The 2025 legislative session in South Carolina begins next month; however, a lawmaker has already put forth a sports betting bill, representing at least the fourth effort to introduce that type of gambling to the state. 

Republican Representative Chris Murphy from Dorchester County has recently presented House Bill 3625 (HB 3625), referred to as the South Carolina Wagering Act. If authorized and enacted, it would establish a regulated sports betting market in a state that has traditionally opposed gaming expansion. 

A notable aspect of Murphy’s legislation is that a minor — characterized as anyone under 18 years old — would not satisfy the minimum age requirement for a Palmetto State bettor to place a sports bet, if HB 3625 is enacted. Out of the 39 US jurisdictions where sports betting is currently allowed, only Kentucky, New Hampshire, Washington DC, and Wyoming permit 18-year-olds to place bets. 

‘Sports wagering’ means the business of accepting wagers on sporting events or portions of sporting events, the individual performance statistics of individuals in sporting events, or a combination of any of the same by any system or method of wagering approved by the director via a mobile sports wagering licensee’s mobile applications and digital platforms that use communications technology to accept wagers,” according to Murphy’s proposal.

The legislation would additionally permit daily fantasy sports (DFS) within the state. 

South Carolina Possesses a Troubling Sports Betting Background 

Earlier this year, Murphy backed another sports betting legislation, but that initiative didn't progress much. In the previous year, two bills concerning sports betting were introduced, one of which sought to support the state’s horse racing sector. Both garnered traction in the House but ultimately failed to be voted on in the Senate. 

A similar outcome occurred with a sports betting bill in 2022, and Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) is against expanding wagering, suggesting it may be a difficult challenge in South Carolina next year. Nonetheless, Murphy's latest legislation enjoys support from both parties. 

There is a perception that next year might be different for sports betting in South Carolina because of the revenue-generating effectiveness of that type of wagering in adjacent North Carolina. Conversely, evaluating the sports betting revenue of both Carolinas may be unjust since North Carolina's population is twice that of its southern counterpart. 

Details of South Carolina Sports Betting Legislation 

Murphy’s legislation suggests establishing the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission as a governing body to supervise sports betting within the state. The law similarly proposes a tax rate of 12.5%, which would rank among the most advantageous in the nation. 

If enacted, HB 3625 would permit eight licensees to function in the state, with the primary competition for the industry likely being the state lottery, since South Carolina lacks casinos. 

In terms of population, South Carolina surpasses several states that provide mobile betting, such as Louisiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, Iowa, and Kansas.