Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?
If you’re asking “is online sports betting South Carolina legal right now?” the answer is no. South Carolina does not allow retail or online sports betting. Despite repeated efforts in the legislature, bills have failed to pass, leaving the Palmetto State behind many other sports gambling legal states. For now, bettors looking for NFL betting or March Madness action cannot legally place wagers inside South Carolina. Instead, they must travel to neighboring states like North Carolina or Tennessee, which have fully functioning markets.
Online Sports Betting South Carolina: Current Status
South Carolina is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to gambling. There are no casinos, no sportsbooks, and no state lottery. When it comes to sports betting legal frameworks, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills, but none have advanced past committee hearings.
In 2025, bills such as HB 3625 and SB 444 attempted to create a regulated market, but neither passed. Without legislative approval, there is no timeline for online sports betting legal access in the state.
Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!
Is Sports Betting Legal Online in South Carolina?
No. Sports betting legal online does not exist in South Carolina. Residents cannot download or use sportsbook apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM within state borders.
Even if you open an online sports betting app while in South Carolina, geolocation technology will block any attempt to place a wager. Apps are only active in states where online sports betting USA markets are licensed and regulated.
Online Sports Betting Apps in South Carolina
Since online sports betting South Carolina is not legal, no sportsbook apps are available. However, some alternatives exist:
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Platforms like DraftKings and Underdog allow players to draft lineups and win cash prizes.
- Social/Sweepstakes Betting: Apps like Fliff or Rebet simulate betting but are structured as sweepstakes, making them legal.
Example: A fan in Columbia wants to place a $20 NFL betting parlay on the Panthers. Since sportsbook apps are unavailable, they could instead enter a DFS contest for that week’s NFL slate, building a lineup around Carolina players. While not the same as traditional betting, it’s currently the only online option allowed.
Online Sports Betting How To in South Carolina (The Workarounds)
If you want access to real sportsbook apps, here’s what South Carolina residents can do:
- Travel to North Carolina – Legal online sportsbooks launched in 2024.
- Cross into Tennessee – Fully mobile market since 2020.
- DFS Contests – Legal in South Carolina, available on multiple platforms.
- Sweepstakes Sportsbooks – Legal under sweepstakes law, with simulated betting options.
Until sports betting legal online becomes available in South Carolina, these are the only ways for players to participate without breaking the law.
What You Can Bet On Outside South Carolina
While South Carolina itself has no legal betting, its neighbors offer full menus:
- North Carolina: NFL betting, NBA lines, college sports, and more on apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.
- Tennessee: Mobile-only betting with dozens of markets, including player props and parlays.
This proximity means South Carolina bettors often drive across state lines to place wagers, a common workaround in states without legal markets.
South Carolina Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
South Carolina lags behind most of the country. Here’s a quick comparison:
- North Carolina: Fully online as of 2024.
- Tennessee: Mobile-only betting since 2020.
- Georgia: Still working on legalization, similar to South Carolina.
- Virginia: Full market with multiple sportsbook apps.
With many nearby options already active, South Carolina’s inaction leaves residents at a disadvantage compared to other sports gambling legal states.
Online Sports Betting Example: What It Would Look Like
Imagine a bettor in Charleston on Super Bowl Sunday. If online sports betting South Carolina were legal, they could open DraftKings, deposit $50, and parlay the Chiefs to cover -3, Travis Kelce to score a touchdown, and the game total to go over 48 points.
But since no apps are allowed, they must either drive to North Carolina to place the bet legally or stick with DFS contests. This gap highlights the missed opportunities for fans and the state alike.
Legal Risks and Penalties in South Carolina
Placing sports bets through offshore or unregulated sites is risky and illegal. South Carolina law classifies unauthorized gambling as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines or even jail time.
For this reason, players are encouraged to wait for licensed online sports betting legal markets instead of using illegal operators.
The Future of Online Sports Betting South Carolina
The outlook remains uncertain. While bipartisan bills have been filed, political and cultural resistance is strong. Governor Henry McMaster has opposed gambling expansion in the past, making short-term legalization unlikely.
That said, pressure from neighboring states may eventually push South Carolina to act. As NFL betting and mobile apps become the norm nationwide, South Carolina could revisit legislation in the next few years.
Responsible Gambling Considerations
Since South Carolina has no regulated betting, there are no state-funded responsible gambling programs tied to sportsbooks. However, national resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling are available for residents.
If sports betting becomes legal, expect responsible gambling funding and tools to be included in any future legislation.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting South Carolina
Online sports betting South Carolina is not legal. Retail sportsbooks are also banned, leaving residents without traditional betting options. While DFS and sweepstakes apps provide limited alternatives, NFL betting and other sports wagers require crossing into neighboring states.
Compared to other sports gambling legal states, South Carolina remains far behind. Until lawmakers pass a bill and establish a regulatory framework, the Palmetto State will stay without licensed sportsbooks.
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