More Gambling Operations Shut Down by Honolulu Police

Honolulu police have shut down another illegal gambling operation on Queen Street, seizing 26 digital gambling machines and $7,547 in cash during a search conducted on August 7 at approximately 3 p.m. The raid was carried out by officers from the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division, though no arrests were made at the scene.

This closure marks the fourth illegal gambling den to be targeted by HPD since early July. On July 28, the Narcotics/Vice Division, working alongside the Crime Reduction Unit and Specialized Services Division, executed search warrants at two separate locations, confiscating 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illegal drugs. A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of promoting gambling in the second degree and possession of a gambling device.

 

• Frequent Raids: Honolulu police have shut down four illegal gambling operations in the past month, seizing digital machines, cash, and illegal substances.

• Legal Context: Hawaii remains one of two U.S. states that fully bans gambling, though legislative efforts continue to explore regulated options.

• Public Involvement: Authorities encourage residents to report illegal gambling through a 24-hour hotline or online tip form.

 

The Developments

Two days later, officers raided another gambling den on Wanaka Street in Salt Lake, discovering 18 gambling machines, $4,354 in cash, and additional illegal drugs. Earlier in the month, a similar crackdown occurred in Waianae near Farrington Highway, where 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illegal substances were seized. The same 29-year-old man from the July 28 raids was arrested on similar charges and later released pending further investigation.

According to HPD’s Crime Analysis Dashboard, as of Monday, there have been 80 violations related to gambling equipment and 85 violations tied to promoting, operating, or assisting illegal gambling activities within the past month. Authorities are encouraging the public to report suspected illegal gambling through a 24-hour hotline at (808) 723-3933 or via an online tip form.

 

Illegal gambling operations not only break the law but often fuel other criminal activity, and we will continue to enforce against them.

 

Ongoing Legal and Regulatory Context

Hawaii remains one of only two U.S. states that fully prohibit all forms of gambling, including sports betting. Despite repeated attempts to introduce regulated gambling, legislative efforts have so far failed. For example, House Bill 1308, which would have licensed four online sports betting operators in the state, was intended to allow services to begin on July 1 but did not advance.

At the end of June, Honolulu introduced three bills aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal gambling. The proposals include measures to track electronic gambling devices, grant authorities the ability to deny, suspend, or revoke permits in cases of violations, and empower landlords to assist with inspections or evictions connected to suspected illicit gambling activities.

Law enforcement officials maintain that illegal gambling operations pose financial and social risks, particularly when connected to other criminal activity. The repeated closures in recent weeks underscore ongoing challenges for police in curbing unregulated gambling in Honolulu, while the state continues to debate potential pathways for legalized and regulated gaming.