Online Sports Betting in South Carolina 2024
Curious if the Palmetto State will legalize online sportsbooks anytime soon? Although sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina, recent efforts—like a 2023 bill to legalize sports betting apps—show growing support for change.
In this guide, you’ll find the latest updates on South Carolina’s gambling laws, the best options for making sports picks, and tips for handling taxes on any winnings. Dive in to explore the possibilities!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover what form of gambling is accessible to South Carolina bettors.
- Explore the top SC social sports betting sites.
- Take notes on our taxable winnings’ steps to follow.
Best Sweepstakes Sportsbooks in South Carolina
Currently, real-money online sportsbooks aren’t allowed in South Carolina. Therefore, bettors must register at social sportsbooks to have a similar experience. These platforms let you experience sports betting legally, enjoy promotions and enter cash-prized contests via the use of virtual currencies.
Here are the best two sweepstakes sportsbooks for South Carolinians:
Overview of South Carolina Online Gambling
Despite several legislative attempts, including the most recent 2023 sports betting bill, which failed to advance to the Senate before the April 10, 2024, deadline, South Carolina has not yet legalized online sports betting. However, residents can legally enjoy a few gambling options, like casinos, DFS, and the lottery.
Here’s a detailed table on South Carolina’s current situation for each type of gambling:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sportsbooks | No | Online sports betting is prohibited, with legislative efforts facing strong opposition. | — |
| Retail Sportsbooks | No | In-person sports betting is illegal. Recent bills, including HB3749, have failed to pass in the legislature. | — |
| Horse Racing | No | Neither pari-mutuel betting on out-of-state races nor horse racing are authorized. | — |
| Social Sportsbooks | Yes | Sweepstakes sportsbooks are allowed as a legal alternative, using virtual currencies. | 18 |
| Riverboat Casino | Yes | South Carolina has one riverboat casino, the Big M Casino, offering slots, table games, and video poker. | 21 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | DFS is permitted via social sports betting sites. | 18 |
| Lottery | Yes | The state lottery offers games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Palmetto Cash 5, available at retailers. | 18 |
Popular Sports and Teams in South Carolina
South Carolina may lack major league teams of its own, but its sports culture is vibrant, driven by NCAA teams and nearby North Carolina pro teams that have strong fan bases across the Palmetto State.
Here’s an overview of the state’s most beloved teams and sports, plus betting options available for SC residents.
College Sports
→ NCAA Basketball, NCAA Baseball, and NCAA Soccer are options.
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks: The Gamecocks have a large, loyal following, especially in college football. Williams-Brice Stadium regularly draws over 80,000 fans on game days. The Gamecocks also have competitive teams in basketball, baseball, and soccer, further boosting their fan base across South Carolina.
- Clemson University Tigers: The Clemson Tigers are among the most successful college football programs in the country, having won national championships in 1981, 2016, and 2018. They’re also strong competitors in basketball, baseball, and soccer, making them one of the most-followed athletic programs in South Carolina.
Professional Sports
→ NFL Betting, NBA Betting, NHL Betting, and MLS Betting are options.
- Carolina Panthers: Based in Charlotte, NC, the Panthers are considered the “home team” for many South Carolina residents, especially in the Upstate region. Their games are well-attended by fans from both Carolinas.
- Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets, located in Charlotte, have a substantial South Carolina fan base who regularly attend games, making them the go-to NBA team for the state.
- Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes, the NHL team for the Carolinas, have a dedicated South Carolina following, particularly in the northern parts of the state. Many SC residents consider the Hurricanes their “home” hockey team.
- Charlotte FC: Charlotte FC plays home games at Bank of America Stadium and has quickly built a loyal fan base across South Carolina, especially in the Upstate region near the North Carolina border.
Minor League and Other Sports
South Carolina also hosts several minor league teams across baseball, hockey, and more, which are popular with locals and add to the state’s diverse sports culture.
Taxes Process for South Carolina Bettors
If sports betting becomes legal in South Carolina, bettors will need to report winnings for tax purposes. Here’s a quick guide on handling taxes for sports betting income:
- Step 1 — Track your winnings
- Step 2 — Know the federal tax rules: The IRS considers sports betting winnings as taxable income. You must report winnings of $600 or more, or payouts with odds of 300:1 or higher. In such cases, the sportsbook will issue a W-2G form showing your winnings and any federal taxes withheld.
- Step 3 — State tax requirements: While South Carolina currently has no state tax on betting income, federal taxes will still apply to all gambling winnings if sports betting is legalized.
- Step 4 — Report on your tax return: When filing taxes, include your W-2G form and report all qualifying winnings accurately.
For a more detailed explanation, check out our complete guide on sports betting taxes.
So, What’s Next for Online Sportsbooks in South Carolina?
South Carolina remains restrictive on gambling, with no legal sports betting, casinos, or horse racing. The 2023 bill aimed at legalizing online sports betting stalled in the House and didn’t make it to the Senate, leaving the timeline for legalization uncertain.
For now, South Carolinians can either visit nearby states like North Carolina for legal sports betting or use sweepstakes sportsbooks that operate within SC. As interest in social gambling grows, future legislative efforts may eventually open the door to traditional sports betting in the Palmetto State.
References
- 2023 South Carolina Bill, HB 3749 — Retrieved Nov 12, 2024
- SC New Push to Legalize Online Sports Betting — Retrieved Nov 12, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, horse racing and pari-mutuel betting are not legal in South Carolina.
No, locals can’t legally bet on sports. Instead, they can make sports picks through social bookmakers.
Those caught gambling illegally in South Carolina may face significant penalties, including monetary fines, possible jail sentences, and forfeiture of any assets involved.
