The turn of the year could bring another attempt to legalize sports gambling in the state of South Carolina, but despite repeated failed attempts, there is a feeling that something could be different this time around.
The Palmetto State could be considered to be a cold house for betting. It is red territory with SC the only East Coast state to vote Republican by a double-digit margin in 2020, there are no bricks-and-mortar casinos, no horse racing, and formidable opposition to change.
Governor Henry McMaster remains a bulwark against the introduction of legalized gambling and a key obstacle in the way of change. He has held office since 2017 and will be in his role until 2026 at least.
In the legislative session this year, a 2023 wagering bill never truly got off the ground, so all things considered, why is there thought to be an opportunity for a credible, fresh attempt?
It could be summarized as money, momentum, and the proximity to North Carolina.
Last year, lawmakers vetoed a bill that would have enabled statewide digital sports betting with a 10% tax rate. The bill would have been connected to the state’s PGA Tour stops and Darlington Raceway, with limited scope for stand-alone licenses. Had the bill passed, South Carolina would have joined Tennessee and Vermont to permit mobile wagering only.
As of today, 38 US states allow some form of legalized gambling, following the 2017 Supreme Court decision to overrule the federal law prohibiting states from authorizing sports betting.
Stephen Shapiro of the University of South Carolina Department of Sport and Entertainment Management believes a window of opportunity is approaching for SC.
“The success in terms of the tax revenue generated already in North Carolina will be enticing,” he told Statehouse Report
“I would imagine that we’re going to see more of those types of (sports gambling) bills and that there’s a good chance it would be legalized in the next couple of years.”
As of March this year, neighboring North Carolina embraced digital and retail gambling with operators flourishing. Up to July, they had accrued $2.6b in bets staked and $57m paid in taxes to the state purse. The latter figure compares very favorably to the $64m that the authorities expected to collect for the full 12-month period.
Some in South Carolina, want a slice of that particular pie. In 2022, governor hopeful and Democratic candidate, Joe Cunningham stated, “Sports betting is happening in South Carolina. It’s just under the table, unregulated, and overseen by bookies. Our state gets nothing.”
“It’s time to legalize sports betting, bring it to the surface, and use the new tax revenue to cut taxes and invest in our teachers and roads.”
Conversely, there are common fears about the social impact of gambling legalization and putting a sports book in the pocket of every citizen.
A renewed push to legalize sports gambling in South Carolina is likely to follow, but so will sustained opposition.
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