Hawaii Weighs Gambling Benefits Against Social Risks

A Hawaii gaming group with a focus on the legalization of gambling is trying to determine whether the benefits of the revenue generated by gambling truly outweigh the potential issues the activity is frequently criticized for.

For Senator Lynn DeCoite, co-chair of the state’s Tourism and Gaming Working Group (TGWG), the matter is rather personal, as her own father is engaged in gambling.

“We can ask all those questions that I have challenges with because my dad loves to gamble, and I’m like, what’s wrong with you,” DeCoite opened up.

The Pros and the Cons

On Wednesday, the group came face to face with industry experts to discuss the positive aspects of gaming, summed up as follows: 1.8 million jobs across the country, $125 billion dollars in revenue in 2025, and $52 billion in state taxes.

“Many states use gaming tax revenue to fund education programs, or fund infrastructure improvement projects, public safety initiatives, and other priorities important to the citizens of each particular state,” argued the American Gaming Association’s vice president of Government Relations, Tres York

DeCoite believes the money could be used during disaster recovery from wildfires or storms, citing last month’s Kona low storm and the Lahaina wildfires.

At the same time, the group expressed serious concerns regarding the rate of crimes, domestic violence, and gambling addiction, which are often associated with problem gambling.

Strong Tracking Systems in Place

Boyd Gaming, which owns some of Hawaiians’ favorite casinos, including California Hotel & Casino (The Cal), Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel, and The Orleans Hotel & Casino, has reiterated that its players’ reward systems constantly track irregular player habits while also relying on their lengthy connections with local patrons to “know when something’s off.”

“We build relationships with our customers, our bartenders, our waitresses, the folks on the floor, they know our customers,” explained Paul Anderson, Boyd Gaming Senior VP of Industry and Government Affairs.

DeCoite mentioned her father, whom she characterized as a “very conservative gambler”, something that Boyd is known to keep an eye for. “They have him registered with his player’s card, and we know exactly what he’s doing as well, so I think this is great.”

“Whether or not Hawaii ultimately chooses to authorize any form of gaming, the experiences of the 48 states that have done so can offer valuable lessons in regulatory designs and consumer protection,” added  York.

The TGWG will need to file a findings report with lawmakers prior to the upcoming legislative session.