Welcome to your ultimate guide for South Carolina sports betting! If you’re eager to get in on the action but not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sports betting in the Palmetto State, including the legal landscape, top sportsbooks, latest news, and much more.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports betting, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information and resources to navigate the exciting world of South Carolina sports betting with confidence and success. Now, let’s get started!
Is Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?
The Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting across the United States. Since then, many states have introduced new legislation, amended their constitution, or renegotiated tribal gaming compacts in order to launch online or retail sportsbooks within their borders.
Today, more than 75% of U.S. states have legalized sports wagering in some capacity, and this number will only continue to grow as more states recognize the economic potential, embrace the changing attitudes toward sports betting, and respond to the increasing demand from their residents for a regulated and safe betting environment.
Unfortunately, South Carolina has not yet made sports betting legal in the state, and its gambling laws are among the strictest in the country. Casino-style games, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, and poker are all strictly prohibited. Gambling in the Palmetto State is currently limited to state lottery games, charitable bingo, and casino boats.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in South Carolina?
Despite the state’s strict anti-gambling stance, South Carolina legislators have introduced bills to legalize sports betting nearly every year since PASPA was struck down in 2018. In 2019, HJR 3409 and SJR 57 called for an amendment to the state’s constitution and would have allowed sports betting, casinos, and several other forms of gambling. However, both bills failed to gain much traction and died in committee.
House Bill 3395, which was co-sponsored by Representatives Todd Rutherford and Lucas Atkinson in 2021, also proposed to legalize sports betting through an amendment to the state’s constitution, but the bill failed to make it beyond the House. In 2022, HB 5277 was introduced with bipartisan support and sought to allow statewide mobile wagering on sporting events but ultimately failed to move forward.
The latest attempt, House Bill 3749, was introduced in January 2023. It proposed to legalize wagering on both college and professional sporting events for anyone 18 years or older and allow up to eight mobile betting operators in the state. However, the bill failed to clear the South Carolina Senate in May.
As a result, it is currently unknown when sports betting will launch in South Carolina. The legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina in June 2023 could help get the ball rolling in the Palmetto State and fuel legislative efforts in 2024, but the future of South Carolina sports betting remains murky and riddled with uncertainties.
What Are the Best South Carolina Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
There are currently no online or mobile sportsbooks authorized to operate in South Carolina. However, many of the top U.S. sportsbooks may look to launch their platform in the state should an opportunity ever present itself. Here are a few likely candidates:
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: Top-Tier Mobile App
- Full Review: FanDuel Sportsbook Review
FanDuel is a leading sportsbook known for its top-tier mobile app, providing users with a seamless and user-friendly betting experience. With a wide range of sports markets and betting options, FanDuel offers diverse opportunities for sports enthusiasts to engage in wagering.
The sportsbook also stands out with its excellent customer service, ensuring that users receive prompt assistance and support whenever needed. Additionally, FanDuel frequently offers attractive promotions, enhancing the overall betting experience for its users.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: Speedy Payouts
- Full Review: BetMGM Sportsbook Review
BetMGM is a popular sportsbook that combines a user-friendly interface with a comprehensive selection of sports and betting markets. One of its standout features is the integration of casino games, allowing users to seamlessly transition between sports betting and online casino gaming. With competitive odds and a variety of betting options, BetMGM caters to both novice and experienced bettors. Moreover, the sportsbook ensures speedy payouts, providing users with a reliable and efficient withdrawal process.
bet365 Sportsbook
- Available States: CO, IA, NJ, OH, & VA.
- Best Feature: Incredible Market Depth
- Full Review: bet365 Sportsbook Review
bet365 is a well-established sportsbook known for its extensive coverage of sports events worldwide. With a wide range of betting markets and competitive odds, bet365 appeals to sports bettors looking for diverse options. The sportsbook also offers live streaming of matches, allowing users to follow the action in real time while placing their bets. With its user-friendly interface and reliable platform, bet365 provides a seamless betting experience for both desktop and mobile users.
