Published on: February 19, 2026, 09:52h.
Updated on: February 19, 2026, 09:52h.
- South Carolina is revisiting sports betting legislation
- The state remains among the 11 without legalized sports wagering
- Governor McMaster continues to oppose gambling legalization
Once again, the topic of sports betting is taking center stage in the South Carolina General Assembly this legislative year.
Senate Bill 444, introduced in 2025 by Senators Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) and Matt Leber (R-Charleston), seeks to authorize online sports betting. The establishment of a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to oversee this new form of gambling is also proposed.
On Wednesday, the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee reviewed the previously addressed sports betting bill, but it was not brought to a vote.
If SB444 is enacted, each online sportsbook license would come at a cost of $1 million, with yearly renewals also set at $1 million. The proposal stipulates that the state would claim 12.5% of the gross revenue generated from these online sportsbooks.
Sports Betting Anomaly
Since the Supreme Court’s decision in May 2018, which deemed it unconstitutional for a federal law to allow sports betting in Nevada while prohibiting it elsewhere, 39 states and D.C. have implemented laws to legalize sports gambling. South Carolina, however, is among the 11 states that have yet to do so.
With North Carolina offering legal sports betting, lawmakers in South Carolina argue it is time to retain the funding for their own state rather than allowing it to flow to their neighbor.
“Last year, North Carolina saw $129 million generated from online sports bets. Numerous South Carolinians are crossing into North Carolina to gamble,” said Senator Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg) during the committee hearing, as reported by WYFF News.
North Carolina invests its sports betting tax revenue into attracting significant events, promoting job creation, and drawing in investments.
Though South Carolina has a population roughly half that of North Carolina, advocates believe sports betting could yield between $50 million and $60 million annually for their state.
“This could open doors for potential tax reductions and enhance pay for first responders. There’s a broad range of advantages,” Kimbrell added.
Opposition from the Governor
In addition to strong resistance from community leaders, the sports betting bill in South Carolina may face a veto from Governor Henry McMaster (R).
“I’ve always been against gambling,” McMaster stated recently.
McMaster’s public opposition extends to proposals for commercial casinos in the state. As he approaches the end of his term, the governor aims to leave his mark before stepping down.
Kimbrell has declared intent to run for governor following McMaster. However, recent polls indicate he holds only about 4% of voter approval.
Current frontrunners for the governor’s seat in 2026 include US Representative Nancy Mace (R-NC) and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Mace has not publicly commented on sports betting, while Wilson is staunchly opposed.
Wilson has referred to online sports betting as “seamless gambling” that can lead to financial despair and other societal issues.