New Sports Betting Bill Proposed in South Carolina

It didn’t take long for the first sports betting bill of the 2025 legislative session in South Carolina.

Representative Chris Murphy (R) introduced a new bill to legalize sports betting in the Palmetto State. House Bill 3625 would create the South Carolina Wagering Act, creating a legal market. The Act would create eight sports betting operating licenses and charge a tax rate of 12.5%. It would also create the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the industry.

If passed, the Act would create a fairly standard US sports betting market, except for the minimum age. Bettors in South Carolina must be at least 18, joining a small group of states with a minimum age below 21.

Daily Fantasy Sports would also be legalized if the Act becomes law. The industry is currently unregulated in the state, incentivizing the state to legalize it. 

The bill has bi-partisan support, with a democratic representative signing as a co-sponsor. While past attempts to legalize sports betting haven’t gone well, proponents hope neighboring North Carolina's success will change that in 2025. Not only has the market seen incredible success, but it is also luring South Carolina residents across the border to place wagers.

College Sports Could Present Hurdle

While proponents of HB 3625 hope their northern neighbors' success will help, there are other hurdles the bill will have to clear. Chief among those is wagering on college sports. The bill’s language allows bettors to wager on college athletics, including in-state teams.

The regulations around wagering on college sports have come under fire over the last couple of years. The NCAA has reported a startling uptick in the harassment of athletes. Angry bettors are seeking out players they blame for lost bets on social media and in person.

The NCAA has requested states ban college prop betting, and many markets are beginning to take action. Some are banning the controversial bet or eliminating wagering on in-state teams. Wyoming is considering a different route, increasing the penalties for any bettors found guilty of harassment. 

Time will tell how South Carolina lawmakers approach the issue as the bill is being considered.