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Hawaii is one of only two states in the United States, with the other one being Utah, that makes gambling illegal period, other than social gambling. They don’t have any poker rooms, they don’t have any casinos, they don’t have pari mutuel betting, they don’t even have a lottery. In other words there is no regulated gambling in Hawaii whatsoever.

So the law in Hawaii that applies to gambling applies in all cases, save for the defense of social gambling, and other than that there are no provisions outside of it. So let’s take a look at the law there to see what it indeed does include, first starting with the law itself:

“(1) A person commits the offense of gambling if the person knowingly advances or participates in any gambling activity.
(2) Gambling is a misdemeanor.” (1)

Hawaii’s Minimum Poker Age. The minimum age to play poker offshore with an online casino in Hawaii is 18 years old. Hawaii is one of many 18+ US poker states that does not allow for domestic poker rooms, leaving offshore as the only viable option for real money poker play on the island. Poker in Hawaii, including Live and Online Poker Rooms in every city, tournament schedules, series events, promotions, and community discussion.

Online Poker in Hawaii When the online poker boom hit the United States in the early 2000s, it breathed life into the poker industry in Hawaii. Being so far away from the continental states, Hawaiians were finally able to connect with the rest of the country by sitting at common poker tables and in tournaments that could see residents qualify. Hawaii Online Poker Varieties Since the online Hawaiian poker games are available online, you’ll find there are many variations to choose from.

So now we know that participating in gambling activity is a crime in Hawaii, so the next step is to see what defines gambling in this state:

“(4) “Gambling”. A person engages in gambling if he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including but not limited to contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health, or accident insurance.” (2)

So in terms of this applying to poker playing, this in itself does leave the door open a bit at least, even though the outcome of poker bets aren’t completely under one’s control, but they are to some degree at least, which could be seen as having them not qualify as gambling under this definition.

However, this door is closed by the definition provided for “contest of chance,” as follows:

(3) “”Contest of chance” means any contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.” (3)

So there we have it, poker does indeed depend to a material degree on chance, where material degree here is a matter of whether this element of chance materially affects the outcome of bets, which it clearly does, and they also mention that skill playing a factor as well does not save it. This section actually seems to be written specifically to include poker in fact. So poker is a contest of chance, contests of chance constitute gambling, and gambling is prohibited.

What About Social Gambling Though?

Not all forms of gambling are prohibited in Hawaii though, and the sole exception is what is termed social gambling. Social gambling is provided as a defense to a charge of gambling, which will be successful if the following conditions are met:

“(1) Players compete on equal terms with each other; and
(2) No player receives, or becomes entitled to receive, anything of value or any profit, directly or indirectly, other than the player’s personal gambling winnings; and
(3) No other person, corporation, unincorporated association, or entity receives or becomes entitled to receive, anything of value or any profit, directly or indirectly, from any source, including but not limited to permitting the use of premises, supplying refreshments, food, drinks, service, lodging or entertainment; and
(4) It is not conducted or played in or at a hotel, motel, bar, nightclub, cocktail lounge, restaurant, massage parlor, billiard parlor, or any business establishment of any kind, public parks, public buildings, public beaches, school grounds, churches or any other public area; and
(5) None of the players is below the age of majority; and
(6) The gambling activity is not bookmaking.” (4)

So this would permit home games being played for money as long as no one is charging for the play, and as long as the gambling occurs in a private setting, and not in a business establishment or public place.

What about online poker though? Well this often does occur in a private setting, one’s home, but in all cases the poker site would be collecting something of value for offering the online play, so this would clearly disqualify this as a defense, and the onus is on the defendant to prove all of these conditions exist, and they would not be able to do that.

Can You Still Play Online Poker In Hawaii Though?

In spite of it being against the law to play online poker in Hawaii, Hawaii certainly isn’t the only state to make online poker playing illegal, and there are several other sites where it is also clearly against the law to play for real money at an online poker site.

However, as there has yet to be any convictions for this anywhere in the United States, and it would also be a very difficult crime to enforce anyway, and due to the lack of will to prosecute, there are a great many players who are more than willing to play online poker in spite of what the law may say as long as there are poker rooms willing to accept players from their state.

