It’s football season in South Carolina, but bets are off when it comes to wagering on who will win the game.
Sports betting ― the activity of predicting sports outcomes ― is not yet legal in S.C., although there have been multiple attempts to pass legislation permitting it over the years. Residents who wish to partake in the activity will have to travel to North Carolina, where it is legal.
But just because something is legal doesn’t mean it isn’t harmless, with some expressing concern for the negative effects sports betting has on both athletes and bettors.
“NBC News reports that gambling addiction hotlines across all states are seeing an increase in calls as the legalization of sports gambling and the promotion of sports betting apps continues,” reporter AJ Werner wrote in Baylor Lariat’s opinion column. “These hotlines receive calls from people who are filing for bankruptcy, losing their homes and ruining their relationships. Sports should be a way to forget about your real-life stressors — not add to them or even ruin your life.”
One of these sports apps is Draft Kings, which reported a revenue of $5.4 billion for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025 ― a 25.5% increase year-over-year.
If you’re still curious to know about where the legalization of sports betting stands in S.C., read on. And if you choose to gamble, be wise.
According to Legal Sports Report, sports and equine bill HB 3749 (introduced in 2023) was the first attempt from state legislators to pass sports betting legalization. Under the bill, eight sports betting apps would become legalized, with the potential for some to include access to the “best sports betting promos.” The bill has been stalled in the House ever since, leaving the future of sports betting in the Palmetto State uncertain.
S.C.’s first sports betting hearing was held on April 2025 and was met with much opposition. During the hearing, the South Carolina House Ways and Means Revenue Policy Subcommittee heard HB 3625, a bill legalizing online sports betting in the state. Legislators also heard H4176, which would establish the South Carolina Gaming Commission and allow it to issue casino licenses across specific counties.
The session, which ran until May 8, was not met with favor, with lawmakers deciding not to vote.
Gov. Henry McMaster ― who is in office until 2027 ― does not support gambling activities, per Legal Sports Report. Various religious groups within the state have also expressed their disapproval for the activity, submitting a letter opposing the gambling legislations:
The only legalized gambling in S.C. is through the South Carolina Education Lottery.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
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Is sports betting legal in SC? Here's what to know as football season cranks up – Greenville Online
