Casino News

Hawaii "loves to gamble"

2010-02-19 09:28:50

Legalizing gambling in Hawaii may be a popular decision with the locals, it has been claimed.

Honolulu resident Ricky Graves told the Associated Press that people on the island "love to gamble", which could mean the development of a casino may go down well.

"Hawaii by nature is a gambling community," he remarked, but he admitted that building venues of this kind in the state might not be a family-friendly option.

Waikiki and the Native Hawaiian lands have become potential sites for a casino and while the state is one of only two in the US that does not allow facilities like this, mounting budget deficits are forcing lawmakers to consider their options, the news provider stated.

Supporters of gambling have said the move could bring extra revenue and more jobs to the area, which is heavily reliant on its tourism industry.

It follows recent comments made by the island's chairman of the House's Finance Committee Marcus Oshiro that a public hearing should be held on the matter, the Honolulu Advertiser reported.