eSports Betting in Hawaii Comes to an End

eSports betting in Hawaii is endangered by the statement of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro, since he stated that the two biggest online fantasy sport platforms will need to stop receiving wagers from Honolulu’s betting fans.

eSports betting in the U.S.A. is strictly monitored especially in Hawaii and Utah, which means not every from of online eSports betting is permitted in these states.

Prior to the Prosecuting attorney’s clarification, the Attorney General Doug Chin clearly asserted that online fantasy sports are considered to be gambling which is an illegal activity in the “Aloha State“, subsequently eSports betting in Hawaii is unlawful (You can check U.S gambling laws to learn more about the legal aspects).

Based on the serious regulations regarding eSports betting in Hawaii, Kaneshiro warned the two major online fantasy sports sites, FanDuel and DraftKings, to discontinue the approval of betting from Honolulu’s citizens. Furthering his argument Keith Kaneshiro stated that “Obtaining bets and benefiting from them is a crime”.

As a reply to the sudden and massive restrictions, David Boies, an attorney for DraftKings, promised they will stop operating in the particular state. However, he claimed that fantasy sports shouldn’t be regarded within the category of gambling. It is rather a game of skill.

FanDuel hasn’t left a comment on this issue yet, but both might have a “déjà vu” feeling in terms of ceasing their operations in particular states as it happened in Nevada last year.

New York’s attorney general went too far on this question saying that FanDuel and DraftKings should be closed down in the Big Apple.

To make matters worse, Vantiv, the main online payment provider will have a withdrawal from the market next month, so payment processing in the field of online betting will be questionable.

eSports betting in the US is quite popular, around 60 million people practicing this free-time activity. Considering that it is still legal in many parts of the world, it is essential to learn how to bet on eSports to venture into this new world which is full of opportunities.