South-Carolina

South Carolina bettors or interested bettors are getting antsy. They saw their neighbors in the North recently legalize sports betting, yet they don’t have legal options. So what gives?

Keep on reading for an in-depth guide to South Carolina’s betting scene — when legalization is likely, but more importantly, what bettors can do right now to get action. This is important stuff so stick with us to get completely up to speed with betting in South Carolina.

Quick South Carolina Facts

StateSouth Carolina
⚖ Sports Betting Laws❌Not Available
đŸ‘« Population5 Million
đŸ‘¶ Minimum Gambling Age18 Years Old
đŸ™ïž Retail Sports Betting❌Not Available
🌐 Online Sports Betting❌Not Available
đŸ“± Mobile Sports Betting❌Not Available
🐎 Online Horse Betting❌Not Available
🏆 DFS✅ Available
Last updated on: December 17, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In South Carolina?

South Carolina does NOT have legal betting. Though, they’ve tried multiple times in the past and gotten close, but no cigar. Get this, four bills in four different years have been created to legalize it. The most recent attempt in 2023 stalled out in the House.

It feels like there’s some pressure on the state to get going on this though.  Things are too close for South Carolina lawmakers and bettors alike to not think, “why not us?”

Still, South Carolina bettors are not left out of betting just because their state representatives can’t figure something out. No, they can bet right now through offshore sports betting sites. These work perfectly fine in the state because they are operated in foreign locations — this abides to those rules, not South Carolina’s. We’d argue these sites are even better options than licensed apps too. Keep on reading and we’ll dig more into why we think that is.

Dec 17, 2024 09:18 AM

While sports gambling remains largely illegal in South Carolina, the state may soon face pressure to crack down on online betting sites, as seen in other states.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of South Carolina Sports Betting Efforts

Here's a timeline of events that have happened stateside as it relates to legalization:

2024

November 18, 2024 - Donald Trump's election has raised hopes in South Carolina for potential changes to sports betting laws, though any legislative shifts remain uncertain at this stage. 
 
October 3, 2024 - South Carolina continues to grapple with the push for legalized sports betting, but legislative efforts have yet to gain significant traction.
 
July 21, 2024 - A renewed effort to legalize online sports betting in South Carolina is anticipated in January when the General Assembly reconvenes, according to Statehouse Reports. Although two recent attempts to pass legislation have failed, Stephen Shapiro from the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management expects lawmakers to face substantial pressure to take action.
 
May 19, 2024 - A number of sportsbooks are pushing for provision to develop a sports betting app, though there has been little give from legislators.

April 23, 2024 - North Carolina's huge sports betting handle for the month of March has tempted lawmakers to reassess legality in the Southern sister state.

March 25, 2024 - Some states have recently cracked down on online betting sites, accusing them of falsely claiming their contests aren't gambling. It remains to be seen if South Carolina will follow suit.

March 21, 2024 - House Bill 3749 has shown no progress. Consequently, the top choice for online sports betting among South Carolina bettors remains an offshore betting site.

March 11, 2024 - North Carolina goes live with sports betting — the first state in 2024 to legalize.

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in South Carolina

Best overallBovada
Best bonusesBetUS
Most unique bonusesBetNow
Top VIP programMyBookie
Best reputationBovada
Best sportsbookBetOnline
Best casinoEverygame
Best mobile appXBet
Best for live bettingEverygame
Best for new playersBovada
Best up-and-coming sportsbookXBet
Last updated on: December 17, 2024

Top 7 South Carolina Sports Betting Sites

Offshore betting sites are rampant. Perhaps too rampant making it hard to South Carolina bettors to pick just one. That’s why we’ve done the dirty work and picked out the seven best sites around. We'll explain what makes these so standout soon, but here’s a quick list:

  1. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
  2. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
  3. BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
  4. XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
  5. BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
  6. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
  7. MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.

