Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?

Although legal sports betting hasn’t made it to SC yet, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Multiple sports betting bills have been proposed and 2024 could be a breakthrough year. South Carolinians also have some good betting options if they want to cross over the border to North Carolina, where online sports betting is legal.

South Carolina Sports Gambling Overview

What Is the Current Sports Betting Landscape in South Carolina?

South Carolina sports betting is not legal. However, the topic is very much on the table for South Carolina legislators, with bills introduced in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 that would have legalized sports betting in the state. The hitch is that none of those have yet gained much traction in the legislature, with HB 3795 making it as far as a Revenue Report Subcommittee in 2023.

Sports betting is legal north of the border in North Carolina however, and it has proved a popular option among sports fans in SC. As plainly stated by Van Denton, the communication director for the North Carolina state lottery, South Carolinians are totally free to bet in the state as long as they are “present in North Carolina, at least 21 years old, and not otherwise prohibited from wagering”.

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in South Carolina?

The signs are positive and it’s possible we’ll see progress in 2024. 

As well as the regular, if admittedly unsuccessful, presence of sports betting bills in the legislature, certain South Carolinian lawmakers have spoken out in favor of legalizing the activity. Former Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham has been the most vocal, suggesting that North Carolina should “trust people to make their own decisions on sports betting and be able to place a wager. And if we can fix our roads and pay our teachers a little bit more in the process, even better.”

A bill that would allow for up to eight online sportsbooks, HB 3749, was introduced in the 2023 legislative session. There is hope that it will gain more interest in 2024. 

South Carolina Sports Betting Updates

Check out our timeline below, showing the major events in South Carolina’s attempts to legalize sports betting. 

• March 11, 2024 - Online sports betting goes live in North Carolina.

• June 16, 2023 - The imminent arrival of legal sports betting in North Carolina could sway opinion among SC legislators, according to Mark Nagel of the University of South Carolina.

• April 4, 2023 - HB 3749 is introduced, which would allow for up to eight mobile sportsbooks. No significant progress is seen.

• April 21, 2022 - A new bill that would legalize retail and mobile betting is introduced.  HB 5277 enjoys bi-partisan support but again dies in committee.

• March 18, 2021 - The first retail sports bets are placed in North Carolina. 

• Jan. 12, 2021 - A new bill proposing to amend the constitution to allow various forms of gambling, HB 3395 is introduced. It makes it to the Committee before dying. 

• July 26, 2019 - Sports betting is officially legalized in North Carolina, as S 154 is signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper

• Jan. 8, 2019 - HJR 3409 and SJR 57 are introduced in the House. The joint resolutions would amend the South Carolina constitution to allow sports betting, and is supported by Sen. Gerald Malloy, Rep. J. Todd Rutherford and Rep. Kambrell Garvin. It never makes it beyond its first reading.

• May 2018 - The Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, paving the way for each state to decide its own sports betting laws. 

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in South Carolina?

When sports betting does eventually make it to South Carolina, we expect all the major US sportsbooks to make the move to the Palmetto State. In this section, we’re covering our favorite sportsbooks available right now across the border in North Carolina, which are all very likely candidates for South Carolina online sports betting. 

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App 

FanDuel is the number one sportsbook in the US in terms of revenue. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, sign up with FanDuel now. 

FanDuel pretty much ticks all the boxes. It’s a site with no major weaknesses, a perfect combination of being fun and easy to use for bettors of all skill levels, while also providing a deep and varied betting experience. The range of betting markets is up there with any other sportsbook in the US, comprising tons of bets on the most popular major leagues but also great betting options on more niche sports from around the world - unsurprising given FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, has its roots in Ireland. 

FanDuel’s mobile app is the highest rated in the country, providing a smooth and intuitive mobile betting experience. It’s ideal for live betting too, allowing you to place a bet while sitting in the stadium with just a few swipes on your phone. FanDuel’s on-running promotions are excellent, from daily specials to profit boosts, SGP promos and a Refer a Friend program.

