Best HI Casino Sites & Apps
Welcome to your ultimate guide for Hawaii online casinos! If you’re eager to get in on the action but are not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Although your options may be somewhat limited in the Aloha State, we intend to help you find a way to play all your favorite slots and table games from the comfort of your home.
In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about online casino play in Hawaii. This includes the laws and regulations, top casino gaming sites and apps, best strategies to increase your chances of long-term success, and more. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to dive headfirst into the exciting world of Hawaii online casinos and experience all that the state has to offer. Now, let’s get started!
Hawaii has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. As of July 2023, all forms of internet-based gambling are prohibited in the state. This includes sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, paid daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, online casino gambling, and virtual poker.
In fact, Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states that have explicitly forbidden all forms of gambling within its borders (the other being Utah). Even charitable gaming (bingo, raffles, casino nights, etc.) offered by nonprofit organizations for fundraising purposes is banned in Hawaii. As a result, it is clear that Hawaii is one of the least gambler-friendly states and is not the ideal destination for online or in-person casino play.
However, Hawaii casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck. Both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in Hawaii. These innovative, free-to-play platforms offer a wide range of casino-style games and often give players a chance to win real cash prizes. We will cover social casinos and sweepstakes casinos in further detail in the next section.
To help simplify things, we have divided casinos into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and land-based casinos. The major similarities and differences between these types of casinos, as well as their current availability in Hawaii, are highlighted below.
Real-money online casinos are virtual gambling platforms that allow players to wager and win real money through various games of chance, just like traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. These casinos operate over the internet and can be accessed through desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Players typically create accounts, deposit money using various payment methods, and then use those funds to place bets on a wide range of casino games.
Unfortunately, real-money online casinos are not yet legal in Hawaii. The state does not issue licenses to these types of platforms or allow them to accept players from within its borders. There are currently only seven U.S. states that have legalized online casino gambling and currently regulate real-money online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are different from real-money online casinos in that players do not deposit or wager real money on the platform. Instead, they operate on virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins) that can be earned for free in many different ways, creating a social gaming experience without the risk of financial loss.
Although social casinos and sweepstakes casinos do not offer real-money wagering, they typically give players a chance to win cash, digital gift cards, merchandise, and other incredible prizes through sweepstakes-style promotions. Social and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in Hawaii and are a great way for the Aloha State’s casino enthusiasts to get in on the action and explore the hottest new games on the market.
Land-based casinos, also known as brick-and-mortar casinos, are traditional gambling establishments found in physical locations. They offer a wide array of gambling opportunities and entertainment under one roof. These casinos have been around for centuries and have evolved into luxurious resorts and entertainment complexes in many parts of the world.
Inside land-based casinos, players can find various gaming options, including slot machines, card games, roulette, craps, and more. One of the main attractions of land-based casinos is the vibrant and immersive atmosphere they provide. They often include restaurants, bars, live entertainment shows, and other amenities to enhance the overall experience for visitors. Additionally, these casinos offer the opportunity for social interactions and networking among players.
Unfortunately, Hawaii does not offer any land-based casinos. The Aloha State is one of only eight U.S. states that is not home to any tribal or commercial casino gaming facilities (the others being Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont). In-person casino gambling is also not allowed to take place on any cruise ships that operate out of the islands.
All of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are currently available in Hawaii. Here are a few of the best platforms to consider joining today:
- Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
Chumba Casino is owned by Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) and is considered to be one of America’s fastest-growing social gaming sites. Players will enjoy over 150 thrilling casino-style games, including virtual slots, progressive jackpots, video poker, bingo games, and more. Chumba Casino also provides 24/7 customer service to ensure that all users will get their questions answered and problems resolved in a timely manner.
- Available States: All 50 U.S. States
Golden Hearts Games launched in August 2020 to become the world’s first charity social casino. Users will get to enjoy a wide array of virtual slots and 24/7 bingo games while having the opportunity to raise money for the local or national charity of their choice. Golden Hearts Games also provides an immersive social experience, allowing you to connect with other casino enthusiasts across the country, and gives you a chance to win real cash prizes and digital gift cards through your gameplay.
