Renewed Push for Legalized Sports Betting in South Carolina Set for 2025
As South Carolina prepares for another legislative session in January, a renewed effort to legalize online sports betting is expected to be a major topic of discussion. Despite past failures, experts and lawmakers see mounting pressure to act due to the potential for significant tax revenue and the success of legalized sports betting in neighboring states like North Carolina.
Legislative Challenges and Opportunities
Past attempts to legalize sports betting in South Carolina faced hurdles. In 2023, two bipartisan bills were introduced—one focused on online horse race betting and another on a broader legalization of sports betting. While one bill cleared the House, both eventually failed in the Senate.
Advocates like Rep. Chris Murphy have argued that legalizing sports betting could bring in at least $20 million annually to the state’s General Fund, while also cracking down on illegal betting, which he estimates amounts to $2.5 billion annually.
Despite these efforts, opposition remains strong. Governor Henry McMaster has consistently opposed sports betting, and his stance has not changed since his re-election in 2022.
Social Costs Raise Concerns
While the potential for tax revenue is attractive, recent studies raise concerns about the social costs of legalizing online gambling.
Research from the University of California San Diego and UCLA found that online gambling disproportionately affects lower-income individuals and has been linked to an increase in bankruptcies, collections, and lower credit scores in states that have legalized it.
While Governor McMaster remains opposed, the continued financial success of sports betting in neighboring states and rising public interest may sway South Carolina lawmakers to revisit the issue in the coming years.
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