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 Hawaii is considering allowing residents and visitors to play both online and in-person poker games. A new bill that has already cleared its first committee would define poker as a game of skill and make it exempt from state laws that currently ban gambling. It is estimated that if the bill passes it will bring in millions in tax revenue to the state which is currently experiencing budget shortfalls. Aside from gambling revenues itself, legalized poker could give tourism a serious boost and bring the state plenty of national and international TV coverage as tours are likely to make stops in the state if it passes.
There are of course a number of opponents to the bill. Some worry that legalized poker would clear the way for other forms of gambling in the state and many question whether poker is really a game of skill at all. Surprisingly some poker supports also take issue with the bill, they say that the high taxes and licensing fees associated the bill would make it difficult for internet poker sites to turn a profit and would limit potential growth in the region.
The bill has already passed the Economic Revitalization & Business Committee with a vote of 7-1, and the House Judiciary Committee with a vote of 9-3. It now heads to the House Finance Committee for approval.
As always, stay tuned to Casinofan for more news and updates.
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