful local coalitions that have consistently and effectively shut down any proposals. These groups, often religious organizations and community advocates, hold significant sway in the state legislature, framing the debate around public health and safety.
Their arguments are usually built on a few core beliefs:
- Social Costs: The conviction that legal gambling will inevitably lead to more addiction, crime, and personal debt.
- Economic Impact: A deep-seated concern that any tax revenue wouldn't be enough to offset the societal costs of dealing with problem gambling.
- Cultural Integrity: A strong desire to protect Hawaii’s unique "Aloha spirit" and family-first culture, which they feel a gambling industry would undermine.
With such organized and passionate opposition, even the most carefully crafted sports betting bills face an uphill battle from day one.
Legislative Caution and the Unofficial Betting Scene
This strong community pushback translates directly into legislative caution. For a local politician, publicly supporting gambling is a risky move that could easily backfire. Yet, there's a growing, quiet acknowledgment that the current ban doesn't actually stop betting—it just shoves it into the shadows of underground bookies and offshore sites.
Despite this, the powerful influence of anti-gambling groups, combined with real concerns over social and regulatory costs, keeps lawmakers hesitant. Rep. Daniel Holt has been vocal about this paradox, noting that while betting happens all over the islands, it offers zero consumer protection and generates zero tax revenue for Hawaii. You can get a deeper dive into the legislative debates and the challenges facing Hawaii sports betting bills on Sportshandle.com.
This stalemate creates an interesting situation where the state's tough laws have inadvertently made offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, Sportsbetting.ag, and BetAnything the only game in town. By refusing to create a regulated market, Hawaii has essentially handed the keys to established international operators like MyBookie and BetUS, which are more than happy to provide the services that local sports fans are clearly looking for.
How Offshore Sportsbooks Work for Hawaiian Bettors
With Hawaii's laws creating a total dead zone for state-sanctioned sports betting, residents have naturally found a solid, accessible alternative: offshore sportsbooks. But what are these sites, really? And how can they operate when local laws are so ironclad? The whole thing boils down to one word: jurisdiction.
An offshore sportsbook is simply a betting company licensed and based in a country outside of the United States—think places like Costa Rica, Panama, or Curacao. Because their entire operation is international, they aren't subject to US federal or Hawaiian state laws. This is the simple reason why trusted, long-running sites like BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag, and BetOnline can legally take action from players in Hawaii. They're playing by the rules of their home country, which allows them to offer betting to a global audience, including Americans.
Understanding the Legal Gray Area
This international setup creates what many call a "legal gray area." Hawaii's anti-gambling laws, specifically HRS §712-1223, are written to go after the operation of a gambling business within the state. The focus is on punishing people who own, run, or profit from an illegal gambling ring on Hawaiian soil.
What those laws don't do is specifically criminalize an individual resident for simply placing a bet with an international website. That distinction is everything. While the state has no power to shut down a company based in another country, it also has no history of prosecuting individuals for using them. It's why thousands of Hawaiians use sites like Bovada and MyBookie every day without any legal headaches. You can get a deeper dive into how these platforms operate in our guide to offshore sportsbooks that accept US players.
The screenshot below from BetUS gives you a peek at what a typical betting interface looks like for a player in Hawaii. It's packed with lines for all kinds of sports.
As you can see, it’s a clean layout with odds for the big leagues like the NFL and NBA, making it straightforward for anyone to find a game and get a bet down.
The Advantages for Hawaiian Players
For bettors stuck in a restrictive state like Hawaii, this offshore model comes with some real perks. These platforms didn't just pop up yesterday; many have been serving the US market for decades, building solid reputations for reliability and great customer service. They’re all competing for your business, which means they’re constantly rolling out unique features.
For many Hawaiian bettors, the question is sports betting legal in hawaii has a two-part answer: no, not locally, but yes, through accessible and established offshore platforms.
Some sites have even carved out a niche by catering to specific types of bettors, offering perks you just won't find anywhere else. These specialties are a huge draw for anyone serious about their wagers.
- Bookmaker.eu is legendary for releasing its betting lines before anyone else, giving sharp bettors a chance to jump on a good number early.
- Xbet and BUSR are known for having incredibly smooth and easy-to-use mobile sites, which is perfect for placing bets on the fly.
- Sites like BetAnything, Cosmobet, and Bet105 are always in the mix with competitive odds and promotions to keep players from states without regulated options coming back.
