Legal Betting in South Carolina

Introduction

Gambling South Carolina has among the strictest gambling statutes on the books in the entire United States and there is barely any instance in which gambling is even allowed let alone regulated. This paper will discuss the law surrounding betting, the major players in the 'underground' sports betting market, the lack of legal bookmakers (bookies) and the types of bets offered by unregulated entities. It also examines the wider betting market – including legislative changes, social changes and shifts in enforcement – to give the complete picture as of June 2025 of the state of play of gambling in the state.

Betting Legalities

South Carolina’s gambling laws (found at South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16, Chapter 19) ban sports betting, casino gambling, and internet gambling. It is only legal when lawfully publicly and privately regulated and sanctioned. The state lottery was established in 2002 and charity bingo is allowed with very restrictive stipulations. Sports betting, online or in-person, is still illegal, and no sportsbooks have been licensed in the state. South Carolina In 2025, House Bill 3625, the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act, introduced on April 22, 2025, sought to legalize online sports betting for players 18 and older. This legislation has yet to pass, indicating the state’s reluctance to expand gambling. It leaves residents who use offshore betting sites in a legal limbo, and a pair of June 2025 lawsuits filed in Oconee County point toward some focus on unregulated daily fantasy sports and sweepstakes casinos operators, a signal of efforts to bring down illegal gambling.

Famous Companies in the Betting Industry

Because of the ban on sports betting and online gambling in South Carolina, there are no legal betting companies allowed to do business in the state. A sign that some of those residents are already availing offshore platforms such as Bet365, DraftKings or FanDuel, which are big in states with legal betting but not permitted within South Carolina. Participation on these platforms could be illegal according to state law, resulting in users facing both courts of law and with legal and monetary damages. Unlicensed, local bookmakers are also running underground, serving gamblers interested in betting on sports. There is no legal market so the black ones thrive - there are no consumer protections.

Offline Establishments and Betting Sites

South Carolina has no offline betting facilities such as sportbooks or casinos because this type of gambling is illegal in the state. And unlike neighboring North Carolina, which has legalized sports betting, in South Carolina, there are no in-person outlets for betting. Some residents travel to other nearby states to place legal bets, especially during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Charitable bingo only Bingo can be played at charity bingo halls, and no other gaming is allowed. Without legal outlets, gambling shifts underground or to adjacent states.

Types of Bets at the Market

With no legal betting available, illicit markets reign in South Carolina. Moneylines, point spreads, and over/under bets are among the most popular types of bets that you can make on sports like football, basketball, and baseball. A full complement of player or game outcome-related prop bets and higher-reward, multi-bet parlay wagers are other popular choices amongst offshore platform or local bookmaker customers. These wagers are similar to bets in legal gambling markets, but they are not regulated, and because of this lack of regulation, they are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

List of Key Information About Betting in South Carolina

• State Lottery Proceeds: Funds are allocated to education programs, including scholarships and school infrastructure.
• Bingo Regulations: Charitable bingo is limited to licensed nonprofits, with caps on prize amounts.
• Offshore Platform Risks: Users face potential data breaches and financial losses without legal recourse.
• Legislative History: Earlier bills, like House Bill 5277 (2021), also failed to legalize sports betting.
• Enforcement Actions: Misdemeanor charges may apply for participating in illegal betting operations.

Overview of Betting Regulations in South Carolina

Momentum and Hurdles in the Legislature

The 2018 U.S. Supreme Court upholding the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act left it up to states to legalize sports betting which led South Carolina to consider a change. Online sports betting latest in a series In a hearing held on April 22, 2025, House Bill 3625 marks the latest attempt at legalizing online sports betting after prior failed attempts, namely, 2021 House Bill 5277. Supporters tout the possible tax proceeds; critics point to gambling addiction and moral reservations and that’s where the legislation gets stuck.

Attitudes of the Culture Toward Betting

Your family has no less authority to inform your response to gambling than South Carolina’s conservative cultural and religious heritage. Betting is seen as ethically problematic by many residents and lawmakers, causing reform efforts to stumble. But younger and sports fanatic demographics now favor legal betting as well, including betting online, which could indicate a change in view minutes down the line that will certainly impact future policy discussions.

Enforcement and Illegal Betting

Recent enforcement efforts like the June 2025 cases in Oconee County to shut down daily fantasy sports and sweepstakes casinos point to South Carolina’s ongoing resolve to stamp out illicit gambling. These litigations focus on illegal betting products offered via platforms and further demonstrate the dangers of the black market. The large number of local bookmakers as well as offshore bookmaking platforms is another reminder of the interest in gambling, despite the legal prohibitions.

Conclusion

Gambling in South Carolina The state’s gambling terrain is limited by regulations preventing sport gambling, internet gambling, and most other modes of wagering. The state lottery and charitable bingo are the only legal gambling, and off-shore operations and local bookmakers cover the grey market. House Bill 3625, a topic of conversation with Jay Bozievich in April 2025, suggests room for reform, but it is clear that cultural conservatism and legislative barriers remain. Recent crackdowns on unregulated platforms highlight the dangers of underground betting. Before that occurs, South Carolina’s gambling landscape will continue to be a fusion of limited, grey area operations and high-stake criminal ventures, with the shape of the future dependent on shifting public and political attitudes.