Check out our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our top sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: Variety of Features

DraftKings is right up there with FanDuel as one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US. If you want a platform that offers the widest range of different features under one roof, I recommend DraftKings. 

There is a lot to explore on this platform. Starting with the basics, the betting options are truly excellent and I've often found niche markets on DraftKings that you won’t see at any other US sportsbooks. The sportsbook has year round dedicated pages for the likes of the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup, which is a nice touch. 

Casting the net a little wider, DraftKings also provides a ton of other interesting features. There are free pick’em games and sports betting pools. There is a social hub where you can chat with other DK users while you browse the site. There are (in states where they are legal) casino games and a poker room, as well as the DFS games. There’s even a DraftKings store where you can buy branded sports merch. 

DraftKings is the only US sportsbook that offers a minimum $5 deposit as standard, making them a great choice for lower stakes players. 

You can head over to our in-depth DraftKings review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM

Best for: In-person Perks

BetMGM is the online sportsbook of MGM Resorts, one of the biggest names in luxury casino gaming in the world. If you like the sound of earning free perks at MGM properties, you should choose BetMGM.

BetMGM has done an incredible job of integrating its online sportsbooks with the wider brand, thanks to MGM Rewards. Any time you spend money on any MGM product or service, from a sports bet to a hotel room, you earn loyalty points that determine your tier in the reward program. You can wind up cashing them in for everything from plane tickets to restaurant meals, while also unlocking various online betting bonuses along the way. You can even apply for an MGM Rewards Mastercard, which can earn you double points when you use it. 

Apart from the rewards program, the BetMGM sportsbook is also very impressive. The depth of betting markets is excellent, which includes fun tools like parlay builders and the ability to stream some games live in the in-play section.

You can read our full BetMGM review to learn more. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

4. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty Program

Caesars is another iconic brand in US gambling, and it’s got a sportsbook to match. If you want to earn rewards at Caesars resorts around the country, sign up now. 

Caesars Sportsbooks follows BetMGM’s lead by providing some excellent incentives for anyone who visits any in-person Caesars resorts, through their Caesars Rewards loyalty program. For a start, anyone who signs up can get specially discounted member rates on rooms at more than 50 Caesars destinations around the country. Even if you never intend to place a bet, it makes sense to join if you’re heading to a Caesars hotel. You’ll earn reward points any time you spend money on Caesars premises or place bets online, which you can cash in for betting bonuses and other perks. You can even wind up with tickets to top US sports events. 

Caesars sportsbook platform is on the simple side, well designed with a clean white and green color scheme. I love the way you can save your favorite betting markets in a little tab in the main menu, and the suggested parlays that pop up based on your browsing history on the platform. Little touches like these go a long way toward personalizing the betting experience.

You can head over to our Caesars Sportsbook review for lots more information. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

5. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Sports Swag

Fanatics sportsbook is a relative newcomer to the US sports betting industry, launching in January 2023. If you’re into collecting jerseys or merch, you need to join Fanatics. 

Fanatics' route into the world of sports betting is an interesting and unique one. The company is predominantly known as an online retailer for US sports clothing and memorabilia, from ancient baseball cards to the latest NFL jerseys. They have wisely decided to incorporate this into their sportsbook, and every bet you place earns you their special reward currency called FanCash. You can either redeem your FanCash for bonus bets and other online promos, or save it up and spend it on Fanatics online store. 

The Fanatics sportsbook is only available as a mobile app. This isn’t a big deal for most people, but I'm a bit of a traditionalist and I'd like to see a desktop option too. The app works great though, and has earned strong reviews right off the bat on both the Google Play Store and the App Store. 

I also want to shout out Fanatics’ unique withdrawal tracker, which is a really original and value-adding feature. It’s basically like an Uber Eats tracker, only for your sportsbook cashout, so you can keep track of the progress and see when the money should hit your account. 