#1 Bovada

Bovada Website Preview
Our score: 4.3/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on Bovada
Pros
Extremely reliable
Many different betting options
Cons
Sportsbook deals pay out peanuts
Dated-looking design
We’re positive there are some of you reading this and giving us the side eye when we mention offshore. “Isn’t that sketchy”, you’re likely wondering. The answer is hell no if you’re on a reliable site like Bovada. These folks are as trustworthy as can be. That’s how they’ve become one of the most-used offshore betting sites around. That and just being a good all-around betting site too. We take a huge liking to Bovada’s user-friendly design. The menu is clean, the bets are easy to find, placing a bet is a breeze. It just works exactly like it’s supposed to. This straightforward approach is perfect for South Carolina bettors who want to focus on the game rather than getting lost in unnecessary features. More than that though, Bovada also offers a wide range of betting options. From major sports like football, basketball, and baseball to more niche markets like eSports and international soccer, Bovada covers it all. This variety means you’ll never run out of things to bet on, and that’s just sports. See, Bovada also has a stacked casino. It flies under the radar because of how popular the sportsbook is, but it’s a worthy companion. Between both, Bovada bettors always have something to look forward to. For South Carolina bettors, it’s tough to go wrong with Bovada. Trustworthy, safe, easy to use, loaded with betting options — that’s pretty much the horse horsemen’s right there!

#2 BetOnline

BetOnline Website Preview
Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetOnline
Pros
Deep sportsbook menu
Posts betting lines fast
Cons
Sportsbook bonus is weak
Nothing should matter more than having a deep — and we mean deep — sportsbook. We mean, that’s what we’re all here for in the first place right? To bet on NFL, college football, NBa, and so on? If so, it’s tough to outdo BetOnline. They arguably have the widest selection of sports bets around. Of course, the most bets are reserved for the biggest sports. Football (NFL and NCAA) is number one, without question, followed by the remaining “Big 4” leagues. BetOnline also keeps things fresh with a variety of betting options beyond just the big leagues though. Random stuff like curling, ping pong, snooker can be bet on here which just adds to the fun. Mind you, for these sports, BetOnline also offers various bet types. It’s not just moneylines here, believe me. In fact, BetOnline shines when it comes to props and futures. Come here for the Super Bowl props and you might never leave cause the options are seemingly endless. Another thing that sets BetOnline apart is how quick they are with getting their lines up. If you’re the kind of bettor who likes to get in early (before lines mature), you’ll love how BetOnline posts odds almost immediately after games. This means you can lock in your bets before anyone else, giving you that sweet edge right from the get-go. BetOnline’s sportsbook is simply unrivaled. South Carolina bettors won’t ever miss a bet by being in BetOnline.

#3 BetUS

BetUS Website Preview
Our score: 4.2/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetUS
Pros
Lucrative promotions
Well-stocked betting section
Cons
High rollover requirement
7-day expiration period on free play
BetUS ends up on this list for one major reason — the free-play potential. It’s absolutely through the roof and any South Carolina bettor that wants free betting HAS to start here. Right off the bat, the sign-up bonus is the stuff of legends. This deal can ready $3125 in free play. Hell, use crypto to make the deposit and it goes up to $5000. This is the kind of bonus that can give your bankroll a serious boost, allowing you to explore the sportsbook with extra funds in your pocket. But the free play fun doesn’t stop there. BetUS keeps the momentum going with other deals — reload bonuses, first-deposit casino bonuses, and so on. These deals are constantly changing, but they all have one common thread: a massive sum value. We’re telling you, no one doles out free play anywhere near BetUS — and that includes licensed bookies like BetMGM too. BetUS is in a league of its own. The crown jewel deal though is the refer-a-friend bonus that goes for up to $6,000 in free play. It’s one of the most generous offers in the entire industry as far as we’re concerned. There's even a raffle associated with it too. A raffle that hands out tickets to the Super Bowl, an Apple Vision Pro, and all sorts of other goodies. In sum, BetUS knows how to stack the deck in your favor with their unbeatable free-play bonuses. If you’re all about getting more bang for your buck, BetUS is where the real action is.

#4 XBet

Xbet Website Preview
Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on Xbet
Pros
Great in-play betting
Excellent mobile app
Cons
Bonuses and contests are meh
XBet is the perfect fit for South Carolina bettors who are mobile-first. This is probably a majority of you because these days, bettors and people in general are glued to their devices. XBet knows this and has built a decked-out app to meet bettors where they’re already at. The first thing you’ll notice about the XBet mobile app is the looks of it. Unlike competitors that look and feel dated, XBet is the polar opposite. Sleek, cool, and highly functional at the same time is the app. The interface makes navigation a breeze. Even with a wide range of sports and betting options available, it’s never difficult to track down a bet. Contrary to some betting platforms that require you to download an app, XBet keeps things simple by offering full functionality through your mobile phone’s browser. This means you don’t have to clutter your phone with another downloadable app — just open your browser, head to XBet, and it’ll automatically scale to fit your screen. It’s easy to get set up and betting when it’s this frictionless. XBet might have the best betting app of all South Carolina options. It’s truly ahead of the curve here, which is a quality you likely want out of a sportsbook. As the industry continues to shift, you can bet XBet will be at the forefront of it all.

