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South Carolina has reopened debate on legal sports betting this week, signaling some openness in the legislature even as strong resistance remains from the governor’s office.
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Discussion took place during a Senate Labor and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, where lawmakers gathered testimony from industry representatives and other stakeholders. Tone inside the room suggested more willingness to consider legalization than in past sessions, though observers remain cautious about the bill’s chances.
Any measure approved by lawmakers would still face a major hurdle. Governor Henry McMaster, the Republican governor of South Carolina and a longtime critic of gambling expansion, has repeatedly said he would block such efforts. Earlier this year he pledged to veto a separate casino proposal if it reached his desk. He said:
“Gambling is bad for our culture. It’s not a part of our heritage, and there are better ways to make money to get jobs and generate tax money.”
Political timing adds another layer to the debate. McMaster cannot seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits, leaving uncertainty about how future leadership could approach gambling policy.
SB 444 was introduced by Senator Tom Davis and Senator Matthew Leber, both members of the South Carolina Senate, and outlines a regulated online wagering structure overseen by a newly created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.
Original language allowed for as many as eight operator licences. During the hearing, Senator Josh Kimbrell proposed an amendment reserving two licences for the PGA Tour and NASCAR if the legislation advances. Committee members adopted that change.
Eligibility rules would limit licences to companies already active in at least five other jurisdictions, a provision designed to prioritize experienced operators with established compliance records.
Taxation would be set at 12.5%, and the bill proposes a legal wagering age of 18. That threshold would place South Carolina among a small group of states allowing betting below 21.
Only five other states currently allow wagering at 18:
While senators asked detailed questions and showed interest in regulatory structure and potential tax revenue, industry sources remain skeptical that the proposal can clear both chambers and the governor’s office in the same session.
South Carolina has historically taken a cautious stance toward gambling expansion, and previous attempts to authorize casinos or sportsbooks have stalled despite regional momentum across the United States.