- Available States: All 50 U.S. States
MyJackpot.com is another free-to-play, social gaming platform available in the United States. Owned and operated by WHOW Games, MyJackpot.com offers arguably the best selection of jackpot games in the industry. Players will enjoy all sorts of bonuses, tons of great event offers, and over 100 casino-style games when they sign up today and join the MyJackpot community.
- Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
Last but not least, Pulsz Bingo is one of the top social gaming sites for bingo lovers, as players will get to choose between many different bingo rooms, each with its own unique theme and ticket prices. Pulsz Bingo also offers a fantastic selection of slots, scratch cards, table games, and more. In addition, new users will receive a very generous sign-up bonus to help make sure they get off to a great start on the platform.
Are you ready to sign up and play all your favorite slots and table games for a chance to win big? Just follow the five simple steps outlined below!
- Choose Your Hawaii Social Casino or Sweepstakes Casino
You will first need to choose your preferred social casino or sweepstakes casino that is currently available in Hawaii. Consider factors like game selection, promotions and bonus opportunities, and customer support when making your decision.
- Create an Account
To start playing at your chosen Hawaii social casino or sweepstakes casino, you’ll need to create an account. This usually involves providing some personal information, such as your name, email address, and age. Make sure to use accurate information to avoid issues with verification or prize redemptions later on.
- Verify Your Information
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos will typically require you to verify your account before you can start playing or making prize redemptions. This verification process is usually done to ensure that players meet the legal age requirement and to prevent fraudulent activities. Follow the specific instructions provided by your casino to confirm your identity and state of residency.
- Claim Your Sign-Up Bonus
All social casinos and sweepstakes casinos offer sign-up bonuses to new players as an incentive to join their platform. Sign-up bonuses can come in various forms, such as free Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins. Once you have created your account and verified your information, you will automatically receive your new player welcome bonus.
- Start Playing Games & Winning Prizes
Once your account is set up and the sign-up bonus is claimed, you can start playing casino games on the platform. Explore the wide range of games available, from slot machines to table games like blackjack and poker. Play for a chance to win cash, digital gift cards, and other incredible prizes. Good luck!
While you may come across websites that claim to offer online casino gambling to Hawaii residents, it is important to understand that these platforms (commonly known as “offshore casinos”) are not authorized to operate in the state and come with many serious risks, a few of which are listed and explained below.
- Payment Security Concerns: Offshore casinos may not have the same level of security and encryption measures as reputable and regulated online casinos. This could pose a risk to players’ personal and financial information, making them susceptible to identity theft and fraud.
- Lack of Regulation & Consumer Protections: Offshore casinos are not subject to Hawaii’s gambling laws and regulations. As a result, they may not adhere to fair gaming practices, and players have limited recourse if disputes arise or if they encounter unfair treatment.
- Potential Legal Consequences: Participating in online gambling on unauthorized offshore casino websites is illegal in Hawaii. Residents who engage in such activities may face potential legal consequences, including fines and other penalties.
- Privacy Concerns: Offshore casinos may not follow strict privacy policies, and your personal data might be sold or shared with third parties without your consent, potentially exposing you to unwanted solicitations and privacy breaches.
- Lack of Responsible Gambling Measures: Authorized and regulated online casinos often have responsible gambling tools in place to help players manage their gambling behavior. Offshore casinos may not provide the same level of support, which can lead to potential gambling-related issues.
- Susceptibility to Scams: Offshore casinos can be a breeding ground for scams and unethical practices. Players may encounter rigged games, misleading advertising, and false promises of bonuses and rewards.
As a result, we strongly advise you to steer clear of offshore casinos and avoid using them. Instead, we encourage you to check out social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, which are completely legal in Hawaii and allow you to get in on the action without making a deposit or payment of any kind.
As previously mentioned, Hawaii is one of the least gambler-friendly states in the U.S. A general overview of the current legal status of various gambling activities in the Aloha State is provided below.
The Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting and giving each state the authority to decide on the issue for themselves. Today, more than two-thirds of U.S. states have legalized sports betting in some capacity within their borders. Unfortunately, Hawaii is not one of these states and has maintained its stance against all forms of gambling.
In recent years, there have been several attempts by Hawaii legislators to get the ball rolling when it comes to the legalization of sports betting. For example, in early 2023, Representative John Mizuno introduced House Bill 344, which would allow a standalone retail sportsbook and cardroom on the island of Oahu while also establishing a regulatory framework for the introduction of online sports betting in the state. However, the bill struggled to gain much traction and ultimately died in committee.
Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is also prohibited in Hawaii. There are no active horse racing tracks in the Aloha State, and there are no off-track betting (OTB) facilities that are authorized to offer simulcast wagering on races taking place in other states and countries. In addition, advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and AmWager are not allowed to operate in the state or accept online bets from Hawaii residents or visitors.
Although daily fantasy sports (DFS) is widely available in the United States and is often considered a game of skill rather than a game of chance, paid DFS contests have been illegal in Hawaii since 2016, when the state’s former Attorney General Doug Chin ruled daily fantasy sports to be an illegal form of gambling under state law. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy, Underdog Fantasy, and all other DFS operators do not currently accept players from the Aloha State.
Most U.S. states, even those with very strict gambling laws, have a state-run lottery that offers various games of chance, such as scratch-off tickets, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, and other lottery-based activities. The state lottery is often seen as a way to generate revenue for public programs, education, and other state initiatives. Unfortunately, Hawaii is one of only five U.S. states that do not have a state-operated lottery, the others being Alabama, Alaska, Nevada, and Utah.
While success during online or in-person casino play is largely determined by pure luck and random chance, there are plenty of guidelines to follow and strategies to use to increase your chances of coming out on top in the long run. Here are the best tips and tricks for Hawaii casino players:
- Set Win & Loss Limits: While it’s essential to have fun, knowing when to stop is equally important. Set both win and loss limits for each gaming session. If you reach your win limit, consider cashing out and enjoying your winnings. If you reach your loss limit, accept it as part of the entertainment cost and walk away.
- Play Games With a Low House Edge: When playing table games, focus on games with lower house edges, such as blackjack, baccarat, or certain bets in craps. These games generally offer better odds compared to others like slot machines.
- Study Slot Machines Payouts: If you enjoy playing slot machines, take a moment to understand the different types of machines and their payout percentages. Look for machines with higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages, as they offer better odds of winning.
- Observe & Learn: If you’re new to a particular game, take some time to observe other players before joining in. Watch their strategies and techniques, and you may pick up useful tips that can improve your own gameplay.
- Stay Informed About Promotions: Check with the casino staff or website for any ongoing promotions or special events. Casinos often run promotions with added bonuses, free spins, or giveaways, which can enhance your gaming experience.
- Avoid Superstitions: While superstitions can be fun and add to the casino ambiance, it’s essential to base your decisions on logic and strategy. Don’t let superstitions guide your betting choices or influence your gameplay.
Online and mobile casinos that offer real-money wagering are not legal in Hawaii. It is currently unknown if or when these types of platforms will be allowed to accept players from the Aloha State.
Does Hawaii Allow Social Casinos?Yes, both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in Hawaii. These innovative, free-to-play platforms are a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos, which are not yet available in the state.
Can I Use a VPN To Play Casino Games Online in Hawaii?Yes, you can technically use a virtual private network (VPN) to spoof your location and engage in online casino gambling from Hawaii. However, we strongly discourage you from doing so, as the real-money online casino will likely ban your account and make you forfeit all winnings once they find out.
Does Hawaii Have Any Land-Based Casinos?No, Hawaii does not have any land-based casinos. The Aloha State is one of only eight U.S. states that does not offer any tribal casinos or commercial casinos (the others being Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont).
Is Gambling Legal in Hawaii?No, Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states that prohibit all forms of organized gambling, the other being Utah. Sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, daily fantasy sports, online casinos, virtual poker sites, and charitable gaming are all unavailable in the Aloha State.