Representative Todd Rutherford’s Interactive Sports Wagering Bill, SC H3625, is now being considered in the South Carolina Legislature. The bill has bipartisan support and is the state’s best chance to usher in sports betting.
SC is one of only 11 US states that does not allow local sportsbooks to operate.
This scenario has caused locals to travel to North Carolina and Tennessee to place bets on sports. Since both states allow online sports betting, placing a wager only requires crossing the border and using a smartphone.
When that happens, those states benefit from the tax revenue generated by South Carolinians’ expenditures.
This fiscal element has been the catalyst for many states to legalize sports betting within their borders, and now it appears to be happening in South Carolina as well.
“We can continue to stick our heads in the sand and act like people are not going to bet, but they are. They’re doing it right now. South Carolina ought to be able to take advantage of that,”
Todd Rutherford – (D) Richland, South Carolina
Rutherford’s bill includes help for problem gaming, which is a sticking point in most debates around the country. Gambling is clearly addictive, and the damage it can do to constituents may not be offset by sports betting revenue.
2024 was the first year of online sports betting in North Carolina, which resulted in $78 million in tax revenue for the state. Estimates for South Carolina are in the same neighborhood.
SC H3625 would allow anyone 18 or older in SC to bet on sports. There are a few states that have 18 set as their minimum age, but most comply with a 21 or older model.
Betting on college sports, both local and out-of-state, would be allowed if the bill language remains the same.
Up to eight licenses for mobile operators would be allowed. There is no provision for retail sportsbook locations. Licenses would cost vendors $1 million to apply.
All sports betting revenue would be taxed at a rate of 12.5%.
There is also language that details certain people who would be excluded from betting on sports. NCAA athletes, team officials, and anyone with insider information are prohibited from gambling on the sport they are involved in.
Sportsbooks would be regulated by a newly created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.
The bill’s next stop is the House Weighs and Means Committee.
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