At the end of the day, these sportsbooks deliver a complete betting experience. From a huge menu of sports to secure ways to get money in and out, they fill a massive void for sports fans in the Aloha State.
Your First Bet: A Step-By-Step Guide for Hawaii
Alright, so you know offshore sportsbooks are the way to go in Hawaii. That's the easy part. But actually putting your money down for the first time? That can feel a little daunting.
The good news is that the top sites, like Bovada and MyBookie, have made getting started ridiculously simple. I'll walk you through the four basic steps to get you off the sidelines and into the action, safely and with confidence.
Step 1: Pick a Reputable Offshore Site
This is easily the most important decision you'll make. A good sportsbook is built on trust, security, and just being easy to use. Don't just jump on the first site you find; you need to look for a few key things that show they're legit and will protect you and your money.
Here’s what I always look for:
- A Long-Standing Reputation: How long have they been around? Industry veterans like BetOnline and Bookmaker.eu have been taking bets from US players for over 20 years. You don't last that long in this business by ripping people off.
- Solid Security: Make sure the site uses SSL encryption. It's the little padlock icon in your browser's address bar. This is non-negotiable for any site handling your info.
- Helpful Customer Service: A good book has support available 24/7 via live chat, email, or phone. Before you even sign up, shoot them a message and see how fast they respond. It's a great test.
- Real User Reviews: See what other bettors are saying. Every site will have a few grumpy reviews, but you're looking for a consistent track record of people having good experiences, especially when it comes to getting paid out.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Once you've picked a sportsbook—let's use Bovada as an example here—signing up is a piece of cake. It's no different than creating an account for any other website.
They'll ask for some basic personal info:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Home Address
Pro Tip: Use your real, accurate information when you sign up. These sites have to verify your identity before they can send you your winnings, mainly to prevent fraud. Any little mismatch can cause a major headache and delay your payout.
Step 3: Make a Secure Deposit
With your account set up, it's time to add some funds. Offshore sportsbooks have gotten really good at offering banking methods that work well for US players.
Your most common and reliable options are:
- Cryptocurrency: This is the go-to for a reason. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptos are fast, secure, and usually come with bigger deposit limits. Plus, the sportsbooks often give you much better bonuses for using them. Sites like BetUS and Sportsbetting.ag really push crypto for these reasons.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. They're convenient, but be aware that sometimes your bank might block the transaction because of weird banking rules.
- Person-to-Person Transfers: If your card gets declined, this is another solid and reliable backup option.
Step 4: Place Your First Wager
Okay, you've got money in your account. Now for the fun part.
Finding your way around a sportsbook like Xbet or BUSR is really intuitive. Just find the sport you want to bet on, click the game, and then click the odds for the team or outcome you like. Your pick will pop up in a "bet slip." From there, you just type in how much you want to risk, see your potential payout, and hit confirm.
That’s it. You're officially in the game.
Comparing The Best Offshore Sites For Hawaii Players
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jzh7VOJk_NQ
Since you won't find any local sportsbooks in Hawaii, the real question isn't just where you can place a bet, but which offshore site is the right one for you. Let's be honest, they aren't all cut from the same cloth. Each one brings something different to the table, from its bonuses and features to the overall betting experience.
Picking the right one is the key to actually enjoying yourself and getting the most out of every wager. To make it easier, we’ve pitted the top offshore sportsbooks against each other to see how they stack up for players in the Aloha State. This comparison digs into what really matters: welcome bonuses, unique features, and the variety of betting markets they offer.
Feature Comparison of Top Offshore Sportsbooks
The table below gives you a quick, side-by-side look at what the big names like MyBookie, BetUS, BetOnline, and Bovada are offering. When you're looking it over, pay close attention to the little details. Things like bonus rollover requirements can make a huge difference in how much value you're really getting.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | Prop builder tool, excellent live betting interface, frequent contests | Creative prop bets and in-game action |
| BetUS | 125% up to $2,500 | In-depth sports analysis (BetUS TV), massive crypto bonuses | Bettors who value expert analysis and big bonuses |
| BetOnline | 50% up to $1,000 | Opinionated lines, lifetime bonus guarantee, fast crypto payouts | Experienced bettors looking for unique odds and quick cashouts |
| Bovada | 75% Bitcoin Bonus up to $750 | Huge variety of betting markets, user-friendly mobile site | Beginners and mobile bettors who want lots of options |
At the end of the day, your choice really boils down to your own personal style. A casual fan who just wants to bet on the NFL might feel right at home with Bovada's simple layout. On the other hand, a seasoned pro hunting for an edge will probably gravitate toward the unique lines you can only find at BetOnline.
