South Carolina Sports Betting

Editor’s note: As of Jan. 19, 2021

Those wanting to bet on sports in South Carolina might have been hopeful with three sports betting bills introduced in the 2019 legislative session but they all failed and the 2020 session saw zero efforts on this front.

Conservative state lawmakers haven’t shown much interest in the potential moneymaker practice, but bettors have expressed they might want to place a wager on a Clemson or University of South Carolina football game – eventually.

Even with three pieces of legislation introduced, Tigers and Gamecocks fans shouldn’t hold their breath. SC-H3409, SC-S57 and SC-S71 have all been languishing in the state judiciary committee since January 2019. It looks as if an amendment to the SC Constitution will be needed.

House bill 3409 and Senate bill 57 each seek an amendment to the State Constitution regarding gaming activities including sports betting. S71 seeks a “gambling study committee” to examine issues related to gambling including the social and financial costs and benefits “various forms of gambling, including casinos, slots, table games, horse and dog racing, sports betting, and internet gaming.”

If bettors are looking to wager nearby, they will likely go to North Carolina when that state finally get its operation going at two tribal casinos.

As for South Carolina, it’s going to be awhile, with the Action Network and their recent study of sports betting across the U.S. determining they couldn’t even venture a guess if South Carolina would ever approve sports wagering.

Is sports betting currently legal in the state?

No.