Check out our in-depth Fanatics review to learn more about the site.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5 for 10 Days, Get $1,000 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

Nearby States With Legal Sports Betting

South Carolina borders Georgia, where sports betting is not legal, and North Carolina, where sports betting is very much legal. 

Legal retail sports betting was approved in North Carolina back in 2019, and the first bet was placed in March 2021. It took another four years for online betting to finally launch in the state, with the first bets placed online in March 2024. 

It was a bit of a long road for North Carolina, but the state is now looking to the future, with half a dozen of the best sportsbooks in the US already up and running in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM. For now, a short trip to North Carolina is the best option for sports betting fans in South Carolina. 

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in South Carolina?

NFL

The NFL is the most popular sport at US sportsbooks and the Super Bowl attracts the single most bets of any event every year. South Carolina itself has no NFL teams, but the sport is very popular in the state and college football thrives. The Carolina Panthers, located north of the border, represent both North and South Carolina and they enjoy a huge amount of support in the state. There are tons of ways to bet on the NFL, from basic moneyline and point spread bets on all the games throughout the season to tons of props that let you get really specific with your betting strategy. There are also plenty of bonuses and promotions at US sportsbooks designed especially for the NFL, with the whole thing going into overdrive during the postseason and the run up to the Super Bowl. For more information, head over to our NFL promotions page.

NBA

The NBA is also huge at US sportsbooks, with weekly promotions available throughout the regular season and plenty more in the postseason. The winner of the NBA Championship is one of the most popular futures bets in the country, while you can also bet on everything from layups to rebounds from individual players. North of the border, the Charlotte Hornets are hugely popular in both North and South Carolina, and they would attract a huge amount of interest if sports betting does eventually make it to SC. Head over to our NBA promotions page to learn more. 

MLB

There is plenty of interest in baseball in the state, despite the lack of an MLB franchise in the Carolinas. South Carolina and Clemson both have well regarded college baseball teams, while the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers won the 2016 college world series. The MLB provides pretty much unparalleled betting opportunities at US sportsbooks, with an incredible depth of games throughout the season which favors dedicated bettors who are prepared to get into the weeds on stats and matchups. The winner of the World Series is a very popular futures bet too. For more on the latest MLB promos, check out our MLB bonuses page.

NHL

The Carolina Hurricanes, 2006 Stanley Cup winners, are located north of the border in Raleigh and enjoy plenty of support in the Carolinas. There are a couple of lower league hockey teams in the vicinity too, as well as a hockey program at the Clemson University Tigers - somewhat surprising given the distinct lack of natural ice in the vicinity. The Stanley Cup is one of the most wagered-on events of the year at US sportsbooks, and you can find plenty of interesting hockey promos throughout the season. Check out our NHL betting promotions page for more info.

UFC

The UFC is one of the fastest growing sports organizations in the world, and is the premier choice for US sports fans who want to bet on MMA. There are lots of interesting and unique ways to bet on the UFC, from straight up winner plays to betting on the round that the bout ends or the manner of victory. UFC promos are not quite as common as for the major leagues we’ve already covered, but they are becoming more popular. For everything you need to know about betting on the UFC, head over to our UFC betting guide.

What Kinds of Bets Will Be Available in South Carolina?

US sportsbooks feature all kinds of ways to bet on pretty much any sport attracting interest from the general public. In this section, we’re running through all the most popular types of bets you can find. 

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is simply a bet on which side will win a game. The sportsbook assigns odds to each side reflecting their chances of winning, which determine the payout of a successful bet. Here’s how it might look:

• LA Lakers (-150)

• Golden State Warriors (+130)

To understand how moneyline odds work, it’s easiest to think in terms of $100 increments. Here, the Lakers are the favorite, which is always the team with the negative odds. You would need to bet $150 on them in order to win $100, for a payout of $250. The Warriors are the underdog, and a $100 bet would win $130 for a payout of $230. 

