In short: sports betting is not legal in Hawaii. The state is one of the very few with no legal gambling at all: no casinos, no lottery and no licensed sportsbooks. Proposals to legalise sports betting have been debated but not adopted. Here is how the alternatives compare.
Why Hawaii has no sportsbooks
Hawaii's criminal code prohibits gambling broadly, and lawmakers have repeatedly declined to create exceptions. That makes it, along with Utah, one of the strictest states in the country.
Alternatives reviewed
Sweepstakes and social sportsbooks
Apps that use virtual coins and sweepstakes prizes are marketed nationwide. Their legal position is a grey area, and several states have moved to restrict them. Read our explainer on social sportsbooks before signing up.
Daily fantasy sports
Paid fantasy contests have faced legal challenges in Hawaii. Availability varies by operator and changes over time.
CFTC-regulated prediction markets
Exchanges such as Kalshi and Polymarket US list event contracts under federal regulation. Because they are not licensed as state gambling, they may be available where sportsbooks are not, but states have challenged sports contracts, so availability can change. A contract at 0.55 implies about a 55% chance and pays 1 dollar if right. See are prediction markets gambling? for the legal debate.
Offshore sportsbooks
Offshore sites are not licensed anywhere in the US. If they freeze an account or refuse a withdrawal, there is no regulator to turn to.
Our verdict
| Option | Status in Hawaii | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed sportsbook | Not available | — |
| Sweepstakes app | Grey area | Entertainment only, read the terms |
| Daily fantasy | Contested | Check each operator |
| Prediction market | Federally regulated, check availability | Most transparent alternative |
| Offshore site | Unlicensed | Avoid |
If you use any alternative, set a budget, check where Polymarket is legal and only use money you can afford to lose.
Next step
In the United States, the regulated route is the Polymarket US app. Read our guides on signing up and depositing to get started, start small and only use money you can afford to lose.