South Carolina Sports Betting Sites: Legal Updates and Launch News
South Carolina sports betting is strictly outlawed as part of the Palmetto State’s no-tolerance approach to most forms of gambling. Legal sports betting is still some way off, although the tide is beginning to change.
North Carolina is set to legalize online betting sites in 2024, with retail sportsbooks and tribal casinos already available. Meanwhile, online sports betting is blossoming across the borders of Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
South Carolina regulators are currently trying to move bill HB 3749 forward, buoyed by the success in other states previously against online gambling. Is legalized sports betting on the cards in the Palmetto State? This consistently updated page contains all the essential information.
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Current Situation of Sports Betting in South Carolina
Despite a few attempts to legalize online sports betting in South Carolina since 2018, sportsbooks are still strictly illegal. The legislature passed in 1802 has largely held firm over the past two centuries, banning all forms of gambling. Senior citizens were even prohibited from playing bridge until 2014, demonstrating the state’s hardline approach.
South Carolinians don’t have any gambling infrastructure to fall back on owing to the blanket ban on everything from horse racing betting to tribal casinos. The South Carolina Education Lottery launched in 2002, largely due to the realization that residents were driving to nearby states to buy lottery tickets.
This decision was predicated on the loss of potential revenue, a key concern that could drive legal sports betting in the Palmetto State as time goes on. With nowhere else to turn, South Carolina sports bettors must wager with unregulated offshore sportsbooks. Not only does this lead to millions of dollars in lost taxes, but it also puts residents in danger.
HB 3749 is the most recent attempt by regulators to push through a legal sports betting motion. Time will tell how far the bill goes, but with the recent positive developments in North Carolina, there is more hope than previously. In the meantime, the closest South Carolinian sports enthusiasts can get is Daily Fantasy Sports.
Top Sportsbooks Entering the South Carolina Market
Although legal sports betting in South Carolina is still some distance away, hopeful residents have started predicting which sportsbooks will launch first. The main options are likely to include:
BetMGM South Carolina
Gambling brands don’t get more recognizable than the Betmgm. The third-most popular US sportsbook offers several key selling points, including the best rewards scheme available, a classic BetMGM Promo, fast withdrawals within 24 hours, and a personalized Select Your Squad feature that helps you keep track of your favorite NFL and NBA franchises.
DraftKings South Carolina
Palmetto State residents can already enjoy the DraftKings DFS platform and will be licking their lips at the prospect of Draftkings entering the fray. Some of the main highlights include the extremely generous Draftkings sign up promo, in-depth same-game parlay builder, and DraftKings Social channel helping you meet like-minded bettors and share tips or predictions.
FanDuel South Carolina
Officially America’s most popular sports betting site, Fanduel has one of the best sports betting apps and regular no-sweat bet promos, odds boosts, bet and gets (Fanduel top promo), and cash prize tournaments. The exhaustive live betting suite is another selling point, providing extensive live odds across everything from the NFL to more niche sports like darts.
Legalization Effort in South Carolina
The South Carolina sports betting legalization effort has stepped up in recent years, as lawmakers and public sentiment take increasing inspiration from other states historically against most forms of gambling.
HB3749 is the latest attempt by state regulators after the failures of HB3395 (2021) and HB5277 (2022) to gain much traction. The bill reached the house in 2023 and is sponsored by several authoritative representatives, so the future is hopeful for South Carolinian sports bettors.
This is particularly true after increased criticism of the state’s failure to stop illegal gambling. Representative Christopher Murphy has argued that “the hope of this legislation [HB 3749] is to eradicate that illegal wagering”, with studies showing that $2.5 billion is wagered illegally by South Carolina residents.
Not only is the state missing out on vital tax revenues, but its residents are also resorting to illegal and dangerous offshore sportsbooks. In combination, these two factors make a rather compelling argument that is turning the tide on the legalization effort in South Carolina. 2024 promises to be a landmark year if HB3749 can continue gaining traction.