Point Spread Bets

Betting on the spread is all about the margin of victory, rather than simply who wins or loses. The sportsbook sets a spread of points that theoretically makes up for the difference in the abilities of the two teams, like a headstart for the underdog. Here’s how it might look:

• LA Lakers -3.5 (-110)

• Golden State Warriors +3.5 (-110)

Here, the spread is 3.5 points. To win a bet on the Lakers, they need to win the game by 4 points or more - known as covering the spread. If you bet on the Warriors, they just need to avoid losing by 4 points, so even losing by a couple of points would be enough to win a bet on them against the spread. The odds for these bets tend to be around -110 for both sides. 

Totals Bets

A totals bet is a bet on the total combined number of points scored in a game. The winner of the game does not affect the outcome of the bet. Here’s how it might look:

LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors 

• Over 224.5 (-110)

• Under 224.5 (-110)

The sportsbook sets a line of points, in this case 224.5, and you can either bet on the Over or the Under. The line is set so that it’s around a 50/50 shot, meaning the odds are around -110 for both sides. 

Futures Bets

As you can probably guess from the name, this type of bet focuses on an outcome sometime in the future, rather than an individual game. We normally talk about futures bets in terms of the winners of championships. The winners of the Super Bowl, the NBA Championship, and events like Wimbledon or the Olympics are all popular futures markets. The odds tend to be pretty decent too, especially if you place your bets at the start of the season or competition. 

Prop Bets

Props or proposition bets focus on events and statistics within games, rather than on the outcome of the game itself. Often split into team props or player props, examples include betting on throwing yards in the NFL, layups in the NBA or goals in soccer. It’s a great way to bet on your favorite athletes, rather than on the team as a whole, and it allows you to get very granular with your betting strategy. You can also find more lighthearted or novelty props, like betting on the songs at the halftime show in the Super Bowl. 

Live Betting

As the name suggests, this involves betting on games as they happen live, with the odds and bets changing second to second depending on what is happening on the field. It’s a fast paced and dynamic way to bet, but probably better suited to at least intermediate bettors. You can normally find live versions of all the most popular bets, including moneylines, point spreads and totals, with the numbers changing all the time. Live betting also has lots of “next” markets, like the next team to score, the next home run, or the next player to receive a yellow card. 

Expected Restrictions on Betting in South Carolina?

All states with legal sports betting also include certain restrictions, including the following:

• Betting on political events, like the results of elections, is normally not legal. 

• Betting on entertainment events, like the Academy Awards, is not usually allowed.

• The laws on betting on eSports vary depending on the state, with some making it fully legal and others outlawing it. 

• Betting on high school sports is usually not legal. 

• Betting on college sports also varies a lot. Some states enjoy pretty much unrestricted betting on the NCAA. Others have some restrictions, like banning prop bets on athletes or outlawing bets on events and teams that take place within state lines. Still, other states ban college betting altogether. It remains to be seen what South Carolina would do, although college sports are very popular in the state. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in South Carolina?

There are no specific Daily Fantasy Sports laws in South Carolina, but DFS sites are available in the state and have historically operated with no major issues. 

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Variety of Sports and Contests

DraftKings launched back in 2012 and since then, along with FanDuel, has been at the forefront of the DFS explosion in the US. Today, it ranks as my number one in terms of the range of different types of contests and sports on offer, just pipping FanDuel to the post. You’ll find tons of different ways to play at DraftKings, from head to head matchups to large multi-person contests with huge prize pools. The DraftKings DFS app is excellent, with a near perfect 4.8 rating on the App Store, and making it exceptionally easy to play on the go. I love the customizable settings available on DraftKings, including the ability to create your own private leagues and invite friends. 

Claim your DK DFS Bonus of up to $500. 

