The Current Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in South Carolina
As of early 2026, sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina. The state is one of the few remaining in the US without any form of legal sports wagering, either online or at retail locations. This is not due to a lack of effort, as there have been multiple legislative attempts to legalize the practice in recent years. However, these efforts have consistently stalled in the face of social and political opposition in the conservative state.
Most recently, a bipartisan bill, S 444, was introduced in the Senate, and a similar bill, H 3625, in the House. These bills aim to legalize statewide online sports betting and establish a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the industry. The proposed legislation would allow for a number of online sportsbooks to operate in the state, with a proposed tax rate on revenue that would fund various state programs. Despite these efforts, the general consensus is that the legalization of sports betting in South Carolina is unlikely to happen in 2026. Lawmakers have indicated that while the conversation is ongoing, the bills lack the necessary support to pass in the current legislative session.
History of Sports Betting Legislation in South Carolina
The path to legalizing sports betting in South Carolina has been a long and challenging one. The state has traditionally held a strong anti-gambling stance, with very few exceptions. The conversation around sports betting began to gain traction after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which opened the door for individual states to legalize sports wagering.
Since then, several bills have been introduced, but none have made it past the early legislative hurdles. The primary arguments against legalization have centered on moral and social concerns about the potential negative impacts of gambling. Proponents, on the other hand, have highlighted the potential for significant tax revenue, as well as the fact that many South Carolina residents are already participating in sports betting through illegal offshore websites or by traveling to neighboring states where it is legal.
Sportsbook Options in Neighboring States
For South Carolina residents eager to place legal sports bets, the closest options are in neighboring states. North Carolina and Tennessee both offer legal online sports betting.
- North Carolina: Legalized online sports betting in 2023, with major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook available statewide. This is the most convenient option for many South Carolinians, particularly those living near the border.
- Tennessee: Launched its online-only sports betting market in 2020. The state has a mature market with a wide range of sportsbooks to choose from.
Traveling to these states is currently the only way for South Carolina residents to legally and safely participate in sports betting.
Are There Any Legal Betting Options in South Carolina?
While traditional sports betting is illegal, a gray area exists with the rise of "prediction markets" and daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators like PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy. These platforms are available in South Carolina and argue that they are games of skill, not chance, and therefore not subject to gambling laws. They allow users to "bet" on player statistics and outcomes in a way that is very similar to prop betting at a traditional sportsbook. However, the legality of these operations is a subject of ongoing debate and could be challenged in the future.
It is also important to note that many South Carolina residents use offshore sportsbooks. While these sites are accessible, they are not legal or regulated in the United States. This means that if you use them, you have no consumer protections, and your funds may not be secure.
Types of Bets Available
When sports betting becomes legal in South Carolina, residents can expect to see a wide variety of betting options, similar to what is offered in other states. These include:
- Moneylines: A simple bet on which team will win the game.
- Point Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by a certain number of points, while the underdog can lose by a certain number of points or win outright.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams.
- Prop Bets: Bets on specific events within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
- Futures: A long-term bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Parlays: A combination of multiple bets into a single wager. All bets in the parlay must win for the parlay to pay out.
Tax Implications for Winnings
If sports betting is legalized in South Carolina, any winnings would be subject to both federal and state taxes. Gambling winnings are considered income. At the federal level, the IRS requires you to report all gambling winnings. If you win more than $600, the sportsbook may be required to issue you a Form W-2G. It is important to keep detailed records of your wins and losses for tax purposes. State tax implications would be determined by the specifics of the legislation that is eventually passed.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
The current legislative proposals in South Carolina are focused on legalizing online and mobile sports betting. This is in line with the trend in the rest of the country, as mobile betting has proven to be far more popular and generate significantly more revenue than retail sportsbooks. Mobile betting offers the convenience of being able to place bets from anywhere within the state, while retail sportsbooks offer a more traditional, in-person experience, often with amenities like big-screen TVs and food and beverage service. If a bill is passed, it is possible that it could include provisions for both mobile and retail options.
Tips for Bettors in South Carolina
Even though sports betting is not yet legal in the state, here are some general tips for those who may travel to a legal state to bet, or for when it does become legal in South Carolina:
- Start with the basics: If you are new to sports betting, take the time to learn the different types of bets and how to read the odds.
- Set a budget: Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Responsible gaming is crucial.
- Do your research: Don't just bet on your favorite team. Research the teams, players, and any relevant statistics before placing a wager.
- Shop for the best lines: Different sportsbooks will offer slightly different odds. It pays to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks to ensure you are getting the best possible line.
- Take advantage of promotions: Sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract new customers. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before accepting any offers.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Gambling can be addictive. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help.
- The National Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a confidential 24-hour helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
It is important to gamble responsibly and to know when to stop. When sports betting does come to South Carolina, it will be important for the state to dedicate a portion of the tax revenue to funding responsible gaming initiatives.