Projected Sports Betting Revenue in South Carolina
One factor that will play a pivotal role in the formation of new South Carolina sports betting laws is the potential revenue it would create. Estimates range from $23 to $40 billion annually – enormous sums that could be spent on vital infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other areas where Palmetto State residents would benefit.
South Carolina Compared to Other States: A Comprehensive Analysis
South Carolina has a far stricter approach to gambling than most other states, although the neighboring Georgia and North Carolina are good comparisons. Both have a traditional aversion to sports betting but are beginning to change. North Carolina betting sites will legally launch online sports betting on March 11, while Georgia is edging closer after several failed bids in recent years.
South Carolina Betting Successes and Failures
In some ways, you have to hand it to South Carolinian law enforcers for keeping most forms of gambling strictly illegal for so long, but this also has its downsides. Joe Cunningham, the ex-South Carolina 1st District House Representative, went on record in 2022 with a statement arguing that:
“The fact is sports betting is already happening in South Carolina; but it’s underground, unregulated, and brings in zero tax revenue for our state. So we have two options: we can let the bookies run the entire industry and keep it underground with no tax revenue for our state, or we can bring it above board, regulate it, tax it, and fix problems with the money.”
Is Palmetto State keeping its residents safe from the dangers of gambling by endorsing blanket illegalization? The increased reports of illegal gambling suggest otherwise. Offshore sportsbooks have far less impetus to upholding responsible gambling and customer security measures, leading to a more dangerous experience overall.
Lawmakers can learn from Vermont, which recently launched legal sports betting after a protracted legalization effort. The Green Mountain State requires its three legal sportsbooks – DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook – to submit annual studies into responsible gambling and prove they are doing their utmost to protect customers.
Professional Sports Teams in South Carolina
- Carolina Panthers – Although technically hailing from North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers are universally adored south of the border. The Panthers will undoubtedly be a top drawer for sports bettors in the Palmetto State, especially considering there aren’t any other major league sports teams in the area.
Minor League Pro Sports Teams in South Carolina
- Charleston RiverDogs – A Minor League Baseball team owned by Bill Murray.
- Greenville Drive – A Boston Red Sox affiliate also competing in Minor League Baseball, currently as part of the High-A East.
- South Carolina Stingrays – A Washington Capitals affiliate competing in the highly-regarded East Coast Hockey League.
- Greenville Swamp Rabbits – The Swamp Rabbits also compete in the East Coast Hockey League.
College Sports Teams in South Carolina
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks – The University of South Carolina’s football team playing in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the NCAA.
- Clemson University Tigers – A traditional heavyweight college football team competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Championship Odds Pages: What You Need to Know
BettingOddsUS has consistently updated odds pages for all major championships. Here are a few examples:
How to Place a Bet in South Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Download Your Sportsbook or Head to the Website – Read our reviews and bonus comparisons to help you make the best choice.
- Register for Your Sportsbook – Press the “Register” or “Sign-Up” buttons to begin the registration process. You’ll need personal information like your SSN, date of birth, and more.
- Fund Your Account – Head to the cashier section under My Account to deposit using your chosen payment method.
- Place a Wager – Browse the available odds to find a potential wager. Always ensure you’ve done ample research to optimize your predictions.
South Carolina Mobile Sports Betting Updates
Check this page for regular updates on the state of South Carolina’s mobile sports betting landscape. Sportsbook apps are by far the most popular options for bettors, offering several advantages like push notifications, exclusive offers, and unrivaled practicality.
South Carolina Sports Betting Conclusion
The wait is on for South Carolina to legalize sports betting. Legislators and state regulators are moving in the right direction, so the gambling landscape may finally be about to change. BettingOddsUS experts constantly monitor the state of affairs to give you the most up-to-date observations possible.
South Carolina Betting Sites FAQ
What sportsbooks could be the first to launch in South Carolina when sports betting is legalized?
FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are tipped as early frontrunners to secure the first wave of legal sportsbook launches in South Carolina when the date comes.
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