South Carolina General Assembly

126th Session, 2025-2026

S. 444

A BILL

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SPORTS WAGERING ACT"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 55 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OPERATION OF SPORTS WAGERING AND ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES ARE LAWFUL IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA SPORTS WAGERING COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE A PRIVILEGE TAX, TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSES, TO PROVIDE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE INELIGIBLE TO ENGAGE IN WAGERING IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT, AND TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-135 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO ENGAGES IN SPORTS WAGERING IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF CERTAIN LAWS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Sports Wagering Act".

SECTION 2. Title 39 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

CHAPTER 55

Interactive Sports Wagering

Section 39-55-100. (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the operation of sports wagering and ancillary activities are lawful when conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A person or entity may not engage in any activities in this State that require a license pursuant to this chapter unless all necessary licenses have been obtained pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.

Section 39-55-110. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1)(a) "Adjusted gross sports wagering receipts" means the total of all cash and cash equivalents received by a sports wagering operator minus the total of:

(i) all cash and cash equivalents paid out as winnings to sports wagering patrons;

(ii) the actual costs paid by a sports wagering operator for anything of value, including merchandise or services, free bets, or promotional credits distributed to sports wagering patrons to incentivize sports wagering;

(iii) any sums paid as a result of any federal tax, including the federal excise tax;

(iv) voided or cancelled wagers; and

(v) uncollectible sports wagering receivables, not to exceed the lesser of:

(A) a reasonable provision for uncollectible patron checks, ACH transactions, debit card transactions, and credit card transactions received from sports wagering operations; or

(B) two percent of the total of all sums, including checks, whether collected or not, less the amount paid out as winnings to sports wagering patrons.

(b) For purposes of this item, a counter or personal check that is invalid or unenforceable pursuant to this item is considered cash received by the sports wagering operator from sports wagering operations.

(2) "Cash equivalent" means an asset convertible to cash for use in connection with authorized sports wagering that excludes free bets and promotional credits but includes:

(a) foreign currency and coin;

(b) personal checks and drafts;

(d) online and mobile payment systems that support online money transfers;

(e) credit cards and debit cards;

(f) a prepaid access instrument; and

(g) any other form approved by the commission.

(3) "Cheating" means improving the chances of winning or of altering the outcome by deception, interference, or manipulation of a sporting event or of any equipment, including software pertaining to or used in relation to the equipment, used for, or in connection with, the sporting event on which wagers are placed or are invited, including attempts and conspiracy to cheat.

(4) "Collegiate" means belonging to, or involving, a public or private institution of higher education.

(5) "Collegiate sporting event" means a sporting or athletic event involving a sports or athletic team of a public or private institution of higher education.

(6) "Commission" means the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.

(7) "Covered sporting event" means any event of the relevant sport's governing body on which one or more operators offer or accept bets.

(8) "Executive director" means the executive director of the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission appointed by the commission pursuant to Section 39-55-120.

(9) "E-sport" means a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, either in person or by means of a remote connection, in which success principally depends upon the superior knowledge, training, experience, and adroitness of the players.

(10) "Fantasy sports contest" means a simulated game or contest with an entry fee in which:

(a) Two or more fantasy sports contest players who are natural persons compete against each other.

(b) A fantasy sports contest team is not composed entirely of individual contestants who are members of the same real-world sports team.

(c) Each prize and award or the value of all prizes and awards offered to winning fantasy sports contest players is made known to the fantasy sports contest players in advance of the fantasy sports contest.

(d) Each winning outcome reflects the relative knowledge and skill of the fantasy sports contest players and is determined by the aggregated statistical results of the performance of multiple individual contestants who each fantasy sports contest player has selected to form that player's fantasy sports contest team. The individual performances of the individual contestants in the fantasy sports contest directly correspond with the actual performances of those contestants in a real-world sporting event in which those individuals participated.

(e) A winning outcome is not based on the performance of a single real-world sports team, any combination of real-world sports teams, or a single contestant in a real-world sporting event, nor is it based on the score or point spread of one or more real-world sporting events.

(f) The fantasy sports contest does not constitute or involve a slot machine or a fixed, commercial electrical gaming device.

