Does Hawaii Have a Lottery?

Why Doesn't Hawaii Have a Lottery?

Hawaii is unique among lottery-free states in that it has an explicit anti-gambling stance rooted in cultural and economic concerns rather than purely religious opposition. Hawaii's legislature has consistently rejected lottery proposals, influenced heavily by the tourism industry's concern that a state lottery could attract gambling infrastructure that would compete with or undermine Hawaii's carefully curated image as a family-friendly tourist destination. Native Hawaiian cultural leaders have also opposed expanded gambling. Additionally, Hawaii's geographic isolation means residents cannot easily drive to a neighboring state to buy tickets — making the lottery question more contained than in other holdout states. Despite periodic legislative attempts, no lottery has gained traction.

Can You Play Powerball or Mega Millions in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not sell Powerball or Mega Millions tickets, and there are no lottery retailers in the state. Because Hawaii is an island state with no neighboring US state reachable by land, residents cannot simply drive across a border to buy tickets. Hawaii residents who travel to the US mainland — or to any lottery state — can purchase Powerball or Mega Millions tickets in person during their trip.

Lottery Tax in Hawaii

Hawaii has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11% (one of the highest top rates in the country). Hawaii residents who win lottery prizes from tickets purchased while traveling on the mainland are required to report those winnings as income on their Hawaii state return. Hawaii does not have a specific lottery withholding mechanism, but the winnings are subject to the standard Hawaii income tax rates.

Federal taxes of 24% are withheld on prizes over $5,000 regardless of which state sold the ticket.

Nearest States Where You Can Buy Lottery Tickets

Hawaii residents must purchase lottery tickets in person in a neighboring state. Here are the closest options: