Online sports betting in South Carolina receives fresh prospects for sanction
South Carolina lawmakers are considering the legalization of online gambling, inspired by the success and revenue generated by North Carolina's online gambling industry. As of now, 38 states have adopted similar measures, with North Carolina reporting significant profits and a betting handle surpassing $1 billion in the first two months of operation.
However, the path to legalization in South Carolina is not straightforward. Professor Stephen Shapiro from the University of South Carolina believes the monetary benefits are a driving factor, but any new proposal must carefully balance economic benefits with social risks while navigating political opposition.
Democrat candidate for Governor Joe Cunningham introduced two bipartisan bills for legalizing online sports wagering in 2022. Despite extensive lobbying efforts, both bills failed to gain traction, and South Carolina has faced challenges in getting online sports betting legalized, with two previous attempts also failing.
One of the key concerns is the potential harm to disadvantaged communities. A recent study revealed that these communities face significant gambling harm risks, and easy access to wagering measurably reduced the quality of life of low-income individuals. For a small but significant proportion of a state's residents, they could get into fairly serious financial difficulty once gambling becomes legal.
Governor Henry McMaster has consistently said no to legalized sports betting and has not shown any signs of wavering. Convincing South Carolinians of the benefits of online sports wagering may be increasingly challenging in this climate.
Industry experts agree that South Carolina online sports betting is a matter of time, but this newest push may not be it. The tax revenue South Carolina may gain from legalizing online sportsbooks could be insufficient in the current political climate.
A key stakeholder to balance the legalization benefits and risks of online sports betting while overcoming political opposition would be the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, GGL). This organisation enforces regulations protecting players and ensures compliance with economic and social safeguards defined by the 2021 Gambling Treaty.
Pro-gambling lawmakers may find the political will to press the issue and gather the necessary support, but public support must also be won. The success of North Carolina's online gambling industry may serve as a compelling argument, but the concerns surrounding social risks and political opposition present significant hurdles for South Carolina's push to legalize online sports wagering by January 2025.
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