Best South Carolina Sports Betting Sites in 2023

South Carolina sports betting is yet to be regulated, with four proposed bills failing to pass between 2019 and 2023. However, that doesn’t mean that bettors are left without a range of sportsbooks options. Instead of waiting to potentially place bets at locally regulated sites in the future, bettors are starting to explore offshore sportsbooks. But with so many options, where do you start? That’s where we come in.

We’ve tried and tested a wide range of South Carolina sports betting sites to bring you a list of the best options available. In this article we’ll explain the legal state of South Carolina sports betting, we’ll reveal the best sportsbooks to bet at and we’ll talk you through the factors that make them great, including bonuses, banking options, odds and more.

South Carolina Sports Betting Sites

Best South Carolina Sportsbooks

South Carolina Online Sports Betting Comparison

Choosing the best South Carolina sportsbook to wager at can be challenging, so we’ve created this table to help you compare what each site bring to the table.

South Carolina Sports Betting Facts

If you’re looking to start sports betting in South Carolina, there are some key things you should know first. From the legality of sports betting to age requirements, we’re here to bring you up to speed. Here are some quick facts about SC sports betting:

• Is sports betting legal in South Carolina?: Unfortunately, sports betting is not yet legal in South Carolina.
• Is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) legal?: You can play Daily Fantasy Sports in South Carolina as it’s generally considered a game of skill rather than a legal form of gambling. However, while Daily Fantasy Sports is not illegal, it isn’t regulated in South Carolina. So, be sure to only wager at trusted offshore sportsbooks.
• State regulatory body: Currently, there is no state body regulating sports betting, but the South Carolina Education Lottery Act oversees the state’s lottery.
• Minimum gambling age: In general, you must be at least 21 years old to engage in most forms of gambling, but the minimum age for lotteries is 18.
• Land-based sportsbooks: Since sports betting isn’t legal yet, there are no authorized land-based sportsbooks in the state.
• Online platforms: While there are no licensed sports betting sites in South Carolina, many offshore sportsbooks welcome bettors from South Carolina.

Is Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?

The legality of sports betting in the United States changed dramatically in May 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This landmark decision gave individual states the freedom to set their own sports betting laws. While many states seized the opportunity to open the doors to a legal and regulated sports betting market, South Carolina kept sports betting illegal. This isn’t too surprising, as South Carolina is one of the most anti-gambling states in the US.

Unlike some other states—such as Texas sports betting, which at least offers horse racing betting options—South Carolina has a complete ban on all forms of sports betting. Not all hope is lost, though. Why? Well, the good news is that while state-regulated sports betting isn’t an option, you can still place wagers at offshore sportsbooks. Although you’ll need to exercise caution and ensure you’re dealing with licensed and reputable platforms (due to the absence of local regulatory oversight), there are no explicit laws preventing you from betting at offshore sites like the ones we’ve listed on this page.

Can You Bet on DFS in South Carolina?

Wondering if you can bet on daily fantasy sports in South Carolina? Good news: you can. Back in 2006, a federal law called the UIGEA got passed. It basically said that daily fantasy sports isn’t the same as regular sports betting because it’s more about skill than luck. So, South Carolina doesn’t have any laws stopping you from playing DFS.

That said, the state hasn’t put any official regulations in place. So, if you’re going to play, it’s a smart move to stick with offshore sportsbooks that have a good reputation. All of the offshore sportsbooks on our list have been rated and approved by experts.

History of Sports Betting in South Carolina

If you thought South Carolina would jump on the sports betting bandwagon after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned PASPA, you’re probably still waiting. Given the state’s historically conservative stance on gambling, the lack of movement isn’t exactly shocking. South Carolina has never offered legal and regulated sports betting options, and that also includes placing wagers on horse or greyhound races. Here’s a timeline of South Carolina’s sports betting history:

• 1992: Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is passed, effectively making sports betting illegal nationwide, with exceptions for a few states like Nevada.
• 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, making it possible for states to legalize online sports betting. However, South Carolina made no move to change its laws.
• 2019-2023: Multiple bills attempting to legalize sports betting were put forward. However, they were all rejected.