(11) "Fantasy sports contest player" means a person who engages in selecting individual contestants to comprise a team for a fantasy sports contest.

(12) "Interactive sports wagering" means placing a wager on a sporting event by means of the internet, a mobile device, or other telecommunications platform.

(13) "License" means an entity licensed by the commission pursuant to Section 39-55-150 to operate sports wagering through an approved mobile application or other digital platform that involves, at least in part, the use of the internet.

(14) "Licensee" means a person who holds a license issued pursuant to Section 39-55-150.

(15) "Material nonpublic information" means information that has not been disseminated publicly concerning an athlete, contestant, prospective contestant, or athletic team including, but not limited to, confidential information related to medical conditions or treatment, physical or mental health or conditioning, physical therapy or recovery, discipline, sanctions, academic status, educational records, eligibility, playbooks, signals, schemes, techniques, game plans, practices, strategies, assessments, systems, drills, or recordings of practices or other athletic activities.

(16) "Minor" means a person who is less than eighteen years of age.

(17) "National criminal history background check system" means the criminal history record system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, based on fingerprint identification or another method of positive identification.

(18) "Mobile sports wagering platform" means the combination of hardware, software, and data networks used to manage, administer, or control sports wagering and associated wagers accessible by electronic means, including mobile applications and internet websites accessed by means of a mobile device or computer.

(19) "Operator" means an entity that offers mobile sports wagering under Section 39-55-150.

(20) "Professional sports or athletic event" means an event at which two or more contestants participate in a sports event or an athletic event and one or more participants receive compensation.

(21) "Prohibited sports event" means a youth sports event or any event for which wagering has been prohibited by the commission.

(22) "Sporting event" means a professional sporting or athletic event, including motorsports and e-sports, a collegiate sporting or athletic event, or an Olympic sporting or athletic event sanctioned by a national or international organization or association, or any other event approved by the commission.

(23) "Sports governing body" means the organization, league, or association that oversees a sport and prescribes final regulations and enforces codes of conduct with respect to the sport and participants in the sport.

(24) "Sports wagering" means the business of accepting wagers on sporting events or portions of sporting events, the individual performance statistics of individuals in sporting events, or a combination of any of the same by any system or method of wagering approved by the director via a mobile sports wagering licensee's mobile applications and digital platforms that use communications technology to accept wagers. The term includes, but is not limited to, single-game bets, teaser bets, parlays, over-under, money line, pools, exchange wagering, in-game wagering, in-play bets, proposition bets, and straight bets or any other form or manner authorized by the commission. "Sports wagering" does not include fantasy contests.

(25) "Sports wagering account" means a financial record established by an operator for an individual patron in which the patron may deposit and withdraw funds for interactive sports wagering and other authorized purchases and to which the licensed operator may credit winnings or other amounts due to that patron or authorized by that patron. The account may be established electronically through an approved mobile application or digital platform.

(26) "Sports wagering supplier" means a person that provides critical services to an operator, but not to directly accept wagers. Critical services are considered to be geolocation and know your customer (KYC) services.

(27) "Supervisory employee" means a principal or employee with ultimate control over decision making of a licensee to manage and advance the business operations of a licensee in this State.

(28) "Vendor" means a contractor, subcontractor, or independent contractor hired, or contracted with, by the commission or a licensee for the purpose of facilitating the business of the commission or licensee pursuant to this chapter.

(29) "Wager" or "bet" means a sum of money that is risked by a bettor.

(30) "Youth sports" means an event in which the majority of participants are under the age of eighteen or are competing on behalf or under the sponsorship of one or more public or private preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary schools. The term does not include professional sports or events that occur under the sponsorship or oversight of national or international athletic bodies that are not educational institutions and that include participants both over and under the age of eighteen.

Section 39-55-120. (A) There is created a commission to be known as the "South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission," which is considered to be a public commission and an instrumentality of the State. The commission and its employees are subject to the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act, South Carolina Ethics Reform Act, and South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Venue for the commission is in Richland County.

