Is Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?
Sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina as of 2025, despite repeated legislative efforts to change the law. While neighboring states like North Carolina and Tennessee have embraced online wagering, South Carolina continues to take a conservative stance on gambling expansion. Here’s everything you need to know about the current legal landscape, proposed bills, and the future outlook for sports betting in the Palmetto State.
Current Legal Status
Sports betting is not legal in South Carolina, either online or at retail locations. The state currently allows only limited forms of gambling, such as the state lottery, charitable bingo, and casino cruises operating in international waters.
Unlike many other U.S. states that legalized sports betting following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, South Carolina has not followed suit. The state constitution contains a broad ban on most gambling activities, meaning that legalizing sports wagering would require both legislative approval and, potentially, a constitutional amendment.
Recent Legislative Efforts
Several attempts have been made in recent years to bring regulated sports betting to South Carolina, but none have succeeded. In 2021, House Bill 5277 proposed the legalization of both in-person and online betting, yet it stalled in committee. Two years later, House Bill 3749 sought to allow up to eight online sportsbooks, setting the minimum betting age at 18, but it also failed to move forward in the House Ways and Means Committee.
The most recent proposal, House Bill 3625 – known as the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act – was introduced for the 2024–2025 session. It would establish a licensing system, create a regulatory commission, and set tax rates for sports betting operators. However, the bill remains under review and faces strong resistance from Governor Henry McMaster, who has consistently opposed any form of gambling expansion in the state.
South Carolina’s cautious stance stands out when compared to neighboring states. North Carolina launched legal mobile sports betting in March 2024, joining Tennessee and Virginia, both of which already have thriving online markets. Because of this, many South Carolina residents travel across state lines to place legal bets, a trend that highlights potential tax revenue losses for the state if it continues to resist regulation.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Other Gambling Options
Daily Fantasy Sports, offered by companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel, operate in a legal grey area in South Carolina. The state has not introduced any specific laws to regulate these contests, but there has also been no enforcement action against them. This has allowed DFS platforms to continue operating and serve as the closest legal alternative to traditional sports betting for South Carolina residents.
Outside of DFS, gambling opportunities are minimal. The state-run lottery remains the primary legal option, and casino-style games are only available on cruise ships that sail into international waters.
Economic Impact and Industry Perspectives
Industry experts estimate that South Carolina could generate tens of millions of dollars annually in tax revenue if it were to legalize sports betting. These funds could support public programs, including education, infrastructure, and responsible gambling initiatives.
Opponents, however, remain concerned about the potential social impact. Critics argue that expanding gambling could increase addiction rates and related harms, a sentiment that continues to influence both political and public opinion in the state.
Outlook for Legalization
The prospects for legal sports betting in South Carolina remain uncertain. Despite growing interest among lawmakers and residents, the issue remains politically divisive. The strong opposition from the governor and key legislators means that significant change is unlikely in 2025.
Still, as more surrounding states demonstrate the economic benefits of regulation, the pressure on South Carolina lawmakers to reconsider may increase. Future legislation could eventually pave the way for a regulated sports betting market, possibly combining both online and retail options, but for now the Palmetto State remains on the sidelines.
So, is sports betting legal in South Carolina? The answer is no – at least not yet. The state’s strict anti-gambling laws remain unchanged, leaving South Carolinians without legal sportsbooks or mobile betting options. Until the legislature enacts new laws and the governor signs them into effect, sports betting will continue to operate outside the state’s regulatory framework.