Hawaii lawmakers will again evaluate the legalization of online sports betting, as companion bills have been introduced in both the Senate and House.

Mike Lambert, director of the state Department of Law Enforcement, told fellow panel members that a roughly estimated $700 million to $800 million a year flows through illegal gambling enterprises statewide, largely in illicit game rooms where drug dealing, armed robberies and other criminal activity occurs.

IRS Chief Guy Ficco urged those who sports bet to use reputable online big platforms, do research about where people deposit their money and be cautious.

Data from the Progressive Policy Institute shows “no sign of a tidal wave of bankruptcies or consumer credit downgrades in states that were early adopters of mobile sports betting.”

BBB study finds consumers confused, upset amid hundreds of unlicensed and unverified casinos and sportsbooks.