NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in South Carolina for Hockey

South Carolina is one of America's most conservative gambling states, with sports betting remaining completely illegal as of December 2025. Despite multiple legislative attempts since PASPA's repeal in 2018, South Carolina has consistently blocked legalization through a combination of conservative opposition and Governor Henry McMaster's explicit veto threats.

For hockey fans in South Carolina, there are currently NO legal ways to place traditional sports bets on NHL games. However, Daily Fantasy Sports operate in a legal gray area.

Is NHL Betting Legal in South Carolina?

No. Sports betting is ILLEGAL in South Carolina. South Carolina has NOT legalized sports betting. No online or retail sportsbooks operate legally in South Carolina. You cannot legally bet on NHL games through any licensed sportsbook in the state.

Age requirements:

Proposed sports betting (if legalized): Would likely be 21+

• Regulatory framework: No sports betting regulator exists in South Carolina because sports betting is not legal. Under proposed legislation, a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission would be created.
• Constitutional barriers: South Carolina's Constitution restricts gambling expansion. Any legalization would likely require voter approval of a constitutional amendment, a high hurdle to clear.

Why legalization has failed:

Conservative opposition (South Carolina has traditionally opposed gambling expansion). Governor's veto threat (Governor Henry McMaster has explicitly stated he would veto gambling/sports betting bills). Constitutional barriers (amendment would likely be required). Legislative gridlock (no consensus among lawmakers). Lack of compelling tribal gaming interests (unlike some states, SC lacks tribal casino political leverage).

Shurzy Tip: South Carolina's problem is simple: Governor McMaster hates gambling expansion and has explicitly threatened to veto sports betting bills. Even if SB 444 passes the legislature, McMaster will kill it unless sponsors get a veto-proof supermajority (2/3 of both chambers). That's a brutal barrier.

Senate Bill 444: The 2025 Legalization Attempt

What SB 444 Proposes

Senate Bill 444 (South Carolina Sports Wagering Act), introduced March 12, 2025 by Senator Davis:

Key features:

License type: Retail + Mobile (online). Number of licenses: 8 total sportsbook licenses. Tax rate: 12.5% on adjusted gross revenue. Age requirement: 21+. DFS regulation: Would be regulated/included. Regulator: South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission. College sports: Permitted (likely with in-state restrictions). Retail locations: Casinos, racetracks, potentially other venues.

Shurzy Tip: SB 444's 8 licenses and 12.5% tax are reasonable compared to other states. But the Governor's veto threat makes all of this moot unless sponsors can flip enough votes for a veto-proof supermajority. That's never happened for sports betting in South Carolina.

Current Status (December 2025)

• Introduced: March 12, 2025
• Status: Referred to Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
• Progress: No committee action reported as of December 2025
• Outlook: Unlikely to advance given Governor's opposition

Shurzy Take: SB 444 is stalled in committee with no momentum. Governor McMaster's veto threat kills political will before bills even get floor votes. This is why South Carolina keeps failing at sports betting legalization.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in South Carolina

Previous Legalization Attempts (2018-2024)

2024 Attempts

House Bill 3749:

• Proposed: 8 licensed sportsbooks
• Status: STALLED in committee with no progress

2022 Attempts

House Bill 4176 and HJR 3353:

• HJR 3353 proposed constitutional amendment
• Referred to House Judiciary Committee
• Status: NO PROGRESS

2021-2020 Attempts

HB 3102 and HB 3395:

• HB 3102 proposed constitutional amendment (pre-filed)
• HB 3395 sought to amend constitution (2019)
• Status: FAILED – Neither received second reading

2019 Attempt (First Post-PASPA)

Senate Bill 57:

• Introduced after PASPA repeal (2019)
• Status: FAILED – Did not receive second reading

Shurzy Take: South Carolina's tried to legalize sports betting at least SIX major times since 2019. Every single attempt failed. Governor McMaster's veto threat hangs over every bill like a guillotine. Until the Governor changes his stance or SC gets a new governor, sports betting stays illegal.

Why Governor McMaster Is a Major Obstacle

Governor Henry McMaster has been explicitly opposed to gambling/sports betting expansion.