Sports Betting Bills in South Carolina

Despite several attempts over the years, South Carolina has yet to pass any legislation that would bring legal sports betting to the state. No sports betting bill has even reached the floor of either legislative chamber for a full vote. Here’s a more detailed look at various efforts to legalize SC sports betting:

• 2019: House Bill 3102 was introduced with the aim of legalizing sports betting. Unfortunately, it never advanced beyond the committee stage.
• 2020: Senate Bill 1093 was introduced, mirroring the previous year’s effort to open up the sports betting market in the state. Like House Bill 3102, it did not make it out of the committee stage.
• 2021: House Bill 3395 proposed a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting. Despite an initial reading, the bill was rejected after being referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
• 2022: House Bill 5277 was put forth with the intention of allowing between eight and twelve operators to offer both online and retail sports betting. Once again, the bill never gained traction. It remained undiscussed publicly throughout the two-year legislative session, so lawmakers ran out of time.
• 2023: The most recent legislative attempt, HB 3749, aims to take a page out of Tennessee’s book by legalizing online-only sports betting. The bill has successfully passed its first subcommittee and is currently awaiting review in the Ways and Means Committee. It could potentially move to the house floor if approved.

Future of South Carolina Sports Betting

The future of South Carolina sports betting is not looking too promising. After all, House Bill 5277 went undiscussed for an entire two-year legislative session, highlighting a lack of interest from lawmakers. Although proposals have been presented, they face continuous rejection, casting doubt on the introduction of online sports betting in the near future. However, there’s potential for change. One significant factor that might prompt a shift is the potential tax revenue that could be generated by the state. Should neighboring states see significant tax influxes from legal online sports betting, South Carolina might be nudged to revisit its stance.

Recent developments in North Carolina are noteworthy. With the passing of HB 347 in June 2023, online sports betting has been legalized in North Carolina, paving the way for up to 12 sportsbooks by early 2024. As the 38th state to legalize sports betting, North Carolina’s approach could prove to be a catalyst for its southern counterpart. If North Carolina sees a surge in tax revenue, it could incentivize South Carolina to reconsider. The appeal of potential revenue is evident; Indiana, for instance, generated over $4 million in tax revenue in March 2023 alone, shedding light on just how much can be made.

How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States

South Carolina stands out in the southeastern region for its strong stance against sports betting. Let’s take a closer look at how South Carolina compares to neighboring states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee:

• North Carolina: A stark contrast to South Carolina, North Carolina has taken progressive steps in the realm of sports betting. The recent legalization of online sports betting, courtesy of HB 347 in June 2023, places North Carolina among the states actively embracing the potential of a legal and regulated sports betting industry. With up to 12 sportsbooks set to go live by early 2024, the state is soon to become the 38th state to legalize sports betting.
• Georgia: Though Georgia has displayed a conservative approach to gambling historically, recent years have seen murmurs of change. While legalized sports betting isn’t yet available, ongoing discussions about a referendum and bills hint at a potential shift in the future.
• Tennessee: Tennessee is an example of how online-only sports betting can be successful. Since the introduction of online sports betting in 2020, the Volunteer State has seen a significant boost in tax revenue.

Tax For Sports Betting in South Carolina

While South Carolina has yet to legalize sports betting, and thus doesn’t have a tax structure in place for it, many states have set their own tax structures that provide us with an idea of what a tax for sports betting in South Carolina might look like in the future. If South Carolina were to legalize sports betting, the tax structure might look like one of these examples:

• Percentage of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR): This is a widely used method where states tax a percentage of the Gross Gaming Revenue, defined as the total wagers minus payouts to players. New Jersey uses this method, imposing an 8.5% tax rate on land-based sportsbook revenue and a 13% rate for online sports betting revenue.
• Flat Tax Rate: This is a straightforward approach where a flat tax rate applies irrespective of how much bettors win or what their annual income is. Nevada, for example, has a flat 6.75% tax rate. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has a flat tax rate of 3.07% for sports betting.

