Is Lottery Legal in Hawaii? (2026)
No. In Hawaii, lottery is prohibited. Lotteries, including state lotteries, are prohibited in Hawaii. The state has a constitutional ban on lotteries and has not established a state lottery..
Key facts
- Status
- Prohibited
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- Hawaii
- Last reviewed
- 2026-02-26
Lottery laws in Hawaii
The Hawaii State Constitution, Article XV, Section 4, explicitly prohibits lotteries within the state. This constitutional provision makes it illegal to operate or participate in any form of lottery. Unlike most other U.S. states, Hawaii has never established a state-run lottery to generate revenue. Efforts to introduce a state lottery have consistently failed in the legislature, primarily due to strong opposition from various groups who argue against its social impact and potential harm. Because lotteries are prohibited by the state constitution, there are no specific statutes outlining how a state lottery would operate or general regulations for lottery participation. Any attempt to operate a lottery in Hawaii would be considered an illegal gambling activity and would be subject to existing gambling prohibitions and penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712, Part V (Gambling Offenses). These offenses range from promoting gambling to simple participation and carry various fines and potential imprisonment depending on the nature and scale of the activity.
Frequently asked questions
Is lottery legal in Hawaii for travelers?
For travelers visiting Hawaii, lottery is currently prohibited. The Hawaii State Constitution, Article XV, Section 4, explicitly prohibits lotteries within the state. This constitutional provision makes it illegal to operate or participate in any form of lottery. Unlike most other U.S. states, Hawaii has never established a state-run lottery to generate revenue. Efforts to introduce a state lottery have consistently failed in the legislature, primarily due to strong opposition from various groups who argue against its social impact and potential harm. Because lotteries are prohibited by the state constitution, there are no specific statutes outlining how a state lottery would operate or general regulations for lottery participation. Any attempt to operate a lottery in Hawaii would be considered an illegal gambling activity and would be subject to existing gambling prohibitions and penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712, Part V (Gambling Offenses). These offenses range from promoting gambling to simple participation and carry various fines and potential imprisonment depending on the nature and scale of the activity.
Do I need a permit for lottery in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not specifically require a permit for lottery, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport lottery through Hawaii?
Transport laws for lottery in Hawaii depend on the specific item and your route. Since this is prohibited in Hawaii, transporting through the state carries legal risk. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for lottery violations in Hawaii?
Penalties for lottery violations in Hawaii vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.