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Bill

HB 1463

RELATING TO A STATE LOTTERY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kirstin Kahaloa and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii proposes establishing a state lottery system to generate public revenue, advancing through committee review in 2025 with decisions pending for 2026.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#dbedt #statelottery #study
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Bill Summary · HB 1463

Legislative bill overview

HB 1463 proposes establishing a state lottery system in Hawaii. The bill was introduced in January 2025 and has advanced through initial procedural steps, currently referred to the Economic and Community Development (ECD) and Finance (FIN) committees for detailed review before being carried over to the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

State lotteries generate significant revenue for public programs—typically education, infrastructure, or social services—while creating new forms of legal gambling. For Hawaii, this represents a potential new revenue source and policy shift, as the state currently has no lottery system. The decision affects tax policy, consumer behavior, and public spending priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue assumptions vs. reality: Projections of lottery income often overestimate actual receipts, and lottery players are disproportionately lower-income households, raising equity concerns about regressive taxation
  • Problem gambling and social costs: Increased gambling access may raise rates of gambling addiction, requiring offsetting social services and mental health treatment that could reduce net revenue gains
  • Competition with existing gambling: Hawaii has no casino gambling currently; a lottery could face public opposition from those who view any gambling expansion as undesirable, or conversely, criticism that it doesn't go far enough for economic development

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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