The Best Live Sports Betting Sites in South Carolina for 2026

South Carolina sports betting is currently 100% illegal. No legal sportsbooks operate in the state, and there are no retail sportsbooks.

South Carolina is one of America's most conservative gambling states. Unlike nearly every other state, South Carolina has NO state lottery, NO commercial casinos, and NO retail sportsbooks.

However, 2025 brought renewed momentum: In January 2025, Rep. Chris Murphy introduced House Bill 3625 (South Carolina Sports Wagering Act). The bill proposes legalizing online sports betting with up to 8 licenses and a 12.5% tax on operators. For the first time, the bill received a House subcommittee hearing in April 2025.

If HB 3625 passes the House in 2026 and receives Senate approval, South Carolina sportsbooks could launch by late 2026 or 2027.

Is Live Betting Legal in South Carolina?

No. 100% illegal. South Carolina has not legalized retail or online sports betting as of December 2025.

South Carolina's regulatory framework is completely void of sports betting infrastructure. The state statute (S.C. Code § 16-19-130) explicitly prohibits sports betting and associated activities. Here's everything you need to know:

• Legal Status: Sports betting is completely illegal—no sportsbooks (retail or online) operate in South Carolina
• Population: 5.3 million
• Current Legislation: HB 3625 (introduced Jan 2025; received subcommittee hearing April 2025)
• Expected Launch: Late 2026 or 2027 (if HB 3625 passes)
• Number of Licensed Sportsbooks: 0 (zero)
• Proposed Number of Licenses: 8 (per HB 3625)
• Online Sports Betting Status: Illegal
• Retail Sports Betting Status: Illegal
• College Betting: Expected to be allowed (based on neighboring states' models)
• Expected Regulatory Body: South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission (proposed in HB 3625)
• Expected Tax Rate: 12.5% on operator revenue (per HB 3625)

Shurzy Tip: Use DraftKings Fantasy or FanDuel Fantasy for legal daily contests.

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

Why South Carolina Still Prohibits Sports Betting

Conservative Gambling Stance

South Carolina is among America's most restrictive gambling states: NO state lottery, NO commercial casinos (only offshore casino cruises to international waters), NO retail sportsbooks, NO online gambling of any kind (except unregulated DFS). This reflects conservative political culture and religious opposition.

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

Legislative Obstacles

Previous Failed Attempts: 2022: HB 5277 (proposed 8-12 licenses, 12.5% tax) - died in committee despite bipartisan support. 2023: HB 3749 (online sports betting) - stalled in committee. 2024: HB 3514 (horse racing betting) - passed House 56-46 but died in Senate.

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

HB 3625: The Current Push (2025)

What HB 3625 Proposes

Sponsor: Rep. Chris Murphy

Key Provisions: Legalize online sports betting only (NO retail sportsbooks), 8 operator licenses (online-only market model), tax Rate: 12.5% on operator revenue, revenue Use: Proceeds directed to education, regulatory Body: South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission (9 commissioners: 3 appointed by Governor, 3 by House Speaker, 3 by Senate President), minimum Age: Expected 21 years old, geolocation: Required (must be physically in South Carolina), college Betting: Expected to be allowed (based on proposed model), inspiration: Rep. Murphy stated the bill resembles North Carolina and Tennessee models.

Current Status (December 2025)

• January 2025: HB 3625 introduced to House
• April 2025: Bill received first House subcommittee hearing
• December 2025: HB 3625 still in committee; no full House vote scheduled

Next Steps: Expected 2026 legislative session (begins January 14, 2026) may bring full House vote

The North Carolina Pressure

Why This Matters: When North Carolina sportsbooks launched, South Carolina residents attempted to place over 1 million bets from within SC. This demonstrates massive demand for legal betting.

North Carolina's Model (Launched 2024): Three retail sportsbooks at racetracks (retail model), online sports betting expansion under debate, generating significant tax revenue.

South Carolina's Disadvantage: No racetracks or tribal casinos (unlike NC, OK, other states), online-only market expected (if legalization happens).

Current Legal Betting Alternatives in South Carolina

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) - LEGAL GRAY AREA

• Legal Status: DFS exists in legal gray area in South Carolina: South Carolina law neither prohibits NOR permits DFS, major platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks) operate without state regulation, classified as "games of skill" (not gambling).
• Top DFS Platforms: DraftKings Fantasy (Salary-cap contests, mega-contests), FanDuel Fantasy (Head-to-head contests, tournament play), PrizePicks (Daily sports prediction contests), Underdog Fantasy (Best ball drafts, pick'em contests), OwnersBox (Daily contests), ParlayPlay (Social sportsbook-style contests).
• Minimum Age: 18 years old

Social/Sweepstakes Sportsbooks - LEGAL

• Legal Status: Social betting platforms are fully legal in South Carolina: No real money wagered initially (virtual currency), prize redemption available, operates under sweepstakes law.
• Top Social Sportsbooks: Rebet (Free-to-play sportsbook model), Fliff (Free social sportsbook).

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

What's Coming in 2026?

• 2026 Legislative Session (January-May 2026): HB 3625 (or similar bill) reintroduced, expected to receive House Ways and Means Committee hearing, full House vote possible (uncertain but improved chances), Senate vote uncertain (conservative opposition expected).
• If HB 3625 Passes 2026: Governor must sign bill, South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission established, operator applications accepted, licenses issued to 8 operators, sportsbooks launch late 2026 or 2027.
• Business/Tourism Coalition Support: In November 2025, a coalition of South Carolina business and tourism groups announced support for regulated sports betting. This adds pressure on lawmakers.

How to Legally Bet on Sports in South Carolina Right Now (2025)

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports (RECOMMENDED)

Visit DraftKings.com, FanDuel.com, or PrizePicks.com, sign up with a South Carolina address, create daily fantasy lineups (skill-based contests), enter contests and compete for cash, cash out winnings.

Option 2: Social Sportsbooks (FREE & SAFE)

Visit Rebet or Fliff, play a free social sportsbook (no money at risk), win virtual prizes.

Option 3: North Carolina Sportsbooks (NEARBY)

Travel to North Carolina (1-3 hours from SC border), visit one of three North Carolina retail sportsbooks, place legal bets in person.

Final Word

South Carolina is one of America's most conservative gambling states, with no state lottery, no casinos, and no retail sportsbooks. However, HB 3625's introduction and April 2025 subcommittee hearing represent real progress.

Neighboring North Carolina's success (with residents attempting over 1 million bets from SC) demonstrates massive demand. This pressure, combined with business/tourism coalition backing (Nov 2025), suggests 2026-2027 legalization is realistic.

For now, use DraftKings Fantasy or FanDuel Fantasy for legal daily contests, play free social sportsbooks like Rebet or Fliff, or drive to nearby North Carolina for retail sports betting.

Your bookie wants South Carolina. 5.3 million residents with zero legal options = massive untapped revenue. 2026 is finally the year.

Shurzy is your smarter betting buddy, not your boss. We're here to help you bet smarter, not harder. F*ck spreadsheets.