Lawmakers in South Carolina are again weighing whether to permit online sports wagering, reopening a debate that has lingered for years in one of the few remaining states without legalized betting.
Lawmakers Push Regulated Sports Betting to Keep Funds In-State
The proposal, known as Senate Bill 444, would establish a regulated market overseen by a new state wagering authority, allow up to eight licensed operators, and apply a 12.5% levy on betting revenue, reported local media outlet WYFF. Supporters argue the plan could keep millions of dollars inside state borders instead of having them flow to neighboring jurisdictions.
Backers of the bill say many residents already take part in sports betting by traveling to nearby states or using offshore platforms. Senator Josh Kimbrell suggested that legalizing the activity could direct tens of millions of dollars each year into public programs, including the state budget and local services. He and other supporters believe the funds could help finance tax relief measures or pay increases for emergency personnel.
Neighboring North Carolina has already launched legal mobile wagering and reported significant tax income from the industry. Proponents say the contrast highlights a missed opportunity for South Carolina, where attempts to access platforms such as DraftKings or FanDuel are blocked within state lines.
Industry representatives told lawmakers that regulated betting could also improve consumer protection. A government affairs executive from Caesars Entertainment noted that operators monitor user behavior and can intervene if patterns suggest risky play, directing customers toward support services when needed.
Opposition and the Governor’s Negative Stance Cloud Betting Plan
Opponents warned that the social impact of expanded gambling could outweigh the financial benefits. Advocacy groups cited research linking betting availability with higher financial distress among some users. Critics also emphasized that a small share of gamblers accounts for a large portion of wagering revenue, raising ethical concerns about reliance on vulnerable individuals.
Even if lawmakers advance the measure, its path remains uncertain. Governor Henry McMaster has resisted gambling expansion and is widely expected to reject any bill that reaches his desk. Overriding such a veto would require overwhelming legislative support, something analysts consider unlikely at present.
Beyond traditional sportsbooks, legislators also discussed emerging prediction market platforms that allow wagers on real-world outcomes. The legal status of these services remains unsettled nationwide and adds another layer of complexity to the state’s deliberations.Right now, the bill remains under review, and its fate may hinge as much on political dynamics as on the economic arguments surrounding sports betting’s potential arrival in South Carolina.