(B) The commission is composed of nine members. Three members must be appointed by the Governor, three members must be appointed by the President of the Senate, and three members must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(1) be a resident of the State of South Carolina;

(2) not have been convicted of a felony offense or bookmaking or other form of unlawful gambling. A background investigation must be conducted on each board nominee. The commission shall pay for the cost of the investigation and may contract with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or appropriate federal agency for the performance of the investigation;

(3) meet the qualifications for electors as provided in Section 7-5-120; and

(4) not have been an elected public official, as provided in Section 24, Article III of the Constitution of this State and Section 2-1-100, for at least one year before appointment.

(D) A person is not eligible for appointment to the commission if the person:

(1) is an officer or official of a political party;

(2) has a direct pecuniary interest in the sports wagering or gaming industry;

(3) has been convicted of a felony;

(4) has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving gambling, theft, computer-related offenses, forgery, perjury, dishonesty, or unlawfully selling or providing a product or substance to a minor;

(5) has been convicted of a violation under this chapter; or

(6) has been convicted of an offense in a federal court, military court, or court of another state, territory, or jurisdiction that under the laws of this State would disqualify him pursuant to items (C), (D), or (E).

(E) In making appointments to the board, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as appropriate, shall consider legal, financial, accounting, and marketing experience and race, gender, and other demographic factors to ensure nondiscrimination, inclusion, and representation of all segments of the State to the greatest extent possible.

(F) The term of each member begins on July first. For purposes of staggering the terms of the commission:

(1) one member from each of the appointees is appointed for an initial term of four years;

(2) one member from each of the appointees is appointed for initial terms of three years; and

(3) one member from each of the appointees is appointed for initial terms of two years.

(G) After the initial terms, the term of an appointed or reappointed member is four years.

(H) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (E), at the end of the member's term, the member continues to serve until his successor is appointed and qualified.

(I) A vacancy on the commission must be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(J) Five members of the commission constitute a quorum for the purposes of voting and conducting the business of the commission, and such attendance may be by electronic or telephonic means.

(K) The commission shall elect a chair from among its membership. The chair shall serve in that capacity for one year and is eligible for reelection. The chair shall preside at all meetings and has all the powers and privileges of other members.

(L) The commission shall meet no less than quarterly and may hold additional regular and special meetings at the call of the commission.

(M) The members may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses as provided for commissions and boards.

(N)(1) The commission shall appoint an executive director.

(2) The commission shall keep and maintain the licensing application fees and charges for sports wagering to fund the administrative and operational expenses of the commission.

(3) The commission shall appoint and provide for the compensation of an executive director which may not be based upon or a function of profitability or percentage of sales. The executive director must be an employee of the commission who directs the day-to-day operations and management of the commission and is vested with powers and duties specified by the board and by law. The executive director serves at the pleasure of the board.

(4) The commission shall hire and provide for the compensation of an internal auditor and necessary staff who may be employees of the commission and who are vested with the powers and duties specified by the commission and by law. The internal auditor shall report directly to the commission. The commission may delegate the hiring of necessary staff to the executive director.

(5) The executive director of the commission shall direct and supervise all administrative and technical activities as provided for in this chapter, regulations promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, and policies and procedures adopted by the commission. It is the duty of the executive director to employ and direct necessary personnel, employ by contract and compensate necessary persons and firms, except that the contract must not be with an entity for the purpose of having that entity undertake the organization and conduct of the commission, prepare a budget for the approval of the board, report monthly to the board a full and complete statement of revenues and expenses for the preceding six months, and perform other duties as provided for in this chapter and assigned to the executive director by the commission.

(6) The executive director may not contribute to or make independent expenditures relative to the campaign of a candidate for the General Assembly or a statewide constitutional office, to a political party, as defined in Section 8-13-1300(26), or to a committee, as defined in Section 8-13-1300(6). An executive director who violates this section must be summarily dismissed.

(O) A member of the commission may be removed from the commission by the appointing authority if, in the opinion of the appointing authority, the member has committed misfeasance or malfeasance in office or neglect of duty.

(P) Beginning one year after the establishment of the commission, and every three years thereafter, or by the request of five members of the House of Representatives or five members of the Senate, the Legislative Audit Council shall conduct a management performance audit of the commission. The cost of this audit is an operating expense of the commission.

Section 39-55-130. A person issued a license to offer interactive sports wagering pursuant to this chapter is subject to all provisions of this chapter relating to licensure, regulation, and civil and criminal penalties.