SuperBook Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, IA, MD, NV, NJ, OH, & TN.
- Best Feature: Excellent Customer Rewards Program
- Full Review: SuperBook Sportsbook Review
SuperBook is a renowned sportsbook that has made its mark in the industry with its fantastic customer loyalty program. With each bet placed, users earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for various rewards, such as free bets, merchandise, or exclusive experiences. SuperBook also prides itself on providing competitive odds, ensuring that users can find value in their wagers. Widely available and accessible, SuperBook offers a user-friendly platform that caters to sports bettors of all levels.
How Can I Bet on Sports in South Carolina?
If you’re a sports bettor in the Palmetto State, you’re options are quite limited. However, you’re not completely out of luck. Listed and explained below are a few potential opportunities to consider.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks present a potential option for South Carolina sports bettors. However, it’s important to approach these platforms with caution. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside the jurisdiction of the United States, which means they may not adhere to the same regulations and consumer protections as licensed and regulated sportsbooks within the country.
Bettors should be aware of the potential legal implications, varying levels of security and trustworthiness, and limited recourse in case of disputes. It’s advisable to prioritize engaging with licensed and regulated sportsbooks that provide a safer and more reliable betting experience.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is not explicitly regulated or legalized in South Carolina. However, it is also not prohibited, meaning the state allows DFS to exist in a legal gray area. As a result, South Carolina residents can participate in daily and weekly contests offered by major DFS operators, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, ParlayPlay, and many others.
Horse Racing
Unfortunately, betting on horse racing is currently prohibited in South Carolina. Wagers cannot be placed in person at racetracks or simulcast facilities, and horse racing betting sites (e.g., TwinSpires and AmWager) are also unavailable.
However, this could change in the near future, as there have been considerable efforts by South Carolina lawmakers in recent years to legalize horse racing betting. For example, House Bill 3514 was introduced by Representative Russell Ott in January 2023 and would have allowed pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. HB 3514 managed to pass a vote in the House but ultimately failed to make it out of the Senate.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in South Carolina?
Although sports betting is not available in the state of South Carolina, you will always have the option to visit other U.S. states that have legalized the activity and currently offer online or in-person betting opportunities. Two of South Carolina’s bordering states, North Carolina and Tennessee, have legal betting options, which are discussed in further detail below.
North Carolina
North Carolina launched retail sports betting in March 2021, and there are currently three locations in the Tar Heel State that offer in-person wagering on sporting events: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.
In addition, North Carolina officially legalized online sports betting in June 2023, and it is expected that mobile sportsbooks will launch in the state at some point in early 2024. North Carolina will allow for remote registration, meaning South Carolina residents can sign up and get everything set up in their home state before driving across the border to place their wagers.
Tennessee
Tennessee legalized sports betting in May 2019, and the first wagers were accepted in November 2020. The Volunteer State doesn’t offer retail sports betting but does allow wagers to be placed statewide using any of the 12 mobile sportsbooks licensed and currently operating within its borders. South Carolina bettors can sign up with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and plenty of other high-quality sports betting platforms and place wagers while visiting.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in South Carolina
Time needed: 5 minutes
Are you ready to get started? Follow the steps provided below to start betting on all your favorite sports and leagues!
- Choose Your Sportsbook
Research and select an online sportsbook that is available in a nearby state (e.g., North Carolina or Tennessee). Look for a reputable platform that offers a wide range of sports markets, competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and secure payment options.
- Register for an Account
Visit your preferred sportsbook’s website or download their mobile app to begin the sign-up process. Provide all required information, choose a password, and agree to the Terms & Conditions. This step can typically be done from anywhere, including your home or any convenient location in South Carolina.
- Verify Your Information
Complete the verification process by providing any necessary documents, such as a valid ID or proof of address. This step ensures compliance with legal and security requirements and may involve submitting scanned copies or photos of the requested documents.
- Make Your First Deposit
Once your account is verified, navigate to the deposit section of the sportsbook. Choose a suitable payment method, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers, and follow the instructions to fund your account with the desired amount.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
Check if the sportsbook offers a welcome bonus or promotional offers for new customers. Read the terms and conditions associated with the bonus and follow the specified requirements to claim the offer.