Popular Sports to Bet on in South Carolina

South Carolina may not have fully embraced sports betting yet. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t bet on popular sports at offshore sites. Let’s take a look at the most popular sports to bet on.

Basketball

Both pro and college basketball betting is popular throughout the state. The NBA naturally draws an audience. March Madness – the NCAA basketball tournament – also captures the attention of many sports bettors in South Carolina. Popular betting types include point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures (like championship winners), and parlays combining multiple bets. Due to the fast-paced nature of basketball, it is also popular for live betting in South Carolina.

Football

Football is an iconic American sport that understandably has an enormous following in South Carolina. While NFL betting is the go-to, college football is also immensely popular among South Carolinians, with teams like the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers getting lots of action. Common bets include point spreads, moneylines, over/under totals, and prop bets on individual player performances.

Tennis

With its slams and numerous tournaments held all year round, tennis offers many opportunities for betting enthusiasts in South Carolina. Major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open are especially popular. Common bet types include point spreads, moneylines, and over/under totals. Futures on tournament winners and proposition bets, like the number of aces, are also quite popular.

Baseball

Baseball is, without a doubt, one of the most popular sports in the US, and South Carolina is no exception. With the state being home to several minor league teams, like the Charleston RiverDogs and the Columbia Fireflies, it’s no wonder the sport baseball remains popular among fans and betting enthusiasts alike. On the betting front, Major League Baseball (MLB) gets most of the action. Common bet types include everything from regular moneylines to run lines, over/under totals, and parlays. Prop bets are also popular, which might focus on specific player performances such as home runs or pitcher strikeouts in a game.

MMA & Boxing

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing are immensely popular in South Carolina. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the premier league for MMA, but boxing doesn’t have a centralized league but rather varies depending on the specific promotion for each event. The betting options for MMA and boxing are similar, with bet types including outright winner bets, method of victory (whether by knockout or decision), and round betting (predicting which round the fight will end). Additionally, prop bets are popular, like predicting if a fight goes the distance or how many knockdowns a fighter might have.

Golf

South Carolina hosts prominent golf tournaments, such as the RBC Heritage, and boasts many golf courses that are ranked among America’s best. Because of this, it’s no wonder there is also a high demand for betting on golf in South Carolina. Major golfing events like the Masters, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship are popular among bettors. Betting on golf includes futures on tournament winners and prop bets that focus on events within the game, such as the number of birdies a player might make or if there will be a hole-in-one.

South Carolina Teams & Sportsmen to Bet on

South Carolina is home to many minor league sports teams that you can place bets on, but there aren’t any professional sports teams in major leagues such as the NFL, NHL, NBA, or MLS. Because of this, some of the most popular sports teams to bet on in South Carolina are actually based in nearby states. For example, since South Carolina does not have an NFL team, most bettors in the state place bets on teams like the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons.

The same goes for basketball. Since there are no South Carolina NBA teams to speak of, fans frequently get behind the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. And when it comes to hockey and baseball, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes have a considerable following, and baseball bettors usually get behind the MLB’s Atlanta Braves. That said, there are still many local South Carolina sports teams and athletes to bet on. Here’s a look at the top teams, players, and athletes from South Carolina that get the most betting action:

South Carolina Gamecocks

When you think of college sports in South Carolina, the Gamecocks is probably the first name that comes to mind. Based out of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, the Gamecocks have both football and basketball teams that perform well. On the football front, they compete in the NCAA and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference.

They’ve had their moments shining in the SEC and have plenty of bowl game appearances and wins. On the basketball side, in 2022 the women’s team, led by Coach Dawn Staley, grabbed the NCAA championship. Considering how fired up fans get for teams like the Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers, it’s no wonder South Carolina sportsbooks are starting to offer betting odds and lines.

