Hawaii Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Hawaii does not currently offer regulated real‑money online poker and has one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States. Unlike most states, Hawaii does not operate a state lottery, permit commercial casinos, or allow online sports betting.

Because regulated online poker is not legal, players in Hawaii cannot access licensed platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker. Instead, those who want to play online typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play poker apps, which operate under different legal frameworks.

Across the US online poker market, poker is typically treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate legislation. For Hawaii to offer regulated online poker in the future, the state would first need to legalize casino gambling — a significant political shift.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Hawaii, the sweepstakes options available today, and what would need to change for regulated online poker to become a possibility in the Aloha State.

Is Online Poker Legal in Hawaii?

Online poker is not legal or regulated in Hawaii. The state does not license real‑money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw funds on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Hawaii is one of only two states in the country with no form of legalized gambling. There are no casinos, no lottery, and no sports betting. As a result, there is no regulatory framework for online casino gaming or online poker.

Because online poker is generally regulated as part of an online casino framework in US markets, Hawaii would first need to legalize casino gambling before online poker could be considered. At this time, there is no active regulatory structure or pathway for that change.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Hawaii

While Hawaii does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are accessible to players in the state. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and offer a way to play online poker for prizes that can be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes poker platforms use a dual‑currency system. Players purchase gold (free‑play) coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible poker games and may be redeemed for cash prizes, subject to each platform’s terms and verification process.

Because sweepstakes poker is structured as a promotional model rather than traditional gambling, it is available in restrictive states like Hawaii where casinos and regulated online poker are not permitted.

It’s important to understand that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by any Hawaii gaming authority. Game formats, liquidity, prize redemption rules, and player protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Hawaii

Because Hawaii does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Hawaii players. These are not rankings.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform designed to resemble a traditional online poker room. Players purchase gold (free‑play) coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash‑game‑style tables and tournament formats. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms in the US and is available to players in Hawaii. It uses a dual‑currency system separating gold coins for social play from sweeps coins that can be redeemed for prizes.

Global Poker offers ring games, sit‑and‑go tournaments, and multi‑table tournaments. See our Global Poker review for more details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It combines elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes‑style prize redemptions and focuses on tournament‑friendly No‑Limit Texas Hold’em action.

Players purchase gold coins and can enter games that award prizes redeemable for cash. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes casino platform that includes poker alongside other casino‑style games. Players purchase gold coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible games and redeemed for cash prizes.

Poker is a smaller part of the overall offering compared to dedicated sweepstakes poker platforms, but it may appeal to players who want a broader social casino experience. For more information, see our Stake.us review.

Free‑Play Poker in Hawaii

Hawaii players can also play online poker for free through a variety of free‑play and social poker platforms. These sites do not involve real‑money wagering and are designed for entertainment and practice rather than cash prizes.

Popular free‑play poker options include Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, Governor of Poker, and Poker Patio. Free poker games are also available on social media platforms and through major poker brands’ free‑to‑play apps.

Because there is no real money at stake, free‑play poker is best suited for new players who want to learn hand rankings, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Hawaii?

Hawaii has historically resisted gambling expansion, and there is currently no framework for online casino gaming or online poker. Any move toward legalized gambling would likely require significant legislative change and broad political support.

In most states, online poker is authorized as part of a broader online casino framework rather than through standalone legislation. That means Hawaii would first need to legalize casino gambling before regulated online poker could become a possibility.

At this time, there is no active legislative effort to authorize casinos or online gambling in Hawaii. For the foreseeable future, players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker options.

Hawaii Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii does not regulate real‑money online poker. Licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars and WSOP Online are not available.

Can you play online poker for money in Hawaii?

Regulated real‑money poker sites are not available. However, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms allow players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules.

Does Hawaii allow any gambling?

Hawaii does not allow casinos, sports betting, or a state lottery. It has one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the country.

Will Hawaii legalize online poker?

There is currently no active legislation to legalize casinos or online gambling. Any expansion would require significant political change.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Hawaii?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Hawaii, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.