So Hawaiians are fortunate enough to have several online poker rooms more than willing to accept them, and this list includes our personal favorite, Ignition Poker. They are fresh off a great acquisition of the Bovada Poker software and have since rebranded as Ignition.

For being a new site, they have a great amount of traffic and if you haven’t played here yet you need to get your account already (they give you a free $5 chip to use in the casino, too!) – you will NOT regret it, trust me.

References:

(1) Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1223: Gambling

(2) Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1220: Definitions Of Terms In This Part

(3) ibid.

(4) Hawaii Statutes, Section 712-1231: Social Gambling, Definition and Specific Conditions, Alternative Defense

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The island state of Hawaii is one of the premium vacation destinations on the planet, with luscious beaches, scenic volcanos (let’s hope they stay that way), and dense tropical landscapes. It’s hard to be dealt a bad hand in a place like that! Residents and visitors to the region who enjoy playing Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha can have their cake and eat it too, because the best online poker for 18+ bettors is legally available over the Internet.

Although there are no domestic poker rooms on the island, over 18 poker players can access the best online poker sites on the net. Don’t just play in the surf: A quick readthrough of our Hawaii poker guide will have you paddling out to the top offshore casinos and dropping in on real money poker tournaments and cash table play.

The best part is, the online poker games Hawaii has to offer are available to those in the area that are 18 and up, so if you’re a legal adult, you can become a legal member. Read on to discover mobile poker options, bonus offers, and everything else that will prepare you for the best poker online in HI.

Best Online Poker Sites For Hawaii That Accept 18 And Up Members

Is Poker Legal In Hawaii For 18+ Players?

Domestic poker for real money is not allowed within the borders of Hawaii, but online poker with an offshore casino is accessible in the Aloha State. Offshore gambling is not defined in US or HI state gambling laws, leaving a tidal wave sized loophole allowing for regional 18 and over bettors to play poker online. Eighteen-year-olds can safely play poker with any top-rated online casino recommended on this page without fear of penalty from any authorities.

Hawaii Online Portal

Hawaii’s Minimum Poker Age

The minimum age to play poker offshore with an online casino in Hawaii is 18 years old. Hawaii is one of many 18+ US poker states that does not allow for domestic poker rooms, leaving offshore as the only viable option for real money poker play on the island. The offshore casinos recommended on this page are available to HI gamblers and offer safe and reliable online poker tournaments and cash tables that rival the best Las Vegas resorts.

Hawaii Online Probate Records

Retail Poker Rooms In Hawaii

Unfortunately, there are no retail poker rooms or casinos located inside the borders of the state of Hawaii. Unlike other states in the USA, Hawaii is not in favor of legalizing regulated gambling and has passed legislation that strictly forbids all forms of gambling that are based on the island. For now, poker players in HI will need to rely on the gambling options available online with offshore casino betting sites.

Types Of Online Poker Available In Hawaii

The best online poker rooms offer the main three variants of poker that are popular in the US. If you don’t know the rules, each site will explain them in detail, so you can refine your poker strategy for each one. The poker games available are the following:

• Texas Hold ‘Em (aka Texas Holdem, or simply Holdem)
• Omaha Hi/Lo

Online Poker Cash Tables In HI

At online poker sites, you will have the option to play cash table games or participate in poker tournaments (see below). Cash poker tables are the fastest way to play your hand, as the contests are over in a matter of minutes.

Many sites allow you to play multiple poker hands across multiple tables at once. This is called multi-tabling, and you can participate both online via a web browser or through dedicated PC software downloadable from your site of choice. We don’t recommend multi-tabling for 18+ poker beginners, but once you get your sea legs, go all in!

Over 18 Poker Tournaments In Hawaii

The top-rated online poker sites that we recommend on this page feature a large variety of poker tournaments available to gamblers within Hawaii’s state lines. Most tournaments have buy-ins as low as $5 and feature jackpot pools that can reach seven figures.