Clemson Tigers

Now, if we’re talking about college football, then the Clemson Tigers can’t be overlooked. Based in Clemson, this college football team has won national championships on three separate occasions, in 1981, 2016, and again in 2018. That’s not even mentioning their usual appearances in the playoffs and final stages. As a result of their continued success, you can find many offshore sportsbooks that offer both pre-game and in-play betting markets.

Steven ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson

If you’re interested in UFC betting and looking for a fighter from South Carolina to place your bets on, Steven ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson stands out as a solid choice. Simpsonville’s very own, Thompson is more than just a hometown hero; he’s grown to become a household name in the mixed martial arts scene. With his striking karate-based style, ‘Wonderboy’ has delivered some of the most memorable fights in the UFC, such as his Welterweight title bout against Tyon Woodley at UFC 205. Thanks to his unpredictable fighting style and immense fan following, ‘Wonderboy’ ranks high on the list of favorites for UFC bettors in South Carolina.

PGA Tour players

South Carolina has produced some noteworthy golfers who’ve gone on to make their mark on the PGA Tour. In fact, the state has produced 8th most pro golfers from any state in the US. Dustin Johnson is one of the most popular golfers from South Carolina to bet on, which is no surprise given he has 18 PGA Tour wins in the last ten years. Some other popular names from South Carolina include Dalton Ward, Lucas Glover, Adam Hart, Robert Diaz, and Andrew Novak.

Live Betting and Streaming in South Carolina

While there are no sportsbooks licensed in South Carolina, there are plenty of offshore sportsbooks that accept players. The best offshore sportsbooks are popular because not only are they licensed by reputable offshore authorities, but they also offer innovative features like live betting and streaming. This means you can still enjoy a comprehensive and immersive online betting experience from within South Carolina. Lets take a closer look at what these features bring to the table.

Live Betting

Remember the times when bets were placed only before the game started? Those days are long gone with the introduction of live betting. It gives you the opportunity to bet on a game as the action unfolds. So if you miss the starting whistle, it’s no problem. BetOnline has a user-friendly live betting interface, complete with event and multi-view options as well as a live betting calendar. This design ensures effortless planning, placement, and management of your bets.

Live Streaming

Then there’s streaming, a simple yet effective feature that goes hand in hand with live betting. As the name suggests, live streaming lets you watch the event live. Sportsbooks often let you live stream certain events directly on the same platform. Because of this, there is no need for multiple screens or constant channel-switching. Streaming makes it easy for you to watch the game and place bets at a moments notice.

Other Gambling Options in South Carolina

We appreciate not all of our readers are looking to bet on sports in South Carolina. So, let’s take a closer look at the various other gambling options available.

Casinos

South Carolina doesn’t have any licensed casino venues, which include both online and brick-and-mortar. The state does allow “casino cruises,” where residents and visitors over the age of 21 can board ships that travel to international waters to offer casino-style gambling. These cruises typically provide a range of table games and slot machines. However, for more traditional land-based casino experiences, you have to visit nearby states or consider playing at offshore online casinos.

Horse Racing

While South Carolina boasts prominent racetracks like the Stono Ferry Racetrack, home to the Steeplechase of Charleston, local betting on these races remains off the table. However, numerous offshore sportsbooks, such as BetUS, provide betting opportunities on both national and international horse races.

State Lottery

The South Carolina Education Lottery is the state’s official lottery program, and it is completely legal. Launched in 2002, the lottery offers a variety of games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, instant scratch-off games, and more. The proceeds from the lottery are used to support educational initiatives and scholarships within the state. The minimum gambling age is 18 for lottery games.

