Hawaii Lottery
Hawaii is one of just five states in the US that does not operate a state lottery.
This means there is no Hawaii state lottery, no draw games like the US Powerball or Mega Millions, and no lottery scratchers available for purchase within the islands.
Gambling of any kind, including a Hawaiian lottery, is prohibited under state law.
Is there a lottery in Hawaii?
No, there is no lotto in Hawaii.
State law bans all forms of gambling, which includes lotteries, casinos, and sports betting.
As a result, there is no Hawaii lotto system, and residents cannot purchase tickets in-state.
Hawaiiās strict stance makes it one of the few states without a lottery or participation in multi-state games.
Can Hawaii residents play the Lottery?
Even though there is no official Hawaiian lottery, residents can still take part in games when traveling outside the state.
For example, players visiting California, Oregon, or Nevada can purchase tickets for national draw games like Mega Millions, as well as state-specific games and lottery scratchers.
Tickets bought legally in another state can be brought back to Hawaii, and any winnings can still be claimed.
However, Hawaii residents cannot legally purchase tickets online.
Winners living in Hawaii are still subject to federal taxes and may also be required to pay state taxes when claiming large prizes won elsewhere.
Can Hawaii residents buy lottery tickets online?
No. Hawaii law prohibits all forms of gambling, which includes internet play and other online lottery sites.
Residents are not allowed to purchase tickets online for any game.
The only legal option is to buy tickets in person while traveling to a state where the lottery is permitted.
Winners living in Hawaii are still subject to federal taxes and may also be required to pay state taxes when claiming large prizes won elsewhere.
Why Hawaii has no lottery
Hawaii is one of only two states in the country that bans all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes 712-1220, participating in gambling is a misdemeanor, while promoting gambling may be charged as a felony.
This makes any form of Hawaii lotto or lottery scratchers illegal.
There are several reasons why lawmakers and residents oppose creating a Hawaiian lottery:
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Tourism industry concerns: Leaders have long believed that gambling could harm Hawaiiās family-friendly tourism market.
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Cultural values: Many residents see gambling as inconsistent with local traditions and community values.
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Social risks: Opponents cite potential increases in addiction, financial hardship, and other social issues.
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Political resistance: Despite repeated proposals, the Legislature has not built enough support to approve a Hawaii state lottery.
Because of these factors, Hawaii has remained one of the few states without a lottery or participation in multi-state games.
Neighboring states where Hawaii residents can play
Because there is no Hawaii lottery, residents who want to play must travel to other states.
Neighboring states and West Coast destinations provide access to a wide variety of gamesĀ and state-specific draws.
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California Lottery: Offers Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus, Fantasy 5, Daily 3, Daily 4, and many types of scratch-off tickets.
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Nevada Lottery: Known for its casinos, Nevada also sells tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions.
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Oregon Lottery: Provides national games like Powerball and Mega Millions, plus in-state options such as Pick 3 and Pick 4, along with instant-win scratchers.
For Hawaii residents, traveling to one of these states is the only legal way to purchase lottery tickets.
Many players plan trips around large jackpots, creating what is sometimes called ālottery tourism.ā
Alternatives: Hawaii Housing Lottery
While there is no Hawaii state lottery for cash prizes, the islands do offer an alternative program known as the Hawaii Housing Lottery.
This system is designed to give residents access to affordable housing opportunities by randomly selecting qualified applicants for new housing developments.
The Hawaii Housing Lottery does not function like traditional games, but it plays an important role in helping local families secure homes.
Instead of money, the reward is the chance to purchase housing at below-market rates, which is often considered life-changing for residents.
This program highlights that although a lotto in Hawaii does not exist in the traditional sense, the lottery concept has been adapted for housing needs rather than gambling.
History of lottery proposals in Hawaii
The idea of creating a Hawaii lottery has been debated for more than a century.
Lawmakers have introduced multiple bills to establish a Hawaii state lottery or to allow participation in multi-state games like Powerball, but none have been successful.
In 2018, Representative John Mizuno proposed a pilot lottery program that would use ticket sales to fund homelessness services, mental health programs, and drug treatment.
The following year, Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha introduced a bill to create a lottery division under the Department of Budget and Finance, to sell Powerball and Mega Millions tickets in Hawaii.
Both measures failed to gain enough support in the Legislature.
Timeline of notable proposals
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Early 20th century: First discussions of a Hawaiian lottery to fund public services.
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2018: Rep. John Mizuno suggests a three-year pilot lottery to address homelessness and social programs.
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2019: Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha introduces a bill to allow Hawaii to join the Powerball and Mega Millions; it does not advance.
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Ongoing: Proposals resurface every few years, but none have passed into law.
Future prospects of a Hawaii Lottery
The possibility of a Hawaiian lottery continues to be debated, but no legislation has been passed to allow one.
Lawmakers revisit the idea regularly, often suggesting that revenue from a Hawaii state lottery could fund housing, education, or homelessness services.
Supporters argue that millions of dollars spent by residents on Powerball and US Mega Millions tickets in other states could instead stay in Hawaii to benefit local programs.
Opponents remain strong, pointing to cultural values, tourism concerns, and the risks of gambling addiction.
These views have kept Hawaii among the small group of states without a lottery.
While the debate is likely to continue, the outlook for a lotto in Hawaii remains uncertain.
Unless the political climate shifts significantly, the state is unlikely to introduce a lottery in the near future.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawaii have lottery?
No, Hawaii does not have a lottery of any kind. The state bans all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and lottery games. This means there are no draw games, scratchers, or ticket sales within the islands.
Can you buy lottery tickets in Hawaii?
No, you cannot buy lottery tickets in Hawaii. State law prohibits selling or promoting any form of lottery. To play, residents must travel to a state where tickets are legally available.
Can Hawaii residents buy lottery tickets online?
No, Hawaii law does not allow the purchase of tickets through the internet or other online lottery sites. This includes games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The only legal option is to buy tickets in person while traveling.
Can Hawaii residents play Powerball?
Yes, but only when they are outside Hawaii. Residents can purchase Powerball tickets in nearby states such as California or Oregon. Any winnings can be claimed normally, although taxes may apply.
But there is no state-run Hawaii Powerball lottery. Hawaii does not operate its own lottery or sell tickets for multi-state games. Residents can only play when visiting states where Powerball is legal.
Does Hawaii participate in the Mega Millions lottery?
No, Hawaii does not take part in Mega Millions or any other multi-state lottery. Tickets cannot be bought within the state. Residents must travel elsewhere to join a drawing.
Does Hawaii have lottery scratchers?
No, Hawaii does not sell lottery scratchers. All forms of gambling are banned, including instant-win tickets. Scratchers are only available in states that legally permit lottery games.
