South Carolina Lawmakers Renew Push for Sports Betting, But Face Uphill Battle

Governor McMaster and Attorney General Wilson remain staunchly opposed to any gambling expansion in the state.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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For the second consecutive year, South Carolina lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalize online sports betting in the state. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 444, would establish a regulatory framework and tax structure for the new industry. However, the bill faces significant opposition from Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson, who have both publicly voiced their hostility to any form of gambling expansion in the Palmetto State.

Why it matters

South Carolina is one of only 11 states that have not legalized any form of sports betting since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban in 2018. Neighboring North Carolina has already legalized and launched a thriving sports betting market, leading some South Carolina lawmakers to argue that the state is missing out on significant tax revenue and economic opportunities by not following suit.

The details

Senate Bill 444 would authorize online sports betting in South Carolina and establish a regulatory body called the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission. The bill proposes an initial $1 million licensing fee for online sportsbook operators, as well as a 12.5% tax on gross gaming revenue. Proponents estimate that a legal sports betting market could generate $50-60 million per year in tax revenue for the state.

  • Senate Bill 444 was first introduced in the South Carolina General Assembly in 2025 and is now being considered in the 2026 legislative session.
  • The Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee discussed the sports betting bill on February 19, 2026, but did not put it to a vote.

The players

Henry McMaster

The Republican Governor of South Carolina, who has publicly opposed any efforts to expand gambling in the state.

Alan Wilson

The Republican Attorney General of South Carolina, who has called online sports betting "frictionless gambling" that leads to financial ruin and other societal hardships.

Tom Davis

A Republican state senator who co-sponsored Senate Bill 444 to legalize online sports betting in South Carolina.

Matt Leber

A Republican state senator who co-sponsored Senate Bill 444 to legalize online sports betting in South Carolina.

Josh Kimbrell

A Republican state senator who argued that South Carolina is missing out on significant tax revenue by not legalizing sports betting, as neighboring North Carolina has done.

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What they’re saying

“That could provide opportunities for additional tax relief and provide a first responder pay increase. There's a whole range of things.”

— Josh Kimbrell, State Senator (WYFF News)

“I've always opposed gambling.”

— Henry McMaster (Governor's Office)

“Online sports betting is 'frictionless gambling' that leads to financial ruin and other societal hardships.”

— Alan Wilson, Attorney General (State Government)

What’s next

The Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee is expected to revisit Senate Bill 444 in the coming weeks, but the legislation faces an uphill battle given the strong opposition from Governor McMaster and Attorney General Wilson.

The takeaway

South Carolina's refusal to legalize sports betting puts it at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states like North Carolina, which are generating significant tax revenue and economic activity from the new industry. However, the state's top political leaders remain firmly opposed to any expansion of gambling, making the prospects for sports betting legislation uncertain at best.