South Carolina Sportsbook Deposit Options

Sportsbooks that accept players from South Carolina tend to support a wide range of deposit options. From conventional methods like credit/debit cards to modern digital solutions like cryptocurrencies, there’s a deposit method to suit all preferences. However, it’s worth noting that most offshore sportsbooks do not support e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Let’s delve into some of the most popular deposit methods.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether have become popular deposit methods in recent years, and for good reason. These digital currencies provide anonymity, ensuring transactions are private and secure. Deposits using cryptocurrencies are typically instant, and the good news is that they’re usually devoid of any fees. However, the volatile nature of cryptocurrency prices can sometimes impact the value of your deposits or withdrawals. So if you’re new to using cryptocurrencies at sportsbooks in South Carolina, then you may want to stick with a stablecoin like Tether, as this is pegged to the US dollar.

Credit/Debit Cards

Arguably the most widely accepted deposit method, credit and debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover offer simplicity and speed. When you choose to deposit with a bank card, funds are typically available in your sportsbook account almost instantly. While most sportsbooks do not charge a fee for debit card deposits, some credit card providers may impose transaction fees, which is the biggest drawback of choosing this deposit method.

Wire Transfer

Wire transfers are one of the oldest deposit methods at online sportsbooks in the US, and it still remains a popular deposit method to this day. This payment method lets you transfer funds directly from your bank account to the sportsbook. While they are secure and reliable, they are not always the fastest option for sports betting in South Carolina.

Why? Well, since you can only play at offshore sportsbooks in South Carolina, then you will have to send most wire transfers overseas, too. This means it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days for funds to appear in your betting account. Additionally, both the sending and receiving banks might charge fees, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards like Paysafecard and AstroPay serve as a middleman between your bank account and the sportsbook, providing an extra level of security. After loading the card with the desired amount, you can deposit funds into your sportsbook account using your prepaid card details. It’s simple and straightforward, with funds usually available instantly. However, bettors should be aware that some sportsbooks exclude prepaid card deposits from certain bonuses or promotions.

Bonuses and Promotions at South Carolina Sports Betting Sites

Looking to get the most out of your sports betting in South Carolina? First things first: familiarize yourself with the different bonuses and promotions available. These offers not only enhance your betting experience but also open up lots of additional winning opportunities. If you’re not making the most of these offers, you’re missing out. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular promotions you’ll find at top-rated sportsbooks in South Carolina.

Sign-Up Bonuses

A first impression matters. Betting sites like BetOnline, BetNow, and Bovada understand this. They roll out the red carpet for their new members with generous sign-up offers. These bonuses are designed to attract new players to a betting platform. Typically, after registering and making an initial deposit, the betting site will offer a percentage of that deposit as bonus funds, up to a certain limit. For example, BetNow offers a 200% match up to $200, meaning if you deposit $100, you’ll get an additional $200 in bonus money. However, there are wagering requirements attached to welcome bonuses, which means you need to bet a certain amount before withdrawing any winnings from the bonus.

Reload Bonuses

Once you’re a fully-fledged member, head over to the promotions page and it’s likely you’ll find some reload bonuses to claim. These are where sportsbooks will match your deposit up to a certain percentage, effectively giving you extra funds to wager with. While welcome bonuses usually offer higher bonus amounts and percentages, the key advantage of reload bonuses is that they can be claimed more than once.

While a welcome bonus is a one-time offer, deposit matches can occur regularly – be it weekly, monthly, or during special sporting events. Always check the promotions page for these opportunities as they can significantly boost your bankroll. Bet US excels in offering reload bonuses. Their promotions page has a ‘re-up’ section where you will find generous reload bonuses sometimes exceeding 200%.

Free Bets

A free bet is precisely what it sounds like: a chance to place a wager without risking your own money. Online sports betting sites might offer these as part of a deposit bonus package, such as a welcome bonus, or as a no deposit bonus. It’s worth noting that with free bets, you usually only receive the winnings and not the stake. So, if you win a $10 free bet at odds of 2:1, you’ll get $20, not $30.

Loyalty and VIP Programs

A common misconception about sportsbook bonuses is that the welcome bonus is the best. However, stick around at a top-rated sportsbook and you’ll come to realize that the best benefits and bonuses are reserved for loyal players.

