With the New Year around the corner, a new SC sports betting bill has emerged ahead of its legislative session.
Rep. Chris Murphy (R) filed House Bill 3625 this week, which would amend South Carolina laws to allow SC sports betting. The bill also has two bipartisan co-authors, Rep. Heath Sessions (R) and Rep. J Todd Rutherford (D). It was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
South Carolina legislation has not made it far in the past, but as states around the Palmetto State legalize, it could gain momentum this year. The legislative session begins Jan. 14.
SC sports betting details
The “South Carolina Sports Wagering Act” would establish the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations for the industry.
There could be up to eight licenses. Sportsbooks live in at least five jurisdictions could apply for “immediate commencement of sports wagering operations through a temporary license.”
The bill also would establish a 12.5% tax on sports betting revenue, along with full deductions on promotional spending and federal taxes.
South Carolina gambling landscape
South Carolina only has legalized gambling through the South Carolina Education Lottery.
At the helm of the opposition is Gov. Henry McMaster, who has campaigned against gambling in the past. He is in office until 2027.
As in many of the remaining states looking to legalize sports betting, objections from certain conservative sects are keeping lawmakers at odds on the issue. Bills have been introduced to legalize the industry each of at least the past three years but have yet to gain any traction.
Border state push?
States surrounding the Palmetto State have legalized sports betting in recent years, including North Carolina, where legal online sports betting launched last year. While not bordering, nearby Tennessee also has legalized online sportsbooks.
Some industry proponents believe South Carolina will not legalize until Georgia does. After several close calls in the past few years, the Peach State is among the most likely to cross the line in 2025, but similar issues could raise their heads.
“As surrounding states permit more sport gambling activity, the likelihood of South Carolina making legalization a higher priority increases,” University of South Carolina Sports Management Professor Mark Nagel told LSR last year.
“Often, potential tax dollars and constituent anger can override some, legitimate or unfounded, moral objections. Certainly, if Georgia were to legalize more gambling opportunities, that would likely also spur a move toward South Carolina legalization.”
