By Lauren Ciuci
A new House bill introduced by Rep.Chris Murphy, R-Dorchester, in South Carolina seeks to legalize sports betting in the state.
The bill proposes the creation of the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, implementing a privilege tax, and setting up a licensing system for operators, among other provisions.
Murphy believes the bill will capture the market and shift people from illegal to legal betting.
“This is a revenue source for the state of South Carolina,” Murphy said, highlighting the potential financial benefits.
Murphy emphasized that the revenue could be used for tax relief, addiction services, supporting state universities, and improving local governments and infrastructure.
Competition from other states
Murphy explained that geo-tracking data reveals millions of bets are attempted in South Carolina during major sporting events.
He pointed out that many residents are crossing into North Carolina, the nearest state where sports betting is legal, to place those wagers, potentially taking away a valuable revenue source from South Carolina.
Opposition to the bill
However, Gov. Henry McMaster has long opposed legalizing casino and sports gambling.
A spokesperson for the governor provided a statement, saying McMaster believes the negative consequences outweigh any financial benefits.
“The negative repercussions from casino or sports gambling far outweigh any minimal financial benefit the state may receive and would damage our reputation as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Student perspective
University of South Carolina student Matthew Rollings places bets through the Prize Picks app.
“I do it just to keep myself interested in the game. It gives me a reason to watch because some nights I don’t care about those games, but putting a little money on the line gives me something to root for,” Rollings said.
Murphy highlighted that while South Carolina allows legal betting on fantasy sports, like Prize Picks, these platforms remain unregulated.
“We’re taking sports gambling and fantasy and figuring out a way to bring both of them together in the sports gaming bill,” Murphy said.
Next steps
The bill is moving through the House Ways and Means Committee before going to the state legislature and then to the governor’s desk for approval.
Murphy remains optimistic about the bill’s future, stating, “If it doesn’t pass this session, I’ll put it out there again,” Murphy said.
For now, South Carolina’s sports bettors will have to wait and see if legal betting becomes a reality.