Take MyBookie, for example. This sportsbook has an exclusive VIP program where you can gain access to personalized promotions and receive VIP treatment. In addition to 24/7 VIP support and prioritized payouts, you also get to benefit from exclusive bonuses like odds boosts, rebates, and risk-free bets.

Odds Boosts

Enhanced odds for specific events or matches mean better potential payouts, and who doesn’t love that? They provide players with a chance to win more than they usually would, so it’s no wonder these bonuses are so highly sought after. Some of the sportsbooks on our list of the best South Carolina sports betting sites that are known for offering odds boosts include MyBookie, Jazz Sports, and BUSR.

Refer-a-Friend Bonuses

Many sites offer refer-a-friend bonuses where if you bring a buddy on board, there’s usually a little something in it for both of you. Typically, once your referred friend signs up and makes a deposit, both of you receive a bonus. It’s a win-win situation: your friend gets a head start, and you get rewarded for bringing in a new player. For example, Jazz Sports has a referral program where for every successful referral, you will both receive 100% up to $100.

South Carolina Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Sites

All of the best South Carolina sports betting sites are optimized for mobile devices. While some provide dedicated mobile apps for download, others provide a browser-based experience with no downloads required. Occasionally, platforms might offer both options.

While both serve the primary purpose of enabling on-the-go betting, they come with their unique sets of features, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each one to determine which might be the best fit for your needs.

Sports Betting Apps

Many SC sportsbooks offer betting apps that are designed specifically for iOS or Android, offering a seamless experience optimized for your device. With apps, the benefit is that you can receive real-time push notifications on odds, results, and promotions. Also, some functionalities might be available offline, which means you can still access your account in areas with patchy connectivity. However, the downside is that they require downloading and often require updates, which can be taxing on your device’s storage.

Mobile Sites

Mobile sports betting sites are essentially the web versions of sportsbooks that have been optimized for mobile browsers. Their prime advantage is the elimination of the need for downloads or updates. They’re accessible from any device with an internet browser, and they won’t eat into your device’s storage space. On the flip side, mobile sites might suffer from slower loading times compared to dedicated apps. However, this usually comes down to your device’s browser performance. If you have any of the latest iPhones, for example, then you should get fast loading times. Perhaps one of the biggest downsides is that without push notifications, you may need to manually check for updates or promotions.

How to Sign Up to South Carolina Sportsbooks

Signing up and placing bets at one of the South Carolina sportsbooks on our list is a breeze. BetOnline is a prime example of this. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sign up at BetOnline, one of the top recommendations for South Carolina residents.

1. Visit the Website

Start by navigating to the BetOnline website on your preferred browser. Look for the green button labeled “Join” in the top corner of the homepage.

2. Complete the Registration Process

Upon clicking the “Join” button, you’ll be presented with a registration form. Fill in the required details which include your name, email address, contact number, and date of birth. Make sure to use accurate details to avoid any future complications.

3. Make a Deposit

 

Before placing your first bet, you’ll need to fund your account. Navigate to the “Banking” section, where you can choose from different payment methods, from credit cards to cryptocurrency. Select your preferred method, input the necessary details, and specify the amount you wish to deposit. You’ll also be able to claim a BetOnline promo code at this stage.

4. Place Your Bet

With a funded account, you’re now ready to place a bet. Browse through the vast range of sports and events available on BetOnline. Once you’ve chosen your preferred event or match, select your bet type, enter the amount you wish to wager, and confirm your bet.

Best Overall South Carolina Sportsbook

The absence of regulated local sportsbooks could make you think that sports betting options are off the table completely. However, that’s far from the truth. When it comes to online sports betting in South Carolina, there’s a good selection of offshore sportsbooks to choose from. However, they’re not created equally, which is why we’ve only added sites to our list that have been tried, tested, and approved. From that list, BetOnline stands out as the best overall South Carolina sportsbook. Not only does BetOnline boast an extensive range of sports and some of the best odds out there, but its generous bonuses and user-friendly website make it stand out from the crowd.

South Carolina Sports Betting FAQs