South Carolina lawmakers are set to formally revisit legalized sports betting, becoming the first state in 2026 to schedule a hearing on the issue. The discussion will center on Senate Bill 444, a proposal that would authorize online sports wagering statewide. It will take place before the South Carolina Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee, marking an early push for expanding gambling in South Carolina.
Under the proposal, sports betting in South Carolina would be limited to a capped group of online operators, with no more than eight licenses available statewide.
The measure, sponsored by senators Tom Davis and Matthew W. Leber, sets a baseline tax structure that would assess wagering activity at 12.5% of adjusted revenue, while allowing operators to offset that figure through promotional deductions.
Oversight of the market would fall to a newly created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, which would be responsible for licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
To narrow the operator applicant pool, only companies already operating in at least five other regulated states would be eligible to apply. Prospective operators would face a $100,000 non-refundable application fee and a $1 million licensing fee, with licenses issued for five-year terms.
The bill also takes a more permissive stance than many states in several areas. It would allow wagering on collegiate sports and set the minimum betting age at 18 instead of 21.
Revenue generated by the market would be directed primarily to the state’s general fund, with smaller allocations earmarked for local governments, gambling addiction treatment programs, and the commission’s operating costs.
If legalized, sports betting in South Carolina would open access to a sizable new market in the Southeast. With a population of more than five million residents and no current legal sports wagering options, demand has largely been pushed across state lines.
Many bettors already travel to neighboring North Carolina, where regulated sports betting is available, highlighting the level of unmet in-state interest.
Bringing a regulated market online would also provide an alternative to offshore sportsbooks, which currently fill the gap for some South Carolina bettors.
Unlike licensed operators, offshore platforms are not subject to U.S. consumer protection standards, responsible gambling requirements, or dispute resolution oversight.
By offering a legal, in-state option, South Carolina could redirect wagering activity into a regulated environment, keeping bettors within a system designed to provide safeguards, transparency, and accountability.
If sports betting is approved, the proposed framework would limit the market to eight online licenses, creating a competitive but controlled environment.
While no operators have been officially selected, the eligibility requirements strongly favor established national brands that already operate in multiple regulated jurisdictions.
Based on those criteria, companies such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and bet365 would all meet the requirement of operating in at least five other states.
It’s important to note that this is purely a projection, not an indication of confirmed participation. Final operator selection would depend on the application process and regulatory review.
