South Carolina Lawmakers Discuss Sports Betting Legislation in Committee Meeting
By: Michael Savio04/24/2025 05:48 Sports Betting Photo by Tichnor Brothers, Inc., Boston, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Key Insights
- South Carolina has yet to legalize regulated sports betting
- Multiple bills have been introduced, but none have advanced
- Gov. McMaster firmly opposes gambling expansion
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Recent Developments
Current Scenario:As of May 2025, regulated sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina[3][4]. The latest attempts to change this status quo, including House Bills 3625 and 3749, have stalled in the committee phase.
Lawmakers' Push:These legislative proposals aim to establish a regulated sports betting market within the state, including state oversight, taxation, and the creation of commissions such as the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission. The proposed regulations would permit online sports betting for those 18 years and older, while capping operator licenses at eight[1][5].
Governor's Obstruction:Governor Henry McMaster, known for his staunch opposition to gambling expansion, has voiced his intention to veto any gambling bills, thereby forming a significant barrier to approval[2][3].
Economic Opportunity and Consumer Protection:Supporters emphasize the financial potential and public demand for legalization, pointing out that South Carolinians resort to offshore or out-of-state betting platforms, which leads to lost tax revenue and insufficient consumer protections[1][5]. They argue that legalization would provide the state with regulatory control, tax revenue capture, and better consumer safeguards.
Travel and Online Betting Patterns
- Out-of-State Activity: Many South Carolinians travel to neighboring states, where online sports betting is legal, or use VPNs to wager on platforms in those states[4][5].
- Current Reality: No land-based or online sports betting is currently legal within the state's borders[3][4].
| Feature | Status in South Carolina (May 2025) ||---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|| Legal Sports Betting (Land-based/Online) | Not legal || Pending Legislation | Multiple bills introduced, none passed || Governor’s Position | Opposed, likely to veto || Public/Industry Demand | High, with residents using out-of-state options || Tax Revenue Potential | Estimated $1B wagered annually offshore |
In conclusion, regulated sports betting in South Carolina faces ongoing challenges, as legislative hurdles and gubernatorial opposition appear insurmountable at present[1][2][3]. A political shift or veto-proof majority is needed to bring about a change in the market's status. Stay tuned for further updates!
References
[1] casinos.com[2] x.com/g00sefactory[3] [Offshore Gaming Association, 2023] (http://www.offshoregamingassociation.org/)[4] [National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023] (https://www.ncsl.org/)[5] [South Carolina House of Representatives, 2025] (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/)
- The ongoing challenges for legalizing regulated sports betting in South Carolina persist, as multiple bills have been introduced but none have advanced, with Gov. McMaster opposing gambling expansion.
- The latest proposals, such as House Bills 3625 and 3749, aim to establish a regulated sports betting market within South Carolina, with state oversight, taxation, and the creation of the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.
- Governor Henry McMaster, a devoted opponent of gambling expansion, has expressed his intention to veto any gambling bills, creating a significant roadblock to their approval.
- South Carolinians frequently engage in sports betting through out-of-state platforms or travel to neighboring states where it's legal, resulting in lost tax revenue and insufficient consumer protection.
