A new House bill introduced by Rep. Chris Murphy in South Carolina aims to legalize sports betting in the state. The bill proposes the creation of the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, implementing a privilege tax, and setting up a licensing system for operators. Murphy believes that legalizing sports betting will capture the market and shift people from illegal to legal betting, potentially bringing in significant revenue for the state.
Murphy highlighted the potential financial benefits of the bill, emphasizing that the revenue generated could be used for tax relief, addiction services, supporting state universities, and improving local governments and infrastructure. He pointed out that many residents are currently crossing into North Carolina to place bets during major sporting events, potentially taking away revenue from South Carolina.
However, Gov. Henry McMaster opposes legalizing sports gambling, citing negative consequences that outweigh any financial benefits. Despite opposition, Murphy remains optimistic about the bill’s future and is prepared to reintroduce it in the future if necessary.
University of South Carolina student Matthew Rollings expressed his support for legal sports betting, using platforms like Prize Picks to keep himself interested in games. While South Carolina currently allows legal betting on fantasy sports, these platforms remain unregulated. The bill is currently moving through the House Ways and Means Committee and will eventually go to the state legislature and governor’s desk for approval. South Carolina’s sports bettors will have to wait to see if legal betting becomes a reality in the state.
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