Section 39-55-140. (A) It is a taxable privilege to offer sports wagering in this State under a license issued in accordance with this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a licensee shall pay a privilege tax only on its adjusted gross sports wagering receipts in accordance with this section.

(B)(1) There is imposed upon the adjusted gross sports wagering receipts of a licensee a privilege tax of twelve and one-half percent.

(2) If a licensee's adjusted gross sports wagering receipts for a month is a negative number, then such licensee may carry over such negative amount to subsequent months.

(C) A licensee shall complete and submit the return for the preceding month by electronic communication to the executive director, on or before the fifteenth calendar day, in the form prescribed by the director, which must provide:

(1) the gross sports wagering receipts and adjusted gross sports wagering receipts during that month;

(2) the tax amount for which the licensee is liable; and

(3) any additional information necessary in the computation and collection of the tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts required by the director.

(D)(1) Eighty-two percent of the privilege tax collected pursuant to this section must be transmitted by the Department of Revenue into the general fund.

(2) Ten percent of the privilege tax collected under this section must be transmitted by the Department of Revenue for deposit into the general fund, to be remitted quarterly to each local government in this State on a per capita basis, as determined by population based on the last federal census. For purposes of calculating the allocation, the population of counties excludes the population of each municipality within the boundaries of the county. Funds remitted to a local government under this subsection must be allocated to the county or city general fund, as applicable, to be used for local infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, transportation, road projects, and public buildings.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 49-150-340, five percent of the privilege tax collected under this section must be transmitted by the Department of Revenue and allocated to the Department of Mental Health to use in the manner prescribed by Section 39-55-220(B).

(4) Three percent of the privilege tax collected under this section must be transmitted by the Department of Revenue and allocated to the commission to provide for the administrative and operating expenses of the commission. Should the privilege tax allocation exceed the administrative and operating expenses of the commission, then the balance must be transferred to the general fund.

(E) A licensee is not subject to additional state or local taxation not prescribed by this section.

Section 39-55-150. (A) The commission shall review and issue a license to qualifying operators, and there may be no more than eight licensed operators. The licensee determines the branding for each mobile sports wagering platform. The applicant shall complete and submit an application on a form prescribed by the commission. The applicant shall submit the application fee of one hundred thousand dollars and a licensing fee of one million dollars. If the application is denied, then the licensing fee must be refunded. The application fee is nonrefundable.

(B) An applicant for a license shall submit an application on a form in the manner and in accordance with the requirements as may be prescribed by regulation.

(1) the identification of the applicant's principal owners who own ten percent or more of the company, partners, members of its board of directors, and officers;

(2) a national criminal background check for each person identified pursuant to item (1) conducted by SLED or another appropriate law enforcement agency, or the results of a criminal history record check conducted in another state within the last twelve months and a certification that there has been no material change since the criminal history record check was completed. A set of fingerprints must be supplied upon request and in the manner requested by the investigating agency;

(3) information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish by clear and convincing evidence the applicant's good character, honesty, and integrity. The information may include, but is not limited to, information pertaining to family, character, reputation, criminal and arrest records, business activities, financial affairs, and business, professional, and personal associates, covering at least the ten-year period immediately preceding the filing of the application;

(4) notice and a description of civil judgments obtained against the applicant pertaining to antitrust or security regulation laws of the federal government, of this State or of another state, jurisdiction, province, or country;

(5) proof of active operation in at least five states and letters of reference from the regulatory body that regulates sports wagering that specify the standing of the applicant with the regulatory body; provided, however, that if no such letters are received within sixty days of the request, the applicant may submit a statement under oath that the applicant is or was, during the period the activities were conducted, in good standing with the governing body;

(6) information, documentation, and assurances concerning financial background and resources as may be required to establish by clear and convincing evidence the financial stability, integrity, and responsibility of the applicant including, but not limited to, bank references, business and personal income and disbursement schedules, tax returns and other reports filed with governmental agencies, and business and personal accounting and check records and ledgers. Each applicant shall authorize in writing the examination of all bank accounts and records as may be considered necessary by the commission. The commission may consider relevant evidence of financial stability. The applicant is presumed to be financially stable if the applicant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that it has:

