Best South Carolina Sports Betting Sites in 2024

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.