Primary Results Give Small Boost to South Carolina Sports Betting

South Carolina sports betting has long been a pipe dream, blocked by Governor Henry McMaster. But based on the gubernatorial primary results, his successor might be more open to the idea.

South Carolina voters advanced Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson to a run-off for the Republican nomination for governor. The winner will face Democrat Jermaine Johnson in November. Importantly for South Carolina sports betting advocates, all three have at least said they’d listen to voters on betting.

That marks a big change from McMaster, who made clear he’d never sign such a bill. With that obstacle in place, South Carolina virtually halted all progress on gambling legislation. The legislature discussed bills related to gambling last year, but none made it out of committee. Legislators knew McMaster would veto them, making them a non-priority.

With a new governor in place in January, efforts might begin again with a new state legislature. South Carolina is one of two East Coast states, along with Georgia, that do not offer legal sports betting.

What Happened in the Primary Elections?

South Carolina held primaries for both the Republican and Democratic nominations for governor, as well as other races. South Carolina law requires a candidate to win 50% plus 1 of the votes to win; otherwise, the top two finishers advance to a run-off election.

That happened on the Republican side. Evette took first place with 28.9% of the vote, nowhere near the threshold. Wilson took 26.1%, good for second place and a spot in the runoff. That was important for South Carolina sports betting advocates, because third place went to Congressman Ralph Norman (R-5th District), who made clear he was as opposed to gambling as McMaster. Norman is now out of the running, as are others below him.

On the Democratic side, no run-off is necessary. Johnson claimed 59.7% of the vote, clearing the threshold and winning the primary. He’ll automatically move to November’s ballot, while Evette and Wilson square off on June 23.

Where Does Each Candidate Stand on South Carolina Sports Betting?

None have taken a positive stance on gambling in South Carolina. But Evette hasn’t closed the door on South Carolina sports betting. She said she wants to get feedback from South Carolina residents before she makes any decision. Wilson has taken a similar position, although he noted he’d want input from faith-based and law enforcement officials.

Johnson also has a cautious stance on betting in the Palmetto State. He has suggested letting the voters decide and respecting their decision.

What Gambling Issues Exist in South Carolina?

Two main questions have come through the South Carolina legislature in recent years. The first concerns legalization of South Carolina sports betting. This exists in the form of House Bill 3625. Since neighbor North Carolina legalized sports betting, that state has seen about $500 million per month wagered on sports. As Greenville, Columbia and the Charlotte suburbs all sit within two hours of the state line, a decent percentage of that likely comes from South Carolina residents.

The other is the legalization and construction of a casino near Orangeburg. That part of the Palmetto State is one of the most rural and least economically advantaged. Yet its location near the interchange of Interstate 95 and Interstate 26 makes it a prime spot for tourists passing through.

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) and Rep. Jerry Govan (D-Orangeburg) have proposed House Bill 4176, which would legalize the casino. Hutto has said he plans to reintroduce the legislation in the next session, which begins Jan. 12.

What’s the Next Step?

Evette and Wilson will compete in the run-off election on June 23. The winner will face Johnson in the general election, and the winner of that will be sworn in on Jan. 13. With Hutto expected to re-introduce the gambling bills in January, the next governor might need to take a position on South Carolina sports betting in their first month in office.