(a) the ability to assure the financial integrity of sports wagering operations by the maintenance of a bankroll or equivalent provisions adequate to pay winning wagers to bettors when due. An applicant is presumed to have met this standard if the applicant maintains reserves that cover outstanding liabilities for wagers which means the sum of the amount paid by patrons for wagers that have not yet been determined and the amount owed but unpaid by licensees to patrons for wagers whose results have been determined;

(b) the ability to meet ongoing operating expenses which are essential to the maintenance of continuous and stable sports wagering operations; and

(7) information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the applicant has sufficient business ability and gaming experience as to establish the likelihood of the creation and maintenance of a successful, efficient sports wagering operation;

(8) information, as required by regulation of the commission, regarding the financial standing of the applicant including, but not limited to, each person or entity that has provided loans or financing to the applicant; and

(9) additional information required by the commission.

(D) The licensee applicant must identify a resident representative. A resident representative must be a company or corporation organized under the laws of the State of South Carolina with complete membership or ownership by at least two South Carolina residents with a demonstrated commitment of public service to the State, which may include service on a board or commission either elected by the General Assembly or confirmed by Senate after nomination by the Governor. The resident representative does not require a supplier license.

(E) The commission shall keep all information, records, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data supplied to or used by the commission in the course of its review or investigation of an application for or renewal of a license as described in this chapter confidential and shall use that material only to evaluate the applicant for a license or renewal. Nothing in this chapter or any other law may be construed to permit the disclosure of such information, records, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data supplied to or used by the commission pursuant to this section.

(F) Upon review of the application, the commission shall approve or deny an application for a license no more than sixty days after receipt of an application.

(G)(1) A license issued by the commission authorizes the licensee to offer interactive sports wagering in this State and is valid for five years.

(2) An applicant for a license as defined pursuant to this section and licensed to operate sports wagering by at least five other jurisdictions may submit with the application a request to the commission for the immediate commencement of sports wagering operations through a temporary license. Such a request must include the initial license application fee of one hundred thousand dollars and a licensee fee of one million dollars payable to the commission. Upon receiving a request for a temporary license, the commission shall review the request. If the commission determines that the entity requesting the temporary license has paid the initial license fee and has submitted an application for a license, then the commission shall authorize the applicant to conduct sports wagering until a final determination on the operator's license application is made. Sports wagering conducted pursuant to authority of a temporary license must comply with the operator's house regulations adopted pursuant to Section 39-55-240. If the application is denied, then the licensing fee must be refunded. The application fee shall be nonrefundable.

(H) A licensee may renew its license by submitting an application on a form, in such manner, and in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed by regulation of the commission. A licensee shall submit the renewal application, renewal application fee of one hundred thousand dollars and the license fee of one million dollars with its application for the renewal of its license. If the application is denied, then the licensing fee must be refunded. The application fee is nonrefundable.

(I) The fees collected from licensees pursuant to this section must be used by the commission to pay the actual operating and administrative expenses incurred pursuant to this chapter.

(J) Each person holding a license pursuant to this chapter has a continuing duty to inform the commission as soon as commercially reasonable of any change in status relating to any information that may disqualify the person from holding the license.

Section 39-55-160. (A) The commission shall issue a supplier license upon finding that the applicant meets all requirements of this section and regulations adopted under this chapter.

(B) An applicant for a supplier license shall demonstrate that the equipment, systems, or services that the applicant plans to offer to an operator conform to standards established by regulation by the commission. The commission may accept approval by another jurisdiction that is specifically determined by the commission to have similar equipment standards as evidence the applicant meets the standards established by the director by regulation.

(C) A supplier license granted by the director pursuant to this section grants a licensee lawful authority to sell or to lease sports wagering equipment, systems, or services to operators in the State within the terms and conditions of the license and any regulations adopted under this chapter.

(D) The fee for an initial or renewed supplier license is twenty thousand dollars and must be retained by the commission for the costs of administering this chapter. In addition to the license fee, the director may charge a processing fee for an initial or renewed license in an amount equal to the projected cost of processing the application and performing any background investigations. If the actual cost exceeds the projected cost, then an additional fee may be charged to meet the actual cost. If the projected cost exceeds the actual cost, then the difference may be refunded to the applicant or licensee.

