South Carolina is making another attempt to legalize sports betting by introducing the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act, making it one of several states that may consider the issue in 2025.
Bill 3625, the proposed legislation, seeks to regulate sports betting and other related activities under certain conditions. It would set up the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the business, ensure compliance, and promote responsible gaming.
Sports betting would be permitted under the Wagering Act only through licensed operators who use approved mobile applications or digital platforms. The law also includes a 12.5% privilege tax and comprehensive licensing procedures for operators and suppliers.
The Act establishes tight monitoring, requiring operators to meet financial stability standards, deploy identity verification systems, and follow anti-money laundering measures.
See also:
- Spinomenal partners with Admiral Croatia to expand its iGaming presence
- Celtic’s longest-running jersey sponsor is now Dafabet
- ANJL Warns Illegal Competition Could Oust Brazil’s Betting Licensees
A 12.5% privilege tax on adjusted gross receipts would be levied, with the proceeds going to the state’s general fund, local infrastructure projects, and mental health programs to combat gambling addiction.
Operators would be forbidden from accepting wagers from minors, providing credit for bets, or betting on child sports.
The legislation establishes the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, which will be made up of nine appointed members in charge of licensing, regulation, and enforcement.
The commission would also develop procedures to safeguard the integrity of sports betting, such as monitoring aberrant betting activity, coordinating with sports regulating bodies, and implementing fines for infractions.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation includes various protections against gambling-related harm. Operators must give bettors options to limit their betting behavior and promote self-exclusion schemes.
The privilege tax would fund mental health efforts, such as preventative programs and treatment services for those with gambling issues.
Furthermore, the Act establishes sanctions for illicit conduct such as unauthorized bets and sports event manipulation in order to protect the integrity of both the sector and the general public.
Resistance remains high
Efforts to legalize sports betting in South Carolina have gained traction in recent years, but face significant opposition.
In 2022, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham made legal internet sports betting a prominent topic of his campaign.
Cunningham contended that, while sports betting was already taking place in the state, it remained unregulated and illegal, delivering no financial advantage to South Carolina.
He called for legalisation in order to regulate the sector and use the tax income to pay teacher salaries, infrastructure improvements, and tax cuts.
The following legislative session saw the introduction of two bipartisan proposals to legalize internet gambling. One, led by Rep. Russell Ott, aimed to help South Carolina’s faltering equestrian industry.
The bill advocated legalizing online betting on horse races to provide financial relief to the industry, which Ott observed was losing pace to jurisdictions with more progressive gambling legislation. Ott’s proposal was unexpectedly approved by the South Carolina House in April, 56-46.
However, it did not proceed through the Senate before the state’s legislative session ended in May.
The second bill, filed by Representative Chris Murphy, had larger objectives. It proposed internet sports betting on both professional and college sports, which was expected to generate at least $20 million in new tax revenue per year, with 80% going to South Carolina’s General Fund.
Murphy emphasized the huge volume of unlawful online gambling in the state, estimated at $2.5 billion per year, and suggested that legalization might eliminate this unregulated industry while bringing a big revenue benefit to the state.
Despite these failures, proponents of legal sports betting have persisted in their call for reform, citing possible economic benefits. Neighbouring states, such as North Carolina, have already launched similar efforts, placing pressure on South Carolina to remain competitive.
The Wagering Act is the most complete attempt yet to address these problems and provide a regulated framework for sports betting. By combining experiences from other states, the law intends to overcome the opposition to earlier proposals.
Join us on all our social channels and groups
Gameongazette is present on:
