South Carolina's Sports Betting Bill Progress Update

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Sports Betting Prospects in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the push towards legalizing sports betting continues to face significant challenges, despite a sports betting bill that has been under consideration since last year. Recently, the bill received a hearing, marking a step forward in a state traditionally resistant to gambling expansion. The proposed legislation aims to legalize both in-person and online sports betting, with plans to establish the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission and authorize up to eight sports betting apps. Notably, the bill sets the legal betting age at 18, which is lower than the typical 21 in many other states.

Recent developments include an amendment approved by a 3-2 vote, allowing entities like the PGA Tour and NASCAR to hold sports betting licenses in South Carolina. This change could potentially bring significant local stakeholders on board, which might influence the political climate around the bill. Despite the progress, there remains a considerable political hurdle, as the current legislative session closes on May 7th, and the governor has historically opposed gambling expansion.

Supporters of the bill argue that sports betting is occurring regardless through illegal channels, as evidenced by numerous attempts to access blocked sports betting apps and accounts from South Carolina addresses. They suggest that regulating and taxing sports betting could benefit the state financially, with projections estimating around $60 million annually in tax revenues. However, this amount is seen as minimal relative to the state's overall budget.

As the legislative deadline approaches, it will be crucial to monitor whether the changing landscape and increased stakeholder involvement can sway the historically anti-gambling sentiment in the South Carolina legislature.