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Sports betting continues to remain illegal in South Carolina in 2025, even as many neighboring states have moved ahead with legal wagering. While North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia now enjoy regulated betting markets, South Carolina has chosen to maintain its conservative approach toward gambling. Here’s a clear look at where things stand, recent legislative updates, and what the future might hold for the state’s betting landscape.
Current Legal Status
At present, sports betting is not legal in South Carolina neither online nor in physical locations. The only legal gambling options available are the state lottery, charitable bingo, and casino cruises that operate in international waters.
The state’s constitution includes a broad ban on gambling, which makes it difficult to pass new betting laws without both legislative approval and potentially a constitutional amendment. This legal barrier is one of the main reasons South Carolina has not followed the national trend since the repeal of PASPA in 2018.
Legislative Efforts Over the Years
Lawmakers have made several attempts to introduce regulated sports betting in the state, but none have passed so far.
- In 2021, House Bill 5277 aimed to legalize both retail and online betting, but it didn’t progress beyond committee discussions.
- In 2023, House Bill 3749 proposed allowing up to eight online sportsbooks and setting the betting age at 18, yet it also failed to move forward.
- The latest proposal, House Bill 3625 (South Carolina Sports Wagering Act), was introduced for the 2024-2025 session. It outlines a full licensing system, a regulatory commission, and tax guidelines for operators. However, it still faces strong opposition from Governor Henry McMaster, who has consistently opposed any gambling expansion.
South Carolina vs. Neighboring States
South Carolina’s resistance is becoming more noticeable as nearby states push ahead. North Carolina launched legal mobile sports betting in 2024, while Tennessee and Virginia already have well-established betting markets. As a result, many South Carolina residents cross state lines to place bets, leading to potential tax revenue losses for the state.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Other Legal Options
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel operate in a grey area in South Carolina. The state has no official laws regulating DFS, but it also hasn’t banned them or taken enforcement action. This has made fantasy contests the closest legal alternative to sports betting for now.
Apart from DFS, legal gambling options are extremely limited. The state lottery remains the main regulated form of gaming, while casino-style games are restricted to offshore cruises.
Economic Viewpoint
Experts believe that if South Carolina legalized sports betting, it could generate tens of millions in annual tax revenue. These funds could be used to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and responsible gambling programs.
However, opponents warn of possible social consequences. Critics worry about gambling addiction, family issues, and financial harm, which continue to shape public opinion and slow down political support for legalization.
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