Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Gambling

Legalized gambling often is seen by states as an easy way to get additional revenue without raising taxes. To an extent, they are correct. Many states opt for lotteries as opposed to casino gambling, or if they allow casino gambling, they allow tribal gaming.

Hawaii is one of only two states with no gambling (the other state is Utah). With an estimated budget deficit of a billion dollars, some of the Hawaii legislature is considering legalizing gambling to make up the shortfall.

A story from KHON discusses this effort. What gambling would do in Hawaii is not just provide some additional revenue due to gaming. It would have a positive economic impact on the tourism market. Hawaii is awesome, but is suffering from lower tourism levels, due to the economy.

Imagine Las Vegas with lush gardens, water, sand, mild temperatures - and gaming? Very nice. I think that the time is right to make this move. With gambling growing globally, Hawaii can keep up with those that wish to gamble, but combine that with the outstanding locale to create a "winning" combination.

Typically, gambling operations tend to be the most busy from late afternoon to a bit after midnight. There is not as much gambling in the morning hours. This would work out great for Hawaii hotel resort/casinos. During the day, the patrons would be on the beach and doing the typical resort/tourism activities. At dusk, when the beaches clear, the casinos fill.

It is unknown if Hawaii will ultimately legalize gambling for thier hotel resorts, but they should.