Esports has rapidly evolved from a niche hobby of gaming to popular online betting options. Exhilarating competitions and talented global teams have raised the status of esports among sports bettors. While the Aloha State may be home to six active volcanoes, there are no active sportsbooks. This article will update you on esports and sports betting Hawaii and future projections.

Online Esports Betting Doesn’t Charm Aloha State Residents   

Hawaii and Utah don’t have any form of legalized sports betting or gambling. This comes even after the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This is not due to a lack of effort. Multiple attempts to legalize online sports betting in Hawaii have yet to bear fruit. 

In 2019 a bill seeking to create the Hawaii Sports Wagering Corporation failed in the committee stage. This set the tone for four consecutive bills seeking to establish some form of legalized gambling. They all failed to garner support in the Hawaii state legislature. 

While debating one of the bills, HB 344, the House Committee on Economic Development chair remarks that revenue from legal gambling didn’t sit right with state priorities. Representative Dan Holt of O’ahu is quoted saying, “I think maybe, at some point, this may be a worthy cause for us, but at this point, $7 million a year may not be worth putting our communities at risk.”

Destination Esports Betting

Since sports betting is illegal in Hawaii, most Hawaiians depend on offshore sportsbooks. However, these sites don’t have valid US licenses and are sometimes unsafe.  

With no legal esports betting options, many Hawaii betting enthusiasts visit Silver State for the action. Las Vegas is a popular destination for Hawaiians looking for a slice of the action. It’s estimated that players from Hawaii make 300,000 trips to Las Vegas and other gambling destinations annually.  

Esports Betting Options For Hawaiian Players 

Esports betting involves wagering on the outcomes of competitive video game matches. Like traditional sports betting, bettors predict the games’ winners, scores and other aspects. 

Here’s a list of some common betting options:

  • Outright winner 
  • Match winner 
  • Handicap betting 
  • Over/Under 

Popular Esports in Online Sportsbooks

Online sportsbooks have embraced esports, creating dedicated tabs for them. As such, Hawaiian players can find many diverse esports titles to bet on. Each comes with distinct betting options. Most popular esports titles include the following:

League of Legends (LoL)

This game has strategic gameplay that makes a player’s favorite in an online sportsbook. Due to its dynamic nature, players can predict several outcomes.  

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)

CS: GO’s fast-paced action and tactical gameplay make it a favorite among players and spectators. Hawaiian esports betting enthusiasts can place bets on CS: GO matches. The options include predicting the outcome of individual rounds or determining the total number of maps played in a series.

Dota 2

Dota 2’s complex mechanics and strategic depth have earned it a dedicated fanbase. Online sportsbooks offer a range of bets for Dota 2 tournaments. These include wagering on the team that secures the first blood or predicting the total game duration.

Overwatch

Overwatch’s colorful characters and unique abilities provide a distinct esports experience. Online sportsbooks present opportunities to bet on Overwatch matches, allowing Hawaiian players to predict map winners, player statistics and more.

Call of Duty (CoD)

Call of Duty has transitioned into esports as a renowned first-person shooter (FPS) franchise. Online sportsbooks cater to Call of Duty fans by offering bets on match winners, map scores and specific player performances.

The Basics Still Apply 

As many players look for alternatives outside their states, strategy and discipline are still important. These expert tips help you navigate Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA). 

 

  • Manage your bankroll: Having a set amount before placing wagers keeps you in control. Always end your session when the amount is depleted, even on a winning streak. 

 

  • Research team and player performance: Like other traditional team sports, it helps to go in with up-to-date team and player analysis. Players can make informed choices this way. 

 

  • Keep up with Meta changes: Updates occur frequently in esports and can affect gameplay. Understanding Meta evolutions will help you create sound strategies. 

Conclusion

Hawaiian esports enthusiasts will have to wait for legislation to catch up to enjoy their favorite pastime in local sites. In the meantime, offshore sportsbooks and out-of-state options fill the gap. This calls for caution and sound strategies to delve into esports betting as a pastime.