Online Poker Hawaii

Poker tourneys range from quick Sit ‘N’ Go events where you compete against 10 or so players to multi-day events where you compete against thousands.

Poker tournament schedules are posted now and always updated, so browse the available times, entry fees, and jackpots to see which competition is best suited to your style of play – and your bankroll!

HI Online Poker Banking Options

When visiting one of the reputable online poker sites that we recommend, you’ll notice that the use of cryptocurrency is preferred across the board. That is because crypto is unregulated and can be freely deposited and withdrawn without any bank or government oversight slowing down transactions.

Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Tether, Ethereum, and Litecoin are accepted at most poker sites, and they are the only means of deposit that will provide a same day payout. Bonus cash offers are often increased when crypto used, too, giving members every reason to abandon traditional methods of payment and get on the Bitcoin bandwagon.

Below are other common options for banking. Just remember, these include various transaction waiting times and added fees that you avoid when using Bitcoin and supported altcoins.

• Deposit: Credit/Debit Cards, Wire Transfers, Cashier’s Checks, P2P Services (MoneyGram, Western Union), Money Orders
• Withdrawal: Wire Transfers, Cashier’s Checks By Courier, P2P Services, Money Orders

Hawaii Online Poker Bonus Options

Offshore poker casinos that offer their online betting services to the Hawaii region are eager to attract new members and are always coming up with new promotions that enhance gamblers’ bankrolls with bonus cash. Most online poker bonuses that we’ve often seen are welcome bonuses for first-time players, matching your initial deposit to the tune of $500 to $1000 or more.

Hawaii Online Programs

Poker bonus cash is distributed into gamblers’ accounts in small increments based on the earning of rewards points. These points are acquired through the completion of poker games at cash tables or in select tournament play. The bonus cash can only be earned during the first 30 days of membership, so don’t delay – The more you play, the more they pay!

HI Mobile Poker Apps For 18+

Each one of our recommended online poker sites features mobile gambling through the use of web apps. These applications do not require any downloads or updates, as they are browser-based.

Hawaii Online Poker Sites

Just click on the link to one of our recommended poker sites above using a current mobile browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox), and the onboard technology will conform to screen sizes and act just like a downloadable iPhone poker app or Android poker app.

All of the options featured at these online casinos are also available on their web apps, making for a complete mobile poker experience on iPads, iPhones, and Android-based smartphones and tablets.

Live 18 And Up Poker In HI

Because of the nature of poker rules, live poker is not a necessary option for online play. Unlike the game of blackjack, for example, poker does not involve any attempt to attain money from the house, so the presence of a live dealer is unnecessary. All online poker games use certified, audited RNG (random number generation) technology to ensure an honest shuffle and a fair draw, every time.

That said, the poker games presented at our preferred online casinos are “live” in that you are competing against actual human opponents in a real-time atmosphere. Many professional World Series of Poker players learned the ropes playing poker online, so it can accurately prepare Hawaii gamblers for live poker if and when they visit a casino in another state.

There are no poker rooms for real money in Hawaii. The state has passed laws that strictly forbid all forms of gambling, and they do not appear to be inclined to change their mind on the subject any time soon. For now, an offshore casino site is the best option for HI bettors to play poker.

Because of the way that state and federal gambling laws are designed, players that are 18 years old and up can play poker online for real money with an offshore casino. Until HI lawmakers change their stance on gambling, online poker rooms operating offshore are the best bet for those in the region.

Absolutely. There are no laws that currently prevent people that are inside the borders of Hawaii from participating in online poker for real money with an offshore casino. These offshore poker rooms offer a full bevy of gaming options that are available to those that are 18 or older, with full casino games, live dealer table games, and even sportsbooks and racebooks in many cases.

Hawaii Online Poker Games

Some, but not all, of our recommended online casinos offer free play poker for their real money games. This can be a vital tool in the bag of any poker player, as the games operate identically to when cash is on the line. Don’t learn the ropes with money at risk. Play video poker for free online to develop the best poker strategy. (You can find video poker in the “Casino” section of your poker site of choice.)