A new law in Hawaii is cracking down on illegal gambling rooms by holding landlords accountable for renting properties to individuals running illicit betting operations. Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2197 into law, which expands penalties for landlords who lease to those engaged in illegal gambling activities. Previously, landlords were immune from prosecution unless they made no effort to prevent illegal gambling on their properties. The new law now requires property owners to ensure their tenants are not conducting illegal activities.
Hawaii and Utah are the only two states in the US that do not allow any form of legalized gambling, yet illegal gambling remains a major issue in Hawaii. These underground gambling operations often lead to violence, drug trafficking, and other dangerous activities. The new law aims to hold landlords accountable for turning a blind eye to what goes on inside their rental properties.
While the law has faced opposition from Hawaii’s Office of the Public Defender, who argue that innocent partners of property owners could be unfairly targeted, supporters believe that closing this loophole will help law enforcement crack down on illegal gambling establishments. The hope is that harsher penalties for landlords will reduce the prevalence of illegal gambling in Hawaii’s communities and protect residents from the negative impacts associated with these operations.
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Landlords in Hawaii’s Underground Gambling Hub to be Penalized
