After years of failed attempts, local lawmakers are hoping a stripped-down approach to Hawaii sports betting can make legalization a reality.

A bill (H.B. 344) filed Jan. 20 by Rep. Joe Mizuno seeks to create the legal framework for HI sports betting, but unlike previous proposals it makes no mention of casinos, slot machines, tax rates, fees or ownership criteria.

“I’ve taken a different approach this year,” Mizuno said. “If we put too many things in, there will be too many targets to attack. When you use the word ‘casino,’ sometimes it can be like yelling ‘fire’ in a theater, so in talking with some proponents, we crafted the language very intentionally to leave things open.”