COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers pre-filed a bill in the state’s House of Representatives that would legalize sports betting with additional requirements. In 2023, the chamber introduced HB 3749, a comprehensive sports gambling and horse racing bill however, it quickly died in committee.

Gov. Henry McMaster has been an outspoken opponent of gambling legislation, marking a large obstacle in the push to legalize sports betting.

The South Carolina Sports Wagering Act, or Bill 3625, was pre-filed in the House on Dec. 12, 2024, by primary sponsor, Rep. Chris Murphy (R), alongside co-sponsors, Rep. Heath Sessions (R) and Rep. J Todd Rutherford (D).

If passed, it would enact the nine-member South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the industry and enforce regulations.

Sports betting would only be permitted through approved apps or platforms and be offered only by licensed operators. Each license is valid for five years.

This bill also places a cap on market size, limiting operators to a cap of eight licenses. Each licensing application fee would be set at $100,000 with a $1 million licensing fee for accepted operators.

A 12.5% privilege tax would be set on operators adjusted gross receipts and the revenue would support mental health initiatives statewide. This includes prevention programs and treatment services for those suffering from gambling disorders.

The South Carolina General Assembly is set to reconvene Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. It is unclear when exactly Bill 3625 will be up for consideration this session.