#5 BetNow

BetNow Website Preview
Our score: 4.2/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetNow
Pros
Sportsbook rebate
Loads of promotions
Cons
Casino games could be better
BetNow has a name that just sticks — and perfectly fitting for a platform loaded with betting options, from sports to casino games to racebook action. It’s a bit of a one-stop shop for betting. But what really grabs our attention at BetNow are the promotions. BetNow isn’t trying to outdo BetUS by tossing around huge sums, but they’ve got something just as cool: a wide variety of promo deals. Unlike the typical “one-size-fits-all” bonus you see on other sites, BetNow gives you its players choices, and a lot of them at that. Four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and three rebate programs are currently available on the platform. This flexibility is a breath of fresh air in the betting world. Every bettor is different, right? Different goals, different budgets, different styles. BetNow gets that, and that’s why they’re letting you decide which promo suits you best. No more being shoved into a single offer that doesn’t quite fit — at BetNow, you call the shots. But the real kicker? Their sportsbook rebate. A 2-percent refund on losses makes up this unique rebate. As far as we can tell, only BetNow has a deal like this. Seriously, a rebate on horses and casino is normal, but it’s unheard of in sports. We’ve seen a lot in this industry over the years, but BetNow’s approach to promotions really caught us off guard — in a good way. South Carolina bettors, we think you’re going to like what BetNow brings to the table.

#6 Everygame

EveryGame Website Preview
Our score: 3.8/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on EveryGame
Pros
Top-notch in-play system
Experienced Platform
Cons
Bonuses don't pay all that much
Design looks too old
Everygame is a less recognized name in the industry, but don’t mistake it for a new kid on the block. This place has been around for decades, though you might know it better by its old name, Intertops. The rebrand to Everygame brought a fresh look, but the deep experience remains, making it one of the most seasoned platforms out there. Live betting is where Everygame really flexes its experience most. As more and more bettors jump into the action while the games are happening in real time, Everygame has responded with a killer in-play system. Killer because it does a good job at keeping up with games. The odds hardly lag, and you need that for life betting, especially for a sport like basketball. Soccer lovers are in for a treat with Everygame too. With its European roots, it’s no wonder this platform is a powerhouse when it comes to soccer betting. From the World Cup to the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and even some of those lesser-known leagues you might not expect, Everygame is an all-you-can-eat buffet for soccer betting. Everygame is trending up. Live betting is only going to get bigger, and Everygame is perfectly positioned to capitalize on it. For South Carolina bettors who love the thrill of in-game action, this is a platform worth betting on.

#7 MyBookie

MyBookie Website Preview
Our score: 4.1/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on MyBookie
Pros
Rewards program
Variety of betting options
Cons
Slow customer support
Many bettors like bouncing between different sites. Maybe you like a casino at one place, but a sportsbook more elsewhere. But honestly, if you’re at MyBookie, you could realistically do all your gambling here just fine. This platform provides top-notch casino, sportsbook, and poker options all in one spot. But here’s the thing: MyBookie doesn’t just stop at offering variety. No, no they take things up a notch with their VIP rewards program. Unlike platforms that hand out one-time bonuses and call it a day, MyBookie is all about long-term rewards. Every bet you place (across the platforms we covered) earns you points, which can be swapped for free play. Sky’s truly the limit on how much you can rack up through that too. What’s most unique about the MyBookie’s VIP program apart is its exclusivity. While other sites might spread rewards thin by offering them to everyone, MyBookie keeps it tight. This thing is invite only! That sucks when you’re on the outside looking in, but not once invited. Fewer members mean bigger rewards for those who doing fact make the cut. So how do you get into this exclusive club? It’s not just about dropping in and placing a bet or two. MyBookie’s VIP program is reserved for those who show they’re in it for the long haul. That’s why we most recommend this platform to serious bettors in South Carolina. That’s who’s going to get the most value out of MyBookie.

Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?

These big-name bookmakers are nowhere to be found in South Carolina. This is because these bookies need a license to legally operate — or else they’ll be at major risk in jurisdictions that DO allow betting. These operators won’t risk losing those legal licenses just to play in South Carolina illegally. No way, they’ll just wait for legalization to happen.

That means offshore betting sites are pretty much the only online betting options for South Carolina residents. You could always find a real bookie in person, but this could lead you to some sketchy places. It’s best to stick with our suggested sites since they are tried and true.

