Written by Sadonna | Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Hawaii is a state part of the US that does not allow gambling, however this could be about to change. A new bill has been introduced into legislation that would allow both online and land gambling options for residents of Hawaii. The bill passed through the first committee just last week and now it moves on in the process.

The new bill would allow Texas Hold’em and Omaha variants in both online play as well as in-land. Officials are hoping the games will increase tourism as well as the economy. The House Finance Committee will now look over the bill and must approve it before it can move on.

The new measure was designed to exempt the game of poker from the current state laws that ban gambling. The way they are getting around this is to list the game of poker as a game of skill not a game of chance. Because of their current laws Hawaii is one of just two states that do not allow any gambling whatsoever.

If Hawaii was able to pass the bill it would allow for major tournaments to come to the area. With such a beautiful setting in all areas of Hawaii, the state would be able to bring in thousands of visitors for live poker events. An online play would be another great option as well. Players who live in Hawaii would be able to access online poker games and then the state would bring in much needed revenues, it’s really a win/win situation.

The new bill was able to be passed by the Economic Revitalization & Business Committee with a 7-1 vote and a vote of 9-3 was taken in the House Judiciary Committee. Cynthia Thielen a representative of Hawaii commented that the passing of the bill through the first committees is a first step toward legalized online gambling in the state.

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