Online sports betting in South Carolina by 2020

South Carolina is still a longshot to get legal sports betting in the Palmetto state, even by the end of 2020.

Since the Supreme Court decision on May 14, 2018 struck down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA), states have been proposing legislation to legalize sports betting. As of late June, 2019, there are eight states with legal sports betting and 10 more states pending launch with legislation approval.

South Carolina has opposed gambling for centuries dating back to 1802. While the opportunity to bet on Clemson or South Carolina football and basketball games is alluring, it’s still a long ways off as is betting on pro football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, boxing, UCF and other sports.

There are no casinos in South Carolina, and only a lottery with the legal age for gambling age 21.

Legislation Updates on Sports Betting in South Carolina

In 2017, there was a House Bill (3101) proposed to amend South Carolina’s Constitution to allow “sports betting on professional sports.” The bill was not enacted by the close of the legislative session that year, and now in 2019 a new bill was introduced.

A gambling study committee comprised of state officials is looking into regulating gambling through Senate Bill S 71, and it would include sports betting. A report of its findings is due to the General Assembly on or before January 21, 2020.