The Politics of legal sports betting in South Carolina
As the United States continues to navigate the complexities of legal sports betting, South Carolina finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, influenced by the outcomes of political contests and the perspectives of its gubernatorial candidates. The discussion around legal sports betting in South Carolina is not confined within partisan lines, demonstrating that the future of sports betting in the state could hinge on broader political dynamics rather than strict party allegiance.
As of the 2025-2026 legislative session, multiple bills including House Bill 3625 (the ‘South Carolina Sports Wagering Act‘) and Senate Bill 444 have been introduced to legalize interactive and sports wagering, but none have advanced beyond committee referral, maintaining South Carolina’s status as one of 11 states without legal sports betting amid ongoing opposition from Governor Henry McMaster.
Bi-Partisan Efforts and Stalled Legislation
In the heart of the Palmetto State’s legislative landscape, a mobile sports betting bill, known as H5277, emerged as a testament to bipartisan cooperation, with Republican State Representative Bill Herbkersman leading the charge, supported by House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, a Democrat. Despite the collaborative effort, the bill faced significant obstacles, reaching a standstill with little hope for progress during the 2022 legislative session. This stagnation underscored the challenging path forward for legal sports betting in South Carolina, particularly in the face of opposition from influential political figures such as Governor Henry McMaster, who has historically expressed reservations about legalizing sports betting, citing misalignment with the state’s values.
Joe Cunningham’s Advocacy for Legal Sports Betting
Contrasting Governor McMaster’s stance, Joe Cunningham, a Democrat nominee and former South Carolina congressman, positioned legal sports betting as a cornerstone of his gubernatorial campaign. Cunningham, leveraging his platform, argued that legalizing mobile and retail sportsbooks could inject at least $40 million in annual state revenue, framing the issue as an economic initiative rather than a moral or partisan debate. His approach highlighted the potential financial benefits for South Carolina, emphasizing the loss of tax revenue to neighboring states with legalized sports betting.
“It’s time for (the governor) to get on board or get out of the way,” Cunningham stated, challenging the existing political resistance to legal sports betting in South Carolina.
McMaster’s Conservative Stance on Sports Betting
Governor McMaster’s conservative perspective on sports betting has been a defining characteristic of his political identity, shaped by decades of involvement in South Carolina’s political scene. Despite the growing trend of legal sports betting across both Republican and Democrat-led states, McMaster’s apprehension reflects a broader hesitation within certain segments of South Carolina’s political establishment. His position underscores the complex interplay between traditional values and the evolving landscape of legal sports betting in the United States.
The Future of Legal Sports Betting in South Carolina
The journey towards legal sports betting in South Carolina is emblematic of the broader national conversation, where bipartisan support in various states has led to the legalization of sportsbooks. The case of South Carolina, however, illustrates the unique challenges posed by local political dynamics and the influence of individual political figures on the state’s legislative direction. As states like Arizona, Ohio, Kansas, and Louisiana embrace legal sports betting, South Carolina’s path remains uncertain, shaped by ongoing political debates and the outcomes of future electoral contests.
With the gubernatorial race serving as a potential bellwether for the state’s stance on legal sports betting, the perspectives and policies of political candidates like Joe Cunningham and Governor McMaster offer insight into the evolving dialogue around gambling and economic development in South Carolina. As the state continues to grapple with these issues, the intersection of politics, economy, and societal values will undoubtedly play a critical role in determining the future of legal sports betting within its borders.