Sports Gambling In South Carolina
South Carolina, or the “Palmetto State,” has a lot of historical value. While the state doesn’t host any professional sports franchises, it does share some “Carolina” sports franchises that are based in North Carolina. South Carolina does host two impressive college teams in Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. It’s an exciting region for sports fans, and South Carolina residents can get in on even more exciting sports action through sports betting.
Using this guide, South Carolina residents can learn about the laws regarding sports betting and the most reputable and trusted licensed sportsbooks for South Carolina residents.
Best Online Sportsbooks Open To South Carolina Residents In 2024
The sportsbooks on our list represent our recommendations for South Carolina residents seeking legitimate, secure and high quality betting options. These offshore sportsbooks are all legally sanctioned and are regulated by their own governments. They possess the proper licensing and certifications necessary to operate and do business with bettors around the globe.
These sportsbooks offer a premium betting experience, similar to the one you’d find in Las Vegas, and they also offer incentives to bettors through bonuses. There is a large number of sportsbooks out there, but the few we’ve suggested have been carefully vetted by our team of industry professionals and are the best options that the industry has to offer for South Carolina residents.
Sportsbook | Bonus | 5 Star Rating | USA | Play Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $1000 | 4.9 | Yes | Play Now |
BetUS Sportsbook | 100% Max $2500 | 4.7 | Yes | Play Now |
Bookmaker | 100% Max $500 | 4.3 | Yes | Play Now |
Is Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina state law considers sports betting a misdemeanor offense, though the state law only applies to placing wagers at bookmakers located within the state.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) restricts state-run sports betting in 46 states, including South Carolina.
The Federal Wire Act outlaws the placing of online bets at US based sportsbooks and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act monitors banks and their processing of transactions acquired through online gambling.
All of these laws combine to prohibit US based sportsbook wagering, while none of them outlaw offshore sportsbook betting at licensed and regulated destinations that are located outside of US borders. This means that yes, there is legal sports betting available to South Carolina sports fans.
How State and Federal Laws Regulate Sports Betting in South Carolina
South Carolina state law restricts sports betting within state lines. It doesn’t say anything about placing bets with offshore sportsbooks like the ones we’ve suggested.
The same can be said for PASPA. This law was passed in 1992 and bars 46 states from hosting Nevada-style sports betting. As long as PASPA is in place, South Carolina doesn’t stand a chance of having state regulated sports betting.
Contrary to popular belief, the Federal Wire Act doesn’t prohibit bettors from placing bets online, only bets placed through US-based online sportsbooks.
The UIGEA does monitor bank transactions, but it doesn’t make it illegal to legally gamble online. The bill was passed to clean up the financial channels of online gambling and rid them of money laundering and other corrupt practices.
All in all, these laws don’t apply to the offshore sportsbooks we’ve suggested for South Carolina residents. These sportsbooks are legally sanctioned and operate outside the jurisdiction of US federal and state laws.
Popular Teams To Bet On In South Carolina
As previously mentioned, South Carolina doesn’t have any professional sports teams, however it does share “Carolina” franchises with North Carolina.
The Carolina Panthers play in the NFL out of North Carolina and were just in Super Bowl L.
The Charlotte Hornets play in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.
The Carolina Hurricanes play in the NHL and are based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
South Carolina does have two Division 1 NCAA programs in the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks, who play in the ACC and SEC, respectively. Clemson just beat Alabama in the 2017 National Championship game.
NFL Teams In South Carolina
Carolina Panthers (shared with NC)
NBA Teams In South Carolina
Charlotte Hornets (shared with NC)
NHL Teams In South Carolina
Carolina Hurricanes (shared with NC)
Popular College Sports Teams in South Carolina
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Bet On Teams That Are Not Located In My State?
Certainly. Just because your state doesn’t host any major professional sports franchises doesn’t restrict your ability to bet. You can bet on teams from around the country, even from around the world.
Can I Bet On College Sports At Offshore Sportsbooks?
Yes. NCAA games are eligible for betting. For South Carolina residents, college football is huge. Clemson just won the NCAAF National Championship, so they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. March Madness is approaching soon, too, so there are lots of bets to be placed there.
Are These Sportsbooks Legal For South Carolina Residents?
Yes. These are all legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks. They are licensed, certified and regulated and do business with millions of users. These sportsbooks are unaffected by the US federal laws and South Carolina state laws in regards to sports betting.
How Do I Make A Deposit Into My Sportsbook Account?
In order to make a deposit, you first have to create an account. Once you register for an account, you can deposit money from selecting one of the available deposit methods. Some of the more popular deposit methods include Bitcoin, credit/debit cards and wire transfers. There are different deposit options depending on the sportsbook you use.
Are There Any Membership Fees At Offshore Sportsbooks?
No. You aren’t asked to pay any signup fees or monthly/annual dues as part of betting with these sportsbooks. The only money you’ll ever spend is the money you wager.
Can I See The Odds Before I Deposit Money?
Yes. You can browse the available betting lines before even signing up for an account. This way you can see if the sportsbook has what you are looking for and is right for you. There are varying odds depending on the sportsbook you use, but they are all comparable with the Vegas bookmakers.
Are There Any South Carolina Teams Who Could Win A Championship in 2024?
The Clemson Tigers just won the 2017 National Championship, but you can place a future bet on them to win the 2018 title. They’re sure to be in the top-ranked teams again come college playoff time. The Gamecocks are a little further down the pecking order, but are still a strong team. For the other teams, the Panthers are your best bet, but they had a pretty dismal season after appearing in the Super Bowl.