(E) A supplier license granted or renewed under this section is valid for five years.

(F) An applicant for a supplier license may submit with the application a request for a temporary license. A request for a temporary license must include the initial license fee of twenty thousand dollars. In addition to the license fee, the director may charge a processing fee for a temporary license in an amount equal to the projected cost of processing the application and performing any background investigations. If the projected cost exceeds the actual cost, then the difference may be refunded to the applicant or licensee. If the commission determines that the applicant is qualified, meets the requirements established by regulation for a temporary license, has paid the initial license fee, and the commission is not aware of any reason the applicant is ineligible for a license under this section, then the director shall issue a temporary supplier license. A temporary license issued under this subsection is valid until a final determination on the supplier license application is made. If after investigation the director determines that the applicant is eligible for a supplier license under this chapter, then the commission shall issue the initial supplier license, at which time the temporary license terminates.

Section 39-55-170. The following persons may not apply for or obtain a license:

(1) a member or employee of the commission;

(2) a coach of, or player for, a collegiate, professional, or Olympic sports team or sport;

(3) a person who has been convicted of a crime as specified in regulations adopted by the commission;

(4) a referee or official having the ability to directly affect the outcome of a sporting event; and

(5) another category of people, promulgated by regulation, that if licensed, would affect the integrity of sports wagering in this State.

Section 39-55-180. (A) Except for those persons ineligible to place bets pursuant to this chapter, a person who is no less than eighteen years of age or older and who is physically located in this State may place a wager in the manner authorized by law.

(B) A licensee shall take commercially reasonable measures to ensure that all wagers accepted in this State are from qualified bettors and in accordance with this chapter.

Section 39-55-190. (A) The following persons or categories of persons may not, directly or indirectly, place a wager on a sporting event in this State:

(1) a member, officer, or employee of the commission;

(2) with respect to a licensee, a principal owner, partner, member of the board of directors, officer, or supervisory employee with that licensee;

(3) with respect to a vendor of a licensee, a principal owner, partner, member of the board of directors, officer, or supervisory employee with a licensee that vendor contracts with;

(4) a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant, or officer or employee of a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant, of a licensee, if the person is directly involved in the licensee's operation of sports wagering or the processing of sports wagering claims or payments through that licensee's mobile sports wagering platform;

(5) a person subject to a contract with the commission if the contract contains a provision prohibiting the person from participating in sports wagering;

(6) a person with access to information that is known exclusively to a person who is prohibited from placing a wager in this State pursuant to this section;

(7) an amateur or Olympic athlete if the wager is based on the sport or athletic event in which the athlete participates and that is overseen by the athlete's sports governing body;

(8) a professional athlete if the wager is based on a sport or athletic event overseen by the athlete's sports governing body;

(9) an owner or employee of a team, player, umpire or sports union personnel, or employee, referee, coach, or official of a sports governing body, if the wager is based on a sporting event overseen by the person's sports governing body. For purposes of this item, "owner of a team" means an individual who owns ten percent or more of a team;

(10) a trustee or regent of a governing commission of a public or private institution of higher education, if the wager is based on a collegiate sporting event;

(11) a person prohibited by the regulations of a governing body of a collegiate sports team, league, or association from participating in sports wagering activities;

(12) with respect to a student or an employee of a public or private institution of higher education, a person who has access to material nonpublic information concerning a student athlete or team, and the information is relevant to the outcome of a sporting event; provided, that the person is only prohibited from using the information to place a wager on a collegiate sporting event;

(13) a resident representative; and

(14) a person having the ability to directly affect the outcome of a sporting event.

(B) The commission may prescribe by regulation additional categories of persons who are prohibited from placing a wager in this State.

(1) for a first offense, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;

(2) for a second offense, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days; and

(3) for a third or subsequent offense, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ninety days. A person charged with a violation of this item must be tried exclusively in magistrates court.

(D) Nothing in this section prohibits a public employee from participating in sports wagering unless otherwise prohibited by statute or regulation.

Section 39-55-200. (A) Operators are not required to use official league data for determining the results of sports wagers on events of any organization whether headquartered in the United States or elsewhere.

