South Carolina Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Online Sports Betting

Legislation has been introduced in the South Carolina House of Representatives that would legalize online sports betting if passed. This marks another attempt by state lawmakers to bring online sports wagering to South Carolina.

Proponents of legalization point to the fact that South Carolinians are currently traveling to the North Carolina border to place online bets, as that state legalized the practice over a year ago.

The bipartisan Sports Wagering Act proposes allowing individuals aged 18 and older to place sports bets online within South Carolina.

Supporters argue that South Carolina residents are already engaging in illegal online betting, and the state is losing out on potential tax revenue. They estimate that approximately $1 billion is wagered annually through offshore sportsbooks that lack oversight, consumer protections, and do not contribute tax revenue to the state. North Carolina’s sports gambling law has a higher age requirement of 21 for placing bets.

Legislative supporters believe legalizing online sports betting is a logical step, eliminating the need for residents to travel out of state or use VPNs to access legal betting platforms in other states, and allowing South Carolina to capture the associated tax revenue.

The proposed bill includes regulations such as limiting market size and capping the number of betting operator licenses at eight.

While the bill has progressed, some lawmakers have expressed concerns, suggesting that it may need further refinement to avoid potential unintended consequences.

The legislation also proposes a 12.5% tax on all sports betting revenue generated within the state.

Despite movement in the legislature, Governor Henry McMaster has maintained his opposition to gambling, stating that it is detrimental to the state’s culture and heritage, and that there are better ways to generate revenue and create jobs. If the bill passes the legislature, it could still become law if lawmakers override a potential veto from the Governor. Governor McMaster’s current term extends through the end of 2026.