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South Carolina could take a significant step toward legalizing sports betting with House Bill 3625, filed this week by Rep. Chris Murphy (R) and co-sponsored by bipartisan lawmakers Rep. Heath Sessions (R) and Rep. J. Todd Rutherford (D). This “South Carolina Sports Wagering Act” will target the legislative session beginning 14 January.
The State Has Seen Several Failed Attempts
This newest proposal follows evolving industry trends as neighboring states like North Carolina and Tennessee have already taken the plunge and embraced legal sports betting. These developments increasingly pressure South Carolina to follow suit or risk more residents either hopping cross-state to wager or turning to black market operators.
South Carolina has a limited history of gambling, with the South Carolina Education Lottery as the only legal form of wagering. Past legislative efforts to expand gambling, most notably to legalize sports betting, have fallen flat over the last three years. However, growing public interest and lucrative tax revenues might tip the balance this time.
Some industry experts believe South Carolina will wait for Georgia, another historically conservative state, to legalize sports betting first. Georgia has indicated rising interest in taking this step and could be among the states to legalize betting in 2025, but state legislators must first overcome several more hurdles. A potential legalization success in Georgia could become a tipping point for South Carolina.
The New Legislation Promises Significant Tax Revenues
House Bill 3625 aims to amend the current state laws and allow online sports wagering regulation while establishing the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission as the leading gambling industry regulatory body. The legislation envisions a maximum of eight sports betting licenses issued statewide, with only operators already active in at least five other states eligible to apply.
According to the bill, regulated operators must pay 12.5% of adjusted revenue in taxes. Additional fees include a $100,000 application fee and a $1 million licensing fee for successful applicants. If passed, House Bill 3625 could bring in tens of millions of dollars into the state, modernizing the state’s approach to wagering while addressing consumer protection concerns and creating economic opportunities.
Despite the potential benefits, the new bill will likely face pushback from Gov. Henry McMaster, who has long opposed legalized gambling and will remain in office until 2027. Ongoing debates about the social impacts of gambling could also stall momentum, although most experts believe legalization is only a matter of time.
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