(B) An operator shall establish a dispute resolution process for any disputed result from a sports wager, provided a written protest is received from an authorized bettor within forty-eight hours of the conclusion of the event on which the sports wager was placed. The operator must make a written determination of the protest within seven business days of receipt of the protest. An appeal of the operator decision may be taken to the commission if such appeal is filed within seven business days of receipt of the operator decision. The commission may appoint a single hearing officer to make a determination on the written record.

Section 39-55-210. To accept wagers from bettors on sporting events, a licensee may not:

(1) allow a minor to place a wager;

(2) offer, accept, or extend credit to a bettor;

(3) offer or accept a wager on any event, outcome, or occurrence other than a sporting event or other event approved by the commission including, but not limited to, a youth sports event; or

(4) accept a wager from a person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program created and maintained by the commission pursuant to Section 39-55-220.

Section 39-55-220. (A)(1) Licensees shall allow bettors to restrict themselves from placing wagers with the licensee, including limits on the time spent betting and amounts wagered, and take reasonable steps to prevent those bettors from placing these wagers. At the request of a bettor, a licensee may share the request with the commission for the sole purpose of disseminating the request to other licensees.

(2) Except as may be provided by regulation of the commission, a person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program agrees to refrain from participating in sports wagering. A person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program may choose an exclusion period of two years, five years, or lifetime. Any person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program may not petition for removal from the program for the duration of the requested exclusion period.

(3) The name of a person participating in the program must be included on a list of excluded persons. The list of persons entering the voluntary exclusion program, and the personal information of the participants must be confidential, with dissemination by the commission limited to suppliers and licensees and any other parties the commission considers necessary for purposes of enforcement. The list and the personal information of participants in the voluntary exclusion program may not be subject to disclosure under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act and, except as provided in this section, and must be kept confidential by the suppliers and licensees. In addition, the commission may disseminate the list to other parties upon request by the participant and agreement by the commission.

(4) Suppliers and licensees shall make all reasonable attempts as determined by the commission to cease all direct marketing efforts to a person participating in the program. The voluntary exclusion program may not preclude suppliers and licensees from seeking the payment of a debt incurred by a person before entering the program. In addition, a licensee may share the names of individuals who self-exclude across its corporate enterprise, including sharing such information with any of its affiliates.

(B)(1) The Department of Mental Health shall use the funds distributed to the department to oversee one or more grant programs with organizations to provide treatment services for individuals with problem gambling or a gambling disorder, and to establish prevention initiatives to reduce the number of individuals with problem gambling or a gambling disorder. The department also may use the funds distributed to the department to cover its actual administrative costs and the costs of professional services associated with overseeing each grant program.

(2) The Department of Mental Health annually shall generate a report outlining the activities of the department with respect to funding received pursuant to this chapter for problem gambling and gambling disorders including, but not limited to, descriptions of programs, therapies, grants, and other resources made available, the success and outcomes of using the programs, therapies, grant programs, and resources, the number of people treated, the number of people who complete programs and therapies, and the rate of recidivism, if known. The department shall file the annual report with the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and annually shall publish the report on its website before January first. The annual report must include an itemization of the department's expenditures relating to administrative costs and professional services associated with its activities under this subsection.

Section 39-55-230. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each wager placed in accordance with this chapter is considered to be an enforceable contract.

Section 39-55-240. (A) Each licensee shall adopt and adhere to a written, comprehensive policy outlining the house regulations governing the acceptance of wagers and payouts. The policy and regulations must be approved by the commission before the acceptance of a wager by a licensee. The policy and regulations must be readily available to a bettor on the licensee's website.

(B) The commission shall promulgate regulations regarding:

(1) the manner in which a licensee accepts wagers from and issues payouts to bettors; and

(2) reporting requirements for suspicious wagers.

Section 39-55-250. (A) A licensee shall annually report to the commission before January fifteenth:

(1) the total amount of wagers received from bettors for the immediately preceding calendar year;

(2) the adjusted gross income of the licensee for the immediately preceding calendar year; and

(3) additional information the commission considers to be in the public interest or necessary to maintain the integrity of sports wagering in this State.

(B) A licensee as soon as commercially reasonable shall report to the commission information relating to:

(1) the name of a newly elected officer or director of the commission of the licensed entity; and

(2) the acquisition by a person of ten percent or more of a class of corporate stock.

