Tory Kooyman MGM Resorts Intl/Tory Kooyman
The legalization of sports gambling in South Carolina and North Carolina is generating a lot of interest among sports fans. In this state, where gambling prohibition has lasted for years, residents could only dream of being able to bet on sporting events or horse racing. However, things have started to change, and now, some places like York County can enjoy this type of entertainment.
North Carolina is also on the cusp of change. The law prohibiting sports gambling will soon be repealed, allowing residents of the state to place wagers locally at eight professional sports venues, including one in Charlotte. It will also open up the ability to bet online through special apps. The move will allow North Carolina to join the other 37 states where sports gambling has long been legal.
The intricacies of gambling legalization in South Carolina
South Carolina may be one of the last states to legalize sports gambling, but this inevitable change in the law is becoming increasingly likely. The state, led by Governor Henry McMaster, who has previously opposed the concept, may change its attitude towards gambling.
South Carolina is conservative when it comes to gambling. The only forms of legal gambling in the state are educational and charitable lotteries. However, the long resistance to sports gambling in the state is due not only to religious opposition but also to memories of the problems associated with legal video poker in the 1990s.
Nevertheless, the neighboring state of North Carolina, which is about to legalize sports betting, could have an impact on South Carolina. As a practical matter, this could be the first step that leads to the legalization of sports gambling in South Carolina. It is quite possible that state legislators will closely monitor the legalization process "in the neighborhood" and will make a decision based on the results.
A bill regarding gambling at sporting events and horse racing in South Carolina continues to remain under consideration by a House committee. Meanwhile, a bill dealing with online betting on horse racing was passed by the House in April but failed to pass the Senate.
Ray Felder, a House member from Fort Mill, opposed the version of the bill dealing exclusively with horse racing. He supports legalizing gambling in South Carolina but expressed a preference for a comprehensive bill that would provide a fundamental basis for the decision.
The bills are generating a lot of interest in the community because legalizing gambling, especially related to sporting events and horse racing, has important social and economic implications. Such changes have an impact on tourism, infrastructure development, job creation, and the improvement of the economic well-being of the region.
Tax from gambling activities to benefit the community
South Carolina's government's plan to use gambling revenues to fund mental health services has generated interest and response from stakeholders. According to reports, a tax of 18% on gross betting revenue and 1% on horse racing has been proposed in North Carolina and is seen as a funding source for many community needs, including youth sports development and support for public colleges.
To make matters worse, many experts point out that state residents bet anyway, just at illegal casinos or betting shops in other states. For example, the website topCAD offers casinos for Canadian dollars, where not only Canadians can play. So, money that could have been used to improve the welfare of the state goes to other jurisdictions.
However, the bill was opposed and left pending in the General Assembly due to a possible veto by Governor McMaster. The ambiguity in the decision on this issue means that the future of this initiative remains uncertain. The Governor's position is important because he could block any gambling bills for the remainder of his tenure in 2027.
In the context of existing illegal gambling activity in South Carolina, Felder and Murphy's proposal to include gambling revenues seems logical, as it would allow for regulation of the sector while generating additional revenue for the state's budget.