A spokesperson for Governor McMaster stated: "Governor McMaster has long opposed efforts to legalize casino and sports betting in South Carolina."

This means even if SB 444 passes the legislature, it would face a gubernatorial veto. Sponsors would need a veto-proof majority (2/3 of both chambers) to override, a very high bar.

Shurzy Tip: McMaster's veto threat isn't speculation, it's explicit policy. His spokesperson said he opposes casino and sports betting legalization. That's a clear roadblock. SC needs either (a) McMaster to change his mind, (b) a veto-proof supermajority (unlikely), or (c) a new governor who supports legalization.

What Options Do Exist for South Carolina Residents?

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports – Legal Gray Area

Daily Fantasy Sports operate in a legal gray area in South Carolina.

Available platforms:

FanDuel DFS (NHL contests), DraftKings DFS (NHL contests), PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, ProphetX.

• Status: No explicit law permits DFS, but no enforcement action taken
• Age: 18+
• Risk: Proceed at own risk; legality ambiguous

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are your ONLY current option for NHL wagering in South Carolina (legal status murky). FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS have the deepest NHL contests. PrizePicks and Underdog are easier for beginners. Use at own risk, SC hasn't taken enforcement action, but legality is unclear.

Option 2: South Carolina Lottery – Legal

The South Carolina Lottery is legal (18+). But it does NOT include sports betting.

Option 3: Horse Racing – Limited

Horse racing betting exists but is minimal in South Carolina.

Option 4: Neighboring States – Travel Required

South Carolina borders states with legal sports betting:

• North Carolina: Online betting available, launched March 2024 with 8+ sportsbooks (21+)
• Georgia: Illegal (same boat as SC)

South Carolina residents can travel to North Carolina for legal sports betting.

Shurzy Tip: If you're in northern South Carolina near North Carolina, cross the border and use legal online sportsbooks there. Download FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars, register in NC (21+), and bet remotely from anywhere in the state. This is the best option for serious NHL bettors stuck in SC.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Future Outlook for South Carolina Sports Betting

2026 Legislative Session

South Carolina may introduce sports betting bills again in 2026.

Progress required:

The bill must pass Senate and House committees. Floor votes must occur. If passed, bill goes to the Governor. Governor likely to veto. Veto-proof majority needed (very high bar).

Alternatively, a constitutional amendment ballot measure could bypass gubernatorial veto, but requires voter approval.

Timeline Estimates

• Optimistic: 2027-2028 (if political will shifts dramatically)
• Realistic: 2029-2030+ (likely requires major political changes)
• Pessimistic: 10+ years (if conservative opposition remains strong)

The combination of Governor opposition and conservative resistance makes legalization challenging.

Shurzy Take: South Carolina's earliest realistic legalization is 2027-2028 IF Governor McMaster changes his stance or SC elects a new pro-betting governor. Realistic timeline is 2029+ because the veto threat kills legislative momentum. Don't bet on SC legalizing anytime soon.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Expert Tips for South Carolina Hockey Fans

1. Use DFS as Alternative (At Own Risk): Daily Fantasy Sports provide NHL wagering with FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, and PrizePicks. Legal status ambiguous. South Carolina has not taken enforcement action. Proceed at your own risk.
2. Visit North Carolina: Legal sports betting available in neighboring states with online betting (launched March 2024), multiple sportsbooks available, and 21+ age requirement.
3. Monitor SB 444 Progress: Watch for updates on Senate Bill 444 including committee hearings, floor votes, and Governor's response.
4. Avoid Offshore/Illegal Sites: Offshore sportsbooks are illegal in South Carolina. Use at your own risk.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting

Even without legal sports betting, South Carolina residents can access problem gambling resources:

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• South Carolina problem gambling support
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings available

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: South Carolina's Blocked Market

South Carolina remains one of America's most restrictive gambling states, with sports betting staying completely illegal despite 7 years of legislative efforts post-PASPA.

Use DFS platforms at your own risk (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, PrizePicks). Travel to North Carolina for traditional sports betting (best option for northern SC residents). Monitor 2026+ legislative efforts (but don't hold your breath). Note: Governor's veto threat is a major obstacle.

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