South Carolina Lawmakers Propose Sports Betting
A new legislative proposal aims to establish a regulated framework for online sports wagering within the state.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Gambling
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South Carolina legislators introduced a bill in 2025 to legalize and regulate online sports betting. The framework seeks to bring currently unregulated wagering into a formal, taxed environment.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to capture revenue from existing illicit betting activity while providing dedicated funding for gambling addiction treatment programs. State officials anticipate the market could generate approximately $40 million in annual tax revenue.
The plan allows up to eight operators who must pay a $100,000 application fee and a $1 million licensing fee. A 12.5% tax rate applies to adjusted gross receipts, with 82% of revenue directed to the state General Fund.
The players
Senator Davis
He is a state legislator serving in the South Carolina Senate who co-sponsored the new sports betting proposal.
Senator Leber
He is a state legislator serving in the South Carolina Senate who co-sponsored the new sports betting proposal.
The details
The bill creates a nine-member Sports Wagering Commission to oversee the market and enforces strict licensing requirements. Of the generated tax revenue, 10% is allocated for local infrastructure and 5% is earmarked for gambling prevention and treatment services.
Timeline
2018: The Supreme Court legalized state-regulated sports betting.
2023: A horse-wagering bill passed the South Carolina House.
2025: Sens. Davis and Leber sponsored the current sports betting proposal.
Culture Shift
The proposal follows the precedent set by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. It reflects a broader regional trend where states move to capture tax revenue from the expansion of legalized sports wagering.
If passed, the legislation would change how residents legally access betting platforms by providing a regulated, state-sanctioned alternative to current options. The impact on daily routines includes the implementation of new age verification requirements and taxpayer-funded access to gambling support services.
The takeaway
The bill represents a shift toward formalizing digital wagering under state oversight rather than leaving it in an unregulated grey market. Residents should monitor future legislative sessions to see if the proposal advances toward a floor vote.
Further reading
For more information on the industry, visit South Carolina Gambling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ReadWrite.
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Should South Carolina legalize online sports betting to increase state revenue and fund addiction programs?
