South Carolina Proposes Sports Betting Bill with 18+ Age Requirement
South Carolina's latest sports betting legislation, House Bill 3625 (HB 3625), proposes a regulated market with several notable features. The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Chris Murphy of Dorchester County, sets the minimum betting age at 18—joining only Kentucky, New Hampshire, Washington DC, and Wyoming in allowing younger adults to participate.
Football player in throwing stance
Key aspects of the South Carolina Wagering Act include:
- 12.5% tax rate on sports betting revenue
- Eight available operator licenses
- Creation of South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission
- Legalization of daily fantasy sports (DFS)
- Mobile betting platform authorization
The bill defines sports wagering as accepting bets on sporting events, individual performance statistics, or combinations thereof through mobile applications and digital platforms.
This marks the fourth attempt to bring sports betting to South Carolina. Previous efforts in 2022 and 2023 gained House momentum but failed to progress in the Senate. The 2025 legislative session faces similar challenges, including opposition from Governor Henry McMaster.
Despite potential hurdles, supporters point to North Carolina's successful sports betting revenue as motivation, though South Carolina's smaller population may yield different results. The state's lack of casinos means the lottery would be the primary competing gaming option.
The bill currently has bipartisan support as it heads into the 2025 legislative session starting next month.
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