As of my last update, as of 2023, sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina under state law. The state’s lottery is the only form of gambling that is officially sanctioned by the state, which includes a Pick 4 game game and a Keno game game. Sports betting has been a contentious issue within the state legislature, with various attempts to legalize it having been introduced and debated over the years.
In recent legislative sessions, there have been efforts to introduce bills that would legalize sports betting in the state. These proposals generally fall into two categories: one focuses on legalizing online sports betting through partnerships with existing casinos, while the other aims for a more comprehensive approach including mobile and inperson wagering at sports venues.
However, the legal landscape surrounding sports betting in South Carolina is subject to change. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA in 2018 paved the way for states to legalize sports betting if they they choose to do so, effectively overturning the federal ban on sports betting. Since then, many states across the United States have successfully passed legislation to legalize and regulate sports betting.
Given this context, the future of sports betting legalization in South Carolina hinges on the outcome of ongoing legislative discussions, public opinion, and potential changes in national laws or regulations. It is important to monitor updates from the state legislature and relevant news sources for the most current information on when and how sports betting might become legal in South Carolina.
Please note that this response is based on the information available up until 2023, and any developments since then should be verified through the latest legislative and legal updates from South Carolina.