Bill to legalize online sports betting in South Carolina makes progress

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A bill in the South Carolina State House would, if passed, legalize online sports betting.

But it’s not the first-time that state lawmakers have tried to legalize online sports betting.

Officials said South Carolinians are driving to the North Carolina border just to place their bets, as online sports gambling became legal in the state more than a year ago.

“[Approximately] 70% of South Carolinians support legalized sports wagering, believing that adults in this age should be allowed to bet on sports as a form of entertainment,” said Michelle McGregor with the Sports Betting Alliance.

The bipartisan Sports Wagering Act would allow anyone 18 or older to place sports bets online in South Carolina.

According to McGregor, South Carolina residents illegally bet all the time and the state is missing out on tax revenue.

“Roughly $1 billion is wagered annually on these offshore sportsbooks that have no oversight or consumer protections and certainly do not generate tax revenue for the state,” McGregor added. “This is a staggering figure.”

North Carolina’s sports gambling law differs from South Carolina’s law, as you have to be 21 or older to place a bet.

“It’s a no brainer,” declared House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford (D – Richland). “We shouldn’t have to have make people drive up to the border to try to get as close to this gate or change their VPN. So, they’re out there appearing to look like they’re in another state who are already doing it. We recognize that we need to get the tax revenue.”

The bill also has regulations, including limiting market size and giving betting operators a maximum of eight licenses.

Rep. John McCravy (R – Greenwood) was not on the committee, but raised several concerns about this bill.

“Certainly, I’m not for it passing, but if it did pass, it would certainly need a lot of work to avoid some of these, unintended consequences,” McCravy continued.

The bill would also add a 12.5% tax on all sports betting revenue.

Despite progress, Governor Henry McMaster’s stance on the idea has not changed.

“Gambling is bad for our culture,” he said. “It’s not a part of our heritage and there is a better way to make money to give [people] jobs.”

If McMaster vetoes the bill, lawmakers could still pass it by vetoing his decision. McMaster will remain in office through the end of 2026.