Hawaii: police in Waianae shuts down illegal gambling operation

• Law enforcement in Waianae continues to fight illegal gambling
• During a recent raid, one person was detained while cash, drugs and gambling machines were seized
• Police has recorded nearly 120 gambling-related crimes in the last year

Officers with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) recently executed a search warrant and arrested one person on suspicion of illegal gambling.

The raid in Waianae resulted in the discovery and seizure of nearly two dozen gambling machines, as well as drugs and cash.

Illegal gambling bust uncovers cash and illicit drugs

On Thursday, the HPD announced that officers executed a search warrant at a suspected illegal gambling venue in Waianae near Farrington Hwy.

Law enforcement entered the premises on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at around 6:30 PM.

At the suspected illegal gambling venue, police found a total of 20 gambling devices.

During the search, law enforcement found and seized illicit drugs, as well as $3,615 in cash.

According to HPD, a 29-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the illegal gambling operation.

"On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling room in Waianae near Farrington Hwy. During the search, officers discovered 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illicit drugs," a statement released by the Honolulu Police Department reads.

Photos of the police raid show what appears to be homemade gambling machines consisting of large flat-screen TVs and buttons drilled into cabinets.

Seven such devices, likely used for illegal gambling, can be seen in the photos released by the HPD.

The small dark room, which may have been used for illegal gambling, is also equipped with air conditioners, while a CCTV camera can be seen in one of the corners of the room.

It is unclear if more people were involved in the illegal gambling operation.

The 29-year-old suspect who was arrested on site is facing charges for promoting gambling and possession of a gambling device.

A slight increase in the number of gambling-related cases was recorded year-over-year

In mid-June, three new bills in Hawaii were signed into law.

Each of the bills plays an important role in the fight against illegal gambling.

According to data from the HPD, between July 10, 2024, and July 9, 2025, a total of 118 gambling-related crimes have been recorded.

The aforementioned number represents an increase year-over-year when compared to the 2023-2024 period, when a total of 110 such crimes were recorded.

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