Benefits of South Carolina Sports Betting Legalization

What are the primary benefits of South Carolina sports betting legalization? It’s a question with many potential answers. It’s also a question getting asked more often.

Constant inquiries like this are to some extent unavoidable. They have been asked non-stop ever since the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. This decision effectively allows online sports betting in the United States to be legalized on a case by case basis. In other words, each state gets to decide for itself.

Fast forward to now, and nearly 40 states have legalized sports betting in some form. However, The Palmetto State is not one of them. And it doesn’t appear on the verge of joining the fray anytime soon.

To be sure, this is not akin to the views on sports betting in Idaho. State officials have actively discussed the prospect of South Carolina sports betting.

Most recently, a bill that would legalize sports betting in South Carolina appeared on the state legislature agenda back in 2023. But it failed to gain much traction. Policymakers were predominantly split over whether the proposed amendment was even constitutional.

Still, while the road to legal South Carolina sports betting remains long and winding, many expect the issue to resurface during 2025 meetings. Though we cannot predict the outcome of those talks, it does behoove us to look at the primary arguments that advocates are likely to use. In particular, there are three benefits that figure to be at the forefront.

South Carolina Sports Betting Already Happens, So Why Not Regulate It?

This is one of the most common arguments in favor of legal sports betting, period. The case of South Carolina sports betting is no different.

Residents are already participating. Specifically, access to offshore online sportsbooks has never been easier. And that’s before getting into people who travel across to state lines to place wagers. (More on this shortly.)

When people bet offshore, The Palmetto State not only fails to tax those transactions, but the customers are also at risk. International sports betting is not regulated by a U.S. governing body. While there are plenty of reputable offshore operators, consumers can sign up with bad apples. And when they do, they aren’t afforded any protections.

This changes if South Carolina sports betting becomes legal. Issues will still crop up internationally. But fewer residents will be inclined to explore offshore options with domestic sportsbooks at their disposal. And by driving business toward licensed sports betting operators in the United States, South Carolina is able to regulate the industry and provide cover for its residents.

Most Surrounding States Have Legalized Sports Betting

Another factor that is sure to shape South Carolina sports betting discussions will be the rising popularity of sports betting in the USA at large. As we already mentioned, nearly 40 states have some form of legal wagering. This number includes the states that border South Carolina.

The Seminole Tribe currently offers sports betting in Florida. On top of that, online sports betting in Tennessee is legal. And most notably, online sports betting in North Carolina launched this past March. As it stands, Georgia is the only state without legal sports betting that directly borders South Carolina.

Of course, North Carolina’s recent debut is the most relevant. That is the development many believe will push The Palmetto State to reconsider their stand. Many South Carolinans can easily cross the state’s border and place wagers in North Carolina.

At the same time, this isn’t about North Carolina sports betting specifically. It is more so about what it represents: near-total access. With sports betting legal in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee, so many South Carolinians now have semi-convenient ways to legally place wagers and enjoy consumer protection. And as the thinking goes, if The Palmetto State’s neighbors are capitalizing on South Carolina sports bettors, why shouldn’t South Carolina itself do the same?

Revenue Should be an Even Bigger Talking Point During South Carolina Legislative Minutes

Revenue has always played a big part in South Carolina sports betting debates. But it’s slated to play an ever larger role now that North Carolina has access to sports betting.

Experts believe The Tar Heel State will make serious money off tax revenue. While many don’t tend to care about a state’s budget, they do care about where that money goes. And as Savannah Denton wrote for News 13 in the Myrtle Beach area, North Carolina has big plans for their sports betting revenue:

“There are several ways the state plans to use the tax revenue. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will receive $2 million annually for gambling addiction education and treatment programs. North Carolina Amateur Sports will receive $1 million annually to expand the state’s youth sports opportunities. Thirteen universities in the state will receive the remaining 20% tax revenue to support their athletic programs. Each school could get a minimum of $300,000 each year.”

Truthfully, this may be the most potent argument of all. It may even be beyond reproach.

Don’t get us wrong. There are plenty of valid reasons for why people are against South Carolina sports betting. Problem gambling and targeted business practices are chief among them. But the tax dollars generated from legalization can also do plenty of good. University officials in North Carolina are already singing the praises of the funding they’ll receive from sports betting revenue.

Expect this argument to get plenty of attention in South Carolina. Whether it’s successful is a separate matter. But if any prospective benefit can sway prevailing sentiment, we’d expect it to be this one.

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: