South Carolina lawmaker adds to sports betting bills in the state
Another South Carolina lawmaker has filed a measure aimed at legalizing sports betting.
Sen. Thomas Davis has filed Senate Bill 444 as a piece of legislation that amends South Carolina gaming laws to authorize sports wagering in the state with oversight from a newly established commission. If enacted, SB 444 would create the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, which would be composed of nine members appointed by the state’s governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.
Under SB 444, the commission would be tasked with keeping and maintaining licensing application fees and collecting funds for administrative and operational expenses.
Potential framework in South Carolina
Davis’ measure would allow up to eight sportsbooks to operate in South Carolina with licensing application fees at $100,000. Under SB 444, if approved for a sports wagering license in the state operators are required to pay the commission a $1 million fee.
A license issued by the state’s sports wagering commission is valid for five years.
Potential licensees are required to show proof of active operation in at least five regulated U.S. markets with letters of reference from regulatory agencies also mandated by the bill.
SB 444 does not require licensed operators to use official league data for any sports event. The measure also does not include standards or regulations for daily fantasy sports.
SB 444’s tax structure
The measure calls for adjusted gross revenue from sports wagering to be taxed at a 12.5% rate. The tax revenue from sports wagering would see 82% of the proceeds distributed to the South Carolina Department of Revenue to be deposited into its General Fund.
The proceeds deposited into the General Fund will see a portion distributed to each local government in the state on a per capita basis. Under SB 444, the proceeds are to be used to fund infrastructure projects including, public transportation, road work and buildings.
The measure calls for remaining sports wagering revenue to be used for expenses.
House discusses a sports betting bill
SB 444 adds to another legislative attempt to authorize sports betting, House Bill 3625.
The piece of legislation was pre-filed in the state House in December 2024 and immediately referred to the chamber’s Committee on Ways and Means. HB 3625, primary sponsored by Rep. Chris Murphy, has garnered support from more than eight House members.
The bill mirrors SB 444 by mandating a 12.5% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue from wagering while also requiring a $100,000 application fee and a $1 million licensing fee.
Under HB 3625, approved operators can also hold their active licenses for up to five years.
https://sbcamericas.com/2025/03/20/south-carolina-adds-sports-betting-bill/