Hawaii Legislators Nix Legalized Casinos

Casino News - February 25th, 2010 - Written By Glen

The tropical paradise of Hawaii, one of the United State's largest tourist destinations, has been in financial straits. Legislators had been considering adding casinos to the small state in order to recover their revenue, but the bill had been shot down by lawmakers.

It is unlikely that the current legislative session would see expanded casino gambling. This makes Hawaii one of the two states that do not have a form of legal gambling within the state.

The typical opponents to expanded gambling had come to speak out against the House's attempt at expanded gambling. Social and religious groups, as well as law enforcement had all decided to speak out against the legislation.

"I went to Hawaii last summer," said Alex S. of West Palm Beach, Florida. "I had fun on the mountains, enjoyed the scenery, as well as the local culture, but I do not think I would return. Perhaps if they had casinos, but Vegas seems to be a better vacation destination - especially now that the CityCenter has been finished."

Early estimates showed that gaming revenue could have generated almost $500 million in revenue, almost $200 million of which from locals. Jobs would have been created in bulk as well, with almost 15,000 jobs including temporary and permanent employment. The study was prepared by a group of consultants for gaming interests, which projected almost $90 million a year in new tax revenue.

It has been suggested that the legalization of casinos would cannibalize the revenue going to illegal gambling interests in the state, as well as travelers going to Las Vegas to do their gambling.

Until the legalization of casinos in Hawaii does actually move forward, Hawaii Online Casinos are the only choice that players will have for safe, legal gaming.

The Honolulu Advertiser Contributed to this Article.