Honolulu Police Crack Down on Fourth Illegal Gambling Operation
Honolulu police recently conducted a raid on an illegal gambling establishment located on Queen Street. During the operation, officers confiscated 26 digital gambling machines along with $7,547 in cash. The search took place on August 7 around 3 p.m.
The Narcotics/Vice Division carried out the enforcement action. No individuals were arrested during this particular raid.
Fourth Illegal Gambling Den Closed This Month
This recent closure marks the fourth illegal gambling venue that law enforcement has shut down since early July. On July 28, the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division, joined by the Crime Reduction Unit and Specialized Services Division, executed search warrants at two separate illegal gaming sites. They seized 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illicit drugs.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree promoting of gambling and possession of gambling devices during these operations.
A couple of days later, officers targeted another gambling den on Wanaka Street in Salt Lake. There, they found 18 gambling machines, $4,354 in cash, and additional illegal substances.
Earlier in July, on the 8th, a similar crackdown took place near Farrington Highway in Waianae. Authorities uncovered 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illegal drugs during their investigation.
The same man arrested on July 28 was apprehended again on similar charges but was released pending further inquiry.
Based on data from the Honolulu Police Department‘s Crime Analysis Dashboard, there have been 80 violations involving gambling equipment and 85 violations related to promoting, operating, or assisting illegal gambling activities within the same timeframe.
People with information about illegal gambling are encouraged to contact the Narcotics/Vice Division at their 24-hour hotline (808) 723-3933 or submit tips via an online form.
Ongoing Efforts Toward Legalization and Regulation
At the end of June, Honolulu took legislative steps to better control illegal gambling activities by introducing three bills. These bills aim to track electronic gambling devices, enforce permit suspensions or revocations for violations, and empower landlords to cooperate in inspections and evictions related to suspected illicit gambling.
Currently, Hawaii remains one of only two U.S. states that completely prohibit all types of gambling, including sports betting.
However, there have been several attempts in recent years to legalize certain regulated gambling activities. For example, House Bill 1308 proposed allowing up to four licensed online sports betting operators to offer services to Hawaii residents starting July 1, but the bill did not pass.