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners 

FanDuel is right up there with DraftKings, offering a very similar range of contests and games but just lagging behind in terms of the number of sports on offer. I recommend FanDuel to anyone who is trying out DFS for the first time, due to their user-friendly platform and mobile app, as well as their specially designed contests for beginners. You get to play in contests consisting entirely of users who have recently signed up, letting you learn the ropes against other newbies before you jump in against more experienced players. There are also free play contests, where you can win real money without risking anything yourself. 

Grab FanDuel's 100% deposit match. 

3. OwnersBox DFS

Best For: Something Different

OwnersBox is a newer fantasy site that has come up with some stripped down games to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel. The games tend to last over the course of a week (think WFS) rather than a day, giving players more time to build their rosters and consider their strategy. The two main formats are known as Lighting Lineups and SuperFlex, and utilize AI suggestions to help you build your roster. It’s an overall simpler and less consuming way to play. OwnersBox have contests for the four main major leagues, but not much outside of them. 

Don't miss out on OwnersBox up to $500 deposit match. 

Is Fliff Legal in South Carolina?

Fliff is legal in South Carolina. Fliff is a social sportsbook, where you can play games that resemble traditional sports bets for free with no purchase required. It’s a great option if you live in a state without legal sports betting, like SC. 

All the betting games at Fliff can be played using two types of virtual currency, known as Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. Both can be received for free through various bonuses, and Fliff Coins can also be purchased if you run out of your free supply. When you use Fliff Cash you are playing in sweepstakes mode, and your winning coins can be redeemed for cash prizes. 

There is a first purchase bonus available right now for new players at Fliff, worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash. Head over to our in-depth Fliff review for more details. 

Claim your Fliff 100% deposit match. 

Sports Teams in South Carolina

There are no major league teams in South Carolina. However, those found in North Carolina are widely followed in the South and are generally considered to represent the Carolinas as a whole. College sports, especially NCAA football, is also very popular in North Carolina. 

Check out the most popular teams:

• Carolina Panthers (NFL) - The Panthers actually played their first season in Clemson, South Carolina. They have won two NFC championships but are yet to win the Super Bowl.

• Charlotte Hornets (NBA) - The Hornets were established as an expansion team back in 1988. They are minority owned by Michael Jordan, after he sold his controlling stake in the team in 2023.

• Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) - The Hurricanes have been based in Raleigh since 1997, after previously representing Connecticut as the Hartford Whalers. They won the 2006 Stanley Cup. 

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at WSN.com, we are committed to bringing you honest and useful information about sports betting in the US. We aren’t here to persuade you of anything or try to get you to sign up to any sites - we just want to provide our insight and opinions. 

Everything that gets published on our site is based on first hand research and experience. We sign up to the sportsbooks, claim the bonuses, place the bets and withdraw the winnings, all so we can give you an accurate perspective of how it feels for a regular bettor. If we find something we don’t like or think could be improved, we call it out. 

Our writers are really just regular sports and betting fans. We know what makes a great sportsbook and what can negatively affect the user experience. Ultimately, we just want to help you make the best decisions for you.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in South Carolina

Sports betting is not yet legal in South Carolina, but there are still tons of resources out there for anyone struggling with any kind of gambling in the state. That goes for friends and family of anyone affected by gambling problems too. 

Here are some organizations you can contact:

• The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services includes support for people struggling with gambling addiction. They can be called at 1-877-452-5155.

• The National Council on Problem Gambling provides nationwide support in the US. You can call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM, or find live chat support on the website. 

• Gamblers Anonymous is another nationwide support service that hosts meetings in South Carolina. 

Legal and regular sportsbooks in other states also provide tools for its users, to help them gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits and Loss Limits let you set a limit in advance for how much you can spend or lose over a given period of time. If you exceed your limit, the site will block you from playing or depositing. 

• Opting-Out of Marketing Notifications is a useful step to avoid temptation from the sportsbook sending you offers or encouragement to keep playing. 

• Cool-off Periods let you take a break by locking your account temporarily.

• Self-Exclusion permanently bans yourself from a site if you want to stop playing forever.