Wilson Wins Governor Race; South Carolina Sports Betting On Track for 2027

For the first time, South Carolina sports betting advocates have a friendly face in the governor’s mansion. Now the Palmetto State could make sports betting a reality in the new legislative session.

Republican Alan Wilson narrowly won the governorship, edging out Democrat Jermaine Johnson. The race was called at 9:50 p.m. ET, and Wilson beat Johnson by 4.5%.

While this was a win for Republicans, it marks a shift in South Carolina sports-betting politics. Outgoing governor Henry McMaster took a firm stance against legal sports betting, making it clear he would never sign legislation approving any form of gambling in the state.

Wilson took the opposite stance, saying he wanted to legalize it. The South Carolina legislature still has to get a measure to his desk, but now legislators know that if the right bill arrives, the governor-elect won’t be an obstacle.

What Is The Future Of South Carolina Sports Betting?

That depends on the state legislature’s appetite for legal sports betting. The state didn’t elect senators on Nov. 3, because South Carolina senators are elected only in presidential years. That leaves Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort), the main sponsor of the state's last sports betting bill, to try again in the new legislative session.

The last bill didn’t make it through committees, in part because supporters knew McMaster would veto it. But with Wilson now in favor of South Carolina sports betting, state legislators can debate the issue in earnest.

They likely will, because the South Carolina House will have changed significantly in 2027. With results unofficial, roughly 10 seats have flipped in the state House, breaking the Republican supermajority. Republicans still hold a supermajority in the state Senate, so they’ll shape any sports-betting bills. But they’ll now have to hold real discussions before getting a bill to Wilson.

How Are Other Forms of Betting in South Carolina Affected?

While sports betting advocates in the state have reason to celebrate, casino gambling supporters had a frustrating night. Wilson’s victory likely means that a proposed casino in Orangeburg is dead for the foreseeable future.

Democrats in the state had hoped a new governor would agree to build a casino near Orangeburg, one of the state's more rural areas. The majority-Black city sits near the intersection of Interstate 95 and Interstate 26, and its representatives, Sen. Brad Hutto and Rep. Jerry Govan, had hoped that a casino could revitalize the area.

However, Wilson’s win likely ends that. While the governor-elect supports sports betting, he firmly opposes casino gambling in the Palmetto State. Orangeburg gave Johnson some of his strongest support, as the Democrat won the county by 40 points. Govan comfortably won his race and will return to the state House, and Hutto plans to reintroduce his casino bill in January.

But with Wilson certain to veto, Hutto would need strong Republican support to override him.

What’s the Timeline for South Carolina Sports Betting?

Most likely, the state will debate sports betting in 2027. The legislative session begins Jan. 12 and lasts four months unless it's extended. That means a favorable bill could bring sports betting to South Carolina by the end of the calendar year.

Historically, it takes about six months to establish sports betting after legalization. That sets a realistic timeline of fall to winter 2027. Given college football's popularity in South Carolina, legislators would likely try to get a bill to Wilson’s desk by March.