South Carolina Sports Betting: Latest News & Updates (2026)
TL;DR
Sports betting is not legal in South Carolina as of 2026. There are no licensed retail sportsbooks, no statewide mobile betting apps, and no regulated way to place traditional sports bets in the state. South Carolina law still broadly prohibits bookmaking and betting pools on any sporting events. For this reason, legalization has required new legislation and likely a constitutional change.
That said, South Carolina players still look for legal ways to participate in sports outcomes. Two common alternatives are peer-to-peer sports prediction markets like Novig and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
The Current State of Sports Betting in South Carolina
Sports betting is not legal and not operational in South Carolina. There are no state-licensed sportsbooks, no casino sportsbooks, and no approved mobile betting operators.
One big reason is the way South Carolina’s gambling laws are written. The state’s core gambling statute is broad and has historically made it hard to carve out sports betting without passing a clear new framework. As of 2026, South Carolina lawmakers are still introducing sports betting bills, but none have created a live market yet.
Where South Carolina Sports Betting Legislation Stands
South Carolina has introduced multiple sports betting proposals in recent years, but none have made it across the finish line.
What Happened After PASPA Fell
When PASPA fell in 2018, many states moved quickly to legalize sports betting. South Carolina did not.
Instead of launching a regulated market, the state remained in essentially the same position it was before in 2018. Any legalization effort had to move through the General Assembly, and many observers believe a constitutional amendment may ultimately be required to fully authorize sportsbooks.
The Bills Keep Coming, But They Keep Stalling
South Carolina has seen repeated attempts to legalize sports betting, typically focused on mobile wagering rather than retail sportsbooks.
In 2023, lawmakers introduced H. 3749, which proposed an interactive wagering framework. The bill attempted to create a regulated mobile sports betting market and even included language clarifying that sports wagering and fantasy contests would not violate South Carolina’s broader gambling statutes.
More recently, during the 2025-2026 legislative session, new bills such as H. 3625 and S. 444 were introduced. These proposals aimed to establish a sports wagering structure, create a regulatory commission, and outline licensing and oversight requirements. Nonetheless, the pattern has remained consistent. Bills are introduced, receive attention and discussion, and then stall before reaching final passage.
The Constitutional Amendment Factor
One of the biggest roadblocks is South Carolina’s historically strict gambling framework. Some lawmakers and legal analysts argue that expanding gambling in a meaningful way may require a constitutional amendment.
For example, in 2025 a joint resolution was introduced that would amend the state constitution to allow certain forms of gambling, including sports betting. That approach acknowledges that simple statutory changes may not be enough to fully authorize and protect a regulated sportsbook market from legal challenges. Until the constitutional hurdle is cleared, there is a good chance South Carolina will remain a state that doesn’t allow sportsbooks.
What You Can Do in South Carolina (Today)
Even without legalized sportsbooks, South Carolina residents still have compliant options.
Prediction Markets
Prediction markets such as Novig allow users to trade sports outcomes peer-to-peer rather than betting against a traditional sportsbook. Instead of a house setting fixed odds, prices move based on supply and demand among users.
Since prediction markets operate under a different structure than sportsbooks, they are accessible in many states where traditional sportsbook betting has not yet been legalized.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports contests remain widely available in South Carolina. Major platforms offer formats such as pick’em contests, salary-cap games, draft-based competitions, and best ball leagues.
Most DFS platforms allow participation at 18 or older, though users should confirm each platform’s eligibility requirements and contest rules before entering.
The Best Options to Play in South Carolina (2026)
1) Novig (Prediction Market)
Novig is a sports prediction market where users trade outcomes directly with other participants instead of betting against a sportsbook. There is no traditional house setting odds and no built-in sportsbook margin. Since pricing is market-driven, users are not locked into standard odds on spreads or totals and the odds adjust based on activity within the marketplace. This structure can result in tighter pricing and more flexibility.
South Carolina users commonly use Novig to play with major professional sports markets, player-based outcomes, and futures-style markets such as playoff appearances or championship results.
2) DFS Platforms
DFS platforms such as Underdog, PrizePicks, Sleeper, and others continue to operate in South Carolina. These platforms provide structured contests with clearly defined payout models. Users should carefully review contest types, payout timelines, and promotional terms. Responsible play tools such as deposit limits and time-based controls are typically available and recommended.
When Could South Carolina Get Sportsbooks?
There is no official launch date because no bill has passed. Most recent legislative discussions suggest another serious push could occur during the 2026 session. However, South Carolina’s constitutional considerations make the path more complex than in many other states.
Even if lawmakers passed a bill in 2026, regulators would still need time for rulemaking, licensing, and technical approval. Realistically, that would push any sportsbook launch into late 2026 at the earliest and more likely 2027 or later.
For now, South Carolina citizens can play utilizing DFS platforms and sports prediction markets like Novig.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in South Carolina?
No. There are no licensed online or retail sportsbooks operating in South Carolina.
Is Novig legal in South Carolina?
Yes. Novig operates as a sports prediction market rather than a licensed sportsbook. Always review in-app eligibility requirements and platform terms.
Are DFS apps legal in South Carolina?
DFS contests are widely available, though the state has not created a specific regulatory framework for them. Users should confirm eligibility and contest types within each platform.
When will South Carolina get real sportsbooks?
There is no set date. The earliest realistic scenario would involve passage of legislation in a future session, followed by a regulatory setup period that could take 6-12 months.