- Start Placing Bets
With funds in your account, you can now explore the sportsbook’s offerings and start placing bets. Browse the available sports markets, select the desired events or games, choose your bet type (e.g., moneyline, spread, totals), and enter the stake amount. Double-check your selections and confirm your bet. You will need to be physically located in the state where your sportsbook is licensed to operate when placing your wager.
What Teams Can I Bet on in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a vibrant sports culture, with passionate fans who rally behind their favorite athletes and embrace the competitive spirit of various sports. A few of the most popular teams among South Carolina residents are discussed below.
South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks, representing the University of South Carolina, are a beloved collegiate sports team in the state. Known for their fierce determination and passionate fan base, the Gamecocks compete in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more, capturing the attention and loyalty of South Carolina sports enthusiasts.
Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers, hailing from Clemson University, are another powerhouse in South Carolina sports. Their football program, in particular, has gained national recognition, consistently competing at a high level and securing numerous championships. Clemson Tigers’ games create an electric atmosphere, uniting fans across the state in unwavering support.
Carolina Panthers
As an NFL team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers have a strong following among South Carolina sports fans. With their close proximity, the Panthers have cultivated a dedicated fan base in the state, who cheer on the team during thrilling football matchups and proudly represent the Carolinas in the NFL.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets, an NBA team based in Charlotte, also garner significant support from South Carolina sports fans. Representing the region in professional basketball, the Hornets showcase their skills on the court, captivating fans with their exciting gameplay and creating a sense of regional pride among South Carolina basketball enthusiasts.
Strategies & Tips for South Carolina Bettors
Although sports betting is not yet legal in South Carolina, it’s never too early to start learning the best strategies to implement and guidelines to follow to set yourself up for long-term success. Here are some tips and tricks for South Carolina sports bettors:
- Set a Budget: It’s crucial to establish a budget for your sports betting activities and stick to it. Determine the amount of money you’re willing to wager and avoid chasing losses by betting more than you can afford. Responsible bankroll management is key to long-term success in sports betting.
- Stay Disciplined and Patient: Patience and discipline are key virtues in sports betting. Avoid making impulsive bets based on emotional reactions or chasing immediate gratification. Stick to your pre-determined strategy, trust the process, and be patient for favorable betting opportunities.
- Learn From Successful Bettors: Study the strategies and approaches of successful bettors. Read books and articles, or follow reputable sports betting analysts who share their insights and expertise. Understanding different betting methodologies can expand your knowledge and help you refine your own approach.
- Utilize Betting Forums & Communities: Engage with online betting forums or communities where you can discuss strategies, share insights, and learn from experienced bettors. These platforms can provide valuable information, tips, and advice to improve your sports betting knowledge and decision-making.
- Regularly Assess & Adjust Your Strategy: Sports betting is dynamic, and strategies that work in one season may not be as effective in another. Regularly assess your betting strategy, review your results, and make necessary adjustments based on your analysis and evolving market conditions. Adaptability and continuous improvement are key to long-term success.
South Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
No, online sports betting is not yet legal in South Carolina, despite the considerable efforts of state legislators in recent years.
There are currently no online or mobile sportsbooks authorized to operate in South Carolina. However, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, and SuperBook stand out as a few of the top U.S. sportsbooks that are likely to enter the Palmetto State should an opportunity arise.
Yes! Like many other states, South Carolina allows daily fantasy sports (DFS) to exist in a legal gray area, as there are no specific laws allowing or prohibiting these types of platforms. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, and plenty of other popular DFS sites are available to residents of the state.
No, betting on horse racing is not legal in the state of South Carolina.
Yes, you can potentially use a virtual private network (VPN) to spoof your location and place wagers from a state that has not yet legalized sports betting. However, we strongly discourage you from doing so. Once your sportsbook finds out, they will likely ban your account and make your forfeit all winnings.
