Law enforcement in Waianae, Hawaii, dismantles an illicit gambling enterprise
Illegal Gambling on the Rise in Waianae, Hawaii
Illegal gambling activities have seen a significant increase in the community of Waianae, located on the leeward coast of Oahu in Honolulu County. Over the past year, local law enforcement agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), have reported an uptick in arrests and investigations related to unlicensed sports betting, underground card games, and unauthorized lottery operations.
Recent data shows that between July 10, 2024, and July 9, 2025, a total of 118 gambling-related crimes have been recorded by the HPD. This represents a noticeable increase compared to the 2023-2024 period, when a total of 110 such crimes were recorded.
Rising Number of Cases and Types of Gambling Activities
The increase seems especially pronounced in informal betting circles involving sports, especially football and basketball, and unauthorized bingo or poker games conducted in private residences or informal venues.
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response
Illegal gambling is often linked to other criminal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering. Residents have expressed concerns about growing criminal elements in the area, which has led to calls for enhanced policing and community outreach.
In response to the trend, authorities have stepped up surveillance and undercover operations. On July 8, 2025, the HPD executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling venue in Waianae near Farrington Hwy. During the search, law enforcement discovered 20 gambling machines, illicit drugs, and $3,615 in cash.
The seized gambling machines appeared to be homemade, consisting of large flat-screen TVs and buttons drilled into cabinets. A 29-year-old suspect was arrested on site and is facing charges for promoting gambling and possession of a gambling device.
New Laws to Combat Illegal Gambling
In an effort to combat illegal gambling, three new bills were signed into law in Hawaii in mid-June 2025. These bills aim to strengthen enforcement efforts and penalties for those involved in illegal gambling operations.
Underlying Factors and Statistical Overview
Socioeconomic challenges in Waianae, including unemployment and poverty, may contribute to the prevalence of illegal gambling as a source of income or entertainment. The lack of readily accessible legal gambling outlets could also drive demand underground.
While exact numbers vary by source and month, Honolulu Police Department crime reports show approximately a 20-30% increase in illegal gambling-related incidents in the Waianae district compared to the previous year.
For the latest and most accurate statistics, consulting official reports from the Honolulu Police Department or the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General is recommended. Community meetings and local news outlets also provide updates on enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives in the area.
- The rise in illegal gambling activities in Waianae, such as unlicensed sports betting and unauthorized card games, aligns with the growing trend of crime-and-justice issues reported in general-news outlets.
- In addition to sports betting and card games, other casino-games like homemade gambling machines and informal bingo or poker games have been identified in the increase of casino-and-gambling crimes in Waianae.