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In South Carolina

Here’s a major reason why we’re so behind offshore sportsbooks: they offer more betting markets. Only at offshore sites can you bet on the presidential election results, entertainment award shows, and even WWE outcomes.

These betting markets are not available at regulated sportsbooks. Even in states with legalized betting, these wagers are outlawed by all regulators. Why? Because they’re not true sporting outcomes. Dumb rule if we do say so ourselves. Still, none of these rules apply at offshore bookies.

Betting Apps In South Carolina

Mobile is the preferred way to bet for most bettors these days. We get it too, there’s a convenience factor to being able to wager whenever and wherever — the bar, at work, in traffic, on the toilet, and so on. This is why we have an entire guide to betting apps. It’s like this page in terms of depth, but centered on getting the best mobile betting experience possible!

Start Betting In South Carolina Today — Our Guides

Betting is considered a game of chance legal-wise, but don’t get it twisted, it’s very much a game of skill too. That’s why we have guides for bettors wanting to sharpen their skills. This is must-read stuff if you actually want to be successful at this:

Payment Methods Available For South Carolina Sportsbooks

Offshore betting sites accept the most common payment methods, which include the following:

  • VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
  • Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
  • Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
  • Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.

Worth noting: only offshore betting sites allow crypto. Here again, licensed bookmakers are barred from doing such a thing. Crypto payments settle faster, cost cheaper, and also score special bonuses at most offshore betting sites, giving them another major advantage over licensed competitors.

South Carolina Casinos & Resorts

South Carolina does not have any land-based casinos BUT there is a casino boat that operates offshore — similar to the websites we mentioned. Only one of these boats is currently up and running.
That would be the Big M Casino, which drives out of Little River, near Myrtle Beach. The Big “M” Casino offers two ships, each with a variety of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and bingo. It’s one of the more well-known attractions in the state.
Aquasino used to be another riverboat option, but it is no more. This one operated out of Little River. However, it closed down and left only memories for previous bettors.

Betting on South Carolina Sports Teams

The Clemson Tigers are easily the most popular sports team based out of South Carolina. Their college football program has dominated most of this century with two different national title wins.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are another popular college football program in the state. They aren’t as popular as the Tigers but they play in the vaunted SEC against top-line competition.

South Carolina has no professional sports teams. Though, many locals like North Carolina-based teams like the Panthers and Hornets.

Other Types Of Betting In South Carolina

It’s not just sports betting that’s outlawed in South Carolina. So too are casinos (unless it's the riverboat one we mentioned) and horse racing. Options for the two are completely banned — unless you’re using an offshore betting site, that is.

So what is bet-able in South Carolina? Well, there’s a state-run lottery (with funds benefiting education). While we were writing this page, we noticed the Powerball prize was above $40 million.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is also sort of allowed. We say sort of because it’s in a grey area in South Carolina. It’s not explicitly legal, but by the same token, it’s not explicitly illegal, either. But it’s more legal than not because DFS games are open in the state. Just head to DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, or another similar app to get in on the fun while it lasts.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

South Carolina isn't the only state we have a complete guide to. Here's a quick list of other state pages we have up and running:

Responsible Gaming In South Carolina

Responsible gaming is essential for South Carolina bettors, whether you’re playing through offshore sites or this thing ever gets legalized. The thrill of betting is undeniable, but it’s crucial to keep it in check. One of the best ways to do that is by setting clear limits for yourself — decide ahead of time how much money and time you’re willing to spend on betting, and stick to those limits no matter what. The latter will end up being the hardest part, trust us.

When you start dipping into funds you hadn’t planned to use, it can quickly snowball into a bigger problem. That “one more bet” can lead to another, and before you know it, you’ve spent more than you intended, leading to stress and financial strain. This is why it’s so important to stick to the limits you’ve set from the beginning, no matter how tempting it might be to do more. The thrill of the moment isn’t worth the potential consequences.

We hope it never gets to this point, but if betting ever does stop being fun, there are resources out there. We’ve included three underneath that are nationally available:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.

These links are specific to South Carolina:

South Carolina Gambling Helpline (https://scgambleresources.com)

A 24/7 confidential helpline (1-877-452-5155) offering support, information, and referrals to treatment services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction in South Carolina.

South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services – Gambling Addiction Resources (https://www.daodas.sc.gov)

Provides resources, counseling, and treatment referrals for individuals and families affected by problem gambling in South Carolina.

Gamblers Anonymous South Carolina (https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations/state/south%20carolina)
Offers meeting information and support for individuals seeking help with gambling addiction.