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Senate defers bill to legalize large-scale gambling after wide opposition and safety concerns
Summary
After hours of testimony—including objections from the Attorney General, the Honolulu Prosecutor and state consumer protection officials—and more public opponents than supporters, the Senate committee deferred SB 893 indefinitely.
The Senate deferred SB 893, a bill that would authorize large-scale casino gaming and related licensing, after extensive public testimony and formal objections from state law-enforcement and consumer-protection offices.
The deferral came after multiple agencies flagged criminal and public-safety risks. Corey Young of the Attorney General's Office told the committee that the office “has very serious concerns … regarding the likelihood of increased crime or financial crimes,” and urged caution. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steven Alm said a step-change in legal gambling can increase harms: “There’s research showing that in states that have legalized sports gambling, you have, many more, people getting in trouble, and it’s lower income folks,” he said, adding that advertising and remote…
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