Making Your Final Decision
Look past the flashy welcome bonus for a second and think about what you'll be using day-to-day. Sites like Xbet and Sportsbetting.ag have built a following thanks to their clean, no-nonsense interfaces and solid banking options, especially if you're using crypto. Then you have specialists like Bookmaker.eu, which caters to sharps by posting their lines before anyone else.
Once you’ve got a site in mind, getting started is pretty simple. This infographic breaks down the three basic steps.
As you can see, it's a straightforward process: sign up, fund your account, and you're ready to place a bet. The most important part of the whole thing is just picking the right book from the get-go.
Ultimately, the best offshore sportsbook is the one that aligns with your betting style, banking preferences, and the types of bonuses you find most valuable.
Whether you're drawn to the huge bonus from BetUS or the early lines from Bookmaker.eu, your perfect match is out there. For a deeper dive and full reviews, check out our guide on the top offshore sportsbooks that accept US players. It'll help you compare even more options—including up-and-comers like Cosmobet, BUSR, BetAnything, and Bet105—so you can make a choice you feel good about.
Got Questions About Betting in Hawaii? We’ve Got Answers.
Even after getting the lay of the land, you probably still have a few questions about how this all works in practice. That’s perfectly normal. Let's tackle some of the most common queries we hear from bettors in the Aloha State, clearing up any confusion about safety, money, and what the future might hold.
Are Offshore Sportsbooks Like BetOnline Actually Safe to Use in Hawaii?
Absolutely. Sticking with reputable, long-standing offshore sportsbooks is a safe bet for Hawaiian players. Industry heavyweights like BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie have been serving US customers for years, some for decades. Their entire business model is built on a foundation of trust.
Think about it—if they didn't offer fair odds, secure their platforms, and pay out winnings reliably, they'd be out of business. They use the same kind of security tech you see on major e-commerce sites, like SSL encryption, to keep your personal and financial details locked down. For these top-tier sites, their reputation is everything, so they go the extra mile to create a trustworthy environment.
What's the Best Way to Deposit Money on These Sites?
For bettors in Hawaii—and really, across the entire US—cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are king. They've become the go-to deposit method for a few key reasons: crypto transactions are fast, secure, and usually have much lower fees than traditional methods.
Even better, sportsbooks such as BetUS and Sportsbetting.ag often roll out the red carpet for crypto users, offering bigger and better bonuses for these types of deposits. While most offshore books like Xbet and BUSR still take credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, you might find that your bank blocks the transaction due to federal banking rules. Crypto is the smoothest and most reliable way around that headache.
It's on you, the bettor, to report any winnings from offshore sites. Sportsbooks like Bookmaker.eu and Cosmobet won't be sending any tax forms to the IRS, but under US law, you're required to report all your income.
Do I Really Have to Pay Taxes on Winnings From Offshore Sportsbooks?
Yep, you do. The IRS is pretty clear on this: US citizens must report all income, no matter where it comes from. That includes every dollar you win from sports betting on sites like BetAnything or Bet105.
These international companies aren't going to send you a 1099-MISC form or report your activity to the IRS, but the legal responsibility still falls squarely on your shoulders. The best move is to keep a simple record of your wins and losses and chat with a tax professional to make sure you're squared away with both federal and state tax laws.
So, Will Hawaii Legalize Sports Betting Anytime Soon?
Don't hold your breath. The road to legal sports betting in Hawaii looks long and uncertain. While new bills pop up nearly every year, they consistently run into a wall of strong opposition from influential local groups and never make it across the finish line.
Hawaii has a deeply ingrained anti-gambling culture that makes passing any kind of gaming legislation incredibly difficult. While the rest of the country is warming up to sports betting, Hawaii is pretty much guaranteed to be one of the last states to join the party—if it ever does. For the foreseeable future, offshore sportsbooks remain the only game in town for Hawaii residents.
Here at USASportsbookList, we live and breathe this stuff. We provide detailed reviews and side-by-side comparisons of the best offshore sportsbooks to help you find the right fit. Check out our expert guides and find the perfect betting site for you at https://usasportsbooklist.com.
