South Carolina lawmakers held their first hearing for SC sports betting, but it came with plenty of opposition.
On Tuesday, the South Carolina House Ways and Means Revenue Policy Subcommittee heard H3625, which would legalize online sports betting in South Carolina.
The legislators also heard H4176, which would establish the South Carolina Gaming Commission. That bill also would allow the commission to issue casino licenses in certain counties.
The SC legislative session runs until May 8. Lawmakers did not vote during Tuesday’s subcommittee meeting.
SC sports betting details
Rep. Chris Murphy authored H3625 and has bipartisan co-sponsors. It would create the SC Sports Wagering Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations.
The legislation would create up to eight licenses. Sportsbooks that already are operating in at least five jurisdictions could apply for “immediate commencement.”
Murphy’s legislation would establish a 12.5% tax on sports betting revenue. Operators could deduct promotional spending and federal taxes.
Tight margins in South Carolina
There has been little appetite for gambling expansion in South Carolina. The only legalized gambling in the state is through the South Carolina Education Lottery.
Gov. Henry McMaster is staunchly anti-gambling and has indicated he will veto any gambling expansion legislation. McMaster is in office until 2027.
Of particular opposition are religious groups in the Palmetto State. Multiple groups joined together to submit a letter in opposition to the gambling legislation, including:
- Palmetto Family Alliance
- South Carolina Baptist Convention
- Faith Wins America
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
- The Swamp Fox Initiative
Growing desire in Palmetto State
Since the launch of online sports betting in North Carolina, there has been a surge in legal sports betting attempts in South Carolina. During the 2024 NFL season, GeoComply tracked a 436.67% year-over-year growth in active sports betting accounts in South Carolina.
Those 365,808 accounts attempted 7.7 million check-ins to legal sports betting states.
While interest in sports betting is growing among South Carolinians, industry proponents believe Georgia will need to legalize it first. Georgia lawmakers did not discuss sports betting this legislative session after several close calls in previous sessions.
