South Carolina is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and friendly people.
But when it comes to gambling, the state has always been quite strict. Currently, the only legal form of gambling is the state lottery.
However, some lawmakers are trying to change that by introducing two important bills aimed at expanding gambling, specifically online casinos and sports betting. Sweepstakes casinos and social casinos are both legal options for people in the Palmetto State to play, but iGaming remains illegal.
Let's take a closer look at these bills and what they could mean for South Carolina online casinos.
Senate Bill 444: Betting on Sports
The first bill, called Senate Bill 444 (or S.444), focuses on legalizing online and mobile sports betting.
This bill proposes creating a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate sports betting and issue up to eight licenses for operators. These operators would need to be licensed in at least five other states, and they would pay a 12.5% tax on their revenue. The legal age for placing bets would be 18, which is younger than the 21+ age limit in most other states.
A Senate subcommittee listened to both supporters and opponents of this bill.
Supporters believe that legalizing sports betting would bring in a lot of tax revenue. They argue that South Carolinians are already betting illegally or using apps from other states like North Carolina, so this bill could help keep that money within the state.
But the bill is stuck in committee, and lawmakers think it probably won’t pass this year because of strong opposition, including from Governor Henry McMaster.
South Carolina Online Casinos Could Spur Economic Growth
The second bill, House Bill 4176 (or H.4176), aims to introduce online casinos in South Carolina.
Called the "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act," this bill would allow casinos in certain economically distressed counties along Interstate 95. For this to happen, local county councils would need to approve. Additionally, the casinos would pay a 15% tax on their gross gaming revenue
This bill was introduced in 2025, but it has also faced many challenges and is currently stalled.
Supporters are optimistic about the potential benefits, including a significant boost in tax revenue. Some of this revenue would go to the state’s Conservation Bank and Veterans' Trust Fund. But, like the sports betting bill, it faces opposition due to concerns about social issues and moral values.
Challenges and Prospects
Both bills highlight a critical debate happening in South Carolina. On one hand, proponents argue that expanding gambling can bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue, create jobs, and help curb illegal betting. On the other hand, opponents worry about the negative effects on families, the potential for addiction, and the impact on community values.
As of February 2026, neither bill seems likely to pass this year, especially with Governor McMaster’s anti-gambling stance.
That being said, the conversation around gambling in the state is not going away anytime soon. As more states around the country legalize these activities, pressure may build to reconsider these options in future sessions of the General Assembly.
This puts the Palmetto State at a crossroads.
As lawmakers discuss these bills, residents will need to weigh the potential economic benefits against the social risks. Whether or not these changes occur, the debate over gambling will likely continue to shape the future of South Carolina. For now, the outcome of these bills remains uncertain, but the discussion they have sparked reveals a state grappling with balancing economic opportunity and community values.