(C) With respect to information reported pursuant to subsection (B), a licensee shall include with the report a statement as to a conflict of interest that may exist as the result of the election or acquisition.

(D) Upon receiving a report pursuant to this section or Section 39-55-250, the commission may conduct a hearing in accordance with Section 39-55-340 to determine whether the licensee remains in compliance with this article.

Section 39-55-260. (A) Before placing a wager with a licensee by means of interactive sports wagering, a bettor shall register with the licensee remotely and attest that the bettor meets the requirements to place a wager with a licensee in this State. Before verification of a bettor's identity in accordance with this section, a licensee may not allow the bettor to engage in sports wagering, make a deposit, or process a withdrawal by means of interactive sports wagering. A licensee shall implement commercially and technologically reasonable procedures to prevent access to sports wagering by minors on its interactive platforms. A licensee may use information obtained from third parties to verify that a person is authorized to open an account, place wagers, and make deposits and withdrawals.

(B) A licensee shall adopt a registration policy to ensure that all bettors using interactive sports wagering are authorized to place a wager with a licensee within this State. The policy must include, but is not limited to, a mechanism by which to:

(1) verify the name and age of the registrant;

(2) verify the registrant is not prohibited from placing a wager pursuant to Section 39-55-190; and

(3) obtain:

(a) a physical address other than a post office box;

(b) a phone number;

(d) a social security number; and

(e) an active email account.

(C) A licensee may require a bettor attest that the bettor is qualified to engage in sports wagering pursuant to this chapter as part of the registration policy of the licensee.

(D) A bettor may not register more than one account with a licensee, and a licensee shall use all commercially and technologically reasonable means to ensure that each bettor is limited to one account.

(E) A licensee, in addition to complying with state and federal law pertaining to the protection of the private, personal information of registered bettors, shall use all other commercially and technologically reasonable means to protect the information consistent with industry standards.

(F) Once a bettor account is created, a bettor only may fund the account through:

(1) electronic bank transfer of funds, including such transfers through third parties;

(2) debit, gift, or credit cards;

(3) online and mobile payment systems that support online money transfers; and

(4) other methods approved by the regulation of the commission.

(G)(1) Each financial transaction with respect to an account between a bettor and licensee must be confirmed by email, telephone, text message, or other means agreed upon by the account holder. A licensee shall use commercially reasonable means to independently verify the identity of the bettor making a deposit or withdrawal.

(2) If a licensee determines that the information provided by a bettor to make a deposit or process a withdrawal is inaccurate or incapable of verification or violates the policies and procedures of the licensee, then the licensee, within ten days, shall require the submission of additional information that can be used to verify the identity of the bettor.

(3) If the information is not provided or does not result in verification of the bettor's identity, and the licensee determines that the bettor is intentionally avoiding identification, then the licensee immediately shall:

(a) suspend the bettor's account and not allow the bettor to place wagers;

(b) retain any winnings attributable to the bettor;

(d) deactivate the account.

(H) A licensee shall use geolocation or geofencing technology to ensure that interactive sports wagering is only available to bettors who are physically located in this State. A licensee shall maintain in this State its servers used to transmit information for purposes of accepting or paying out bets or wagers on a sporting event placed by bettors located in this State. The intermediate routing of electronic data relating to lawful intrastate sports wagers authorized pursuant to this section may not determine the location or locations in which such wager is initiated, received, or otherwise made. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of cloud computing.

Section 39-55-270. (A) The commission shall promulgate regulations for purposes of regulating sports wagering by means of interactive sports wagering. The commission shall examine the regulations implemented in other states where sports wagering is conducted and, as far as practicable, shall adopt a similar regulatory framework through the adoption of regulations and the promulgation of regulations.

(B) The commission shall promulgate regulations governing the conduct of sports wagering in the State and as may be considered necessary for the successful implementation, administration, and enforcement of this chapter to maintain the integrity of sports wagering in this State and to protect the public interest. This includes, but is not limited to:

(1) minimum requirements by which each licensee must exercise effective control over its internal fiscal affairs including, without limitation, requirements for:

(a) safeguarding assets and revenues, including evidence of indebtedness;

(b) maintenance of reliable records relating to accounts, