The 50th state, Hawaii, may be legalizing poker on the Pacific island, but only for visitors.  Hawaii is following the lead of a handful of other US states looking to legalize poker or sports betting or both as a means of boosting their local economies.

From the Star Bulletin:

Last week, the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs adopted House Bill 2759, which could establish casinos on Hawaiian Home Lands, with 80 percent of revenues to benefit Hawaiian Home Land communities, and the other 20 percent going to the state's general fund. The bill is now on its way to the House Judiciary Committee after tallying a 40-9 vote by the full chamber on Friday. Dianne Kay, president of the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, expressed "shock" that it breezed through.

On Thursday, the state House Judiciary and Consumer Protection committees passed House Bill 2251 to establish a gaming commission that could issue one 5-year license to a casino gaming operation in Honolulu. It also limits the activity to those over 21 years old, and creates a wagering tax on casino gaming.

The joint committee adopted the measure to give the state "an alternative source of funding to help address Hawaii's approximately $1.4 billion deficit, and jump-start Hawaii's economic recovery," Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, who introduced the bill, said in a statement.

Other bills being proposed would allow for a state lottery.  Hawaii is one of two states (Utah being the other) that does not offer a state lottery.

Patrick Flanigan, Gambling911.com