LEGALITIES

There are 3 elements that determines an activity as illegal gambling. The elements are CONSIDERATION, CHANCE and REWARD. All three elements must be present in an activity to consider it as illegal gambling.

CONSIDERATION refers to money, services, property or anything else of value that is wagered.

CHANCE is considered as a determining factor in the outcome of the game. Example: Poker, while there may be some skill involved, is still considered predominantly a game of chance.

REWARD refers to money, prizes or anything else received as a result of winning.

Bingo is illegal in Hawaii because it meets these criteria.

Example A: (1) You must purchase cards from the house to play (CONSIDERATION); (2) It is a random CHANCE which numbers are called; and (3) If you win, you receive something of value or a REWARD.

Example B: If you were to issue the cards free of charge then the Bingo game would be considered legal because only 2 of 3 elements are present.

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Gambling is considered "social" in nature when it meets ALL of the following criteria:

1. All parties involved must compete on equal terms with each other.
2. No player receives anything of value other than his personal winnings.
3. No other person can receive anything of value or any profit from any source.
4. It is not conducted or played at any business establishment of any kind or at any public area. Social gambling may only take place in non-public areas.
5. None of the players are below the age of 18.
6. The gambling is not bookmaking - accepting bets from people on the outcome of future events or games.

For further information visit www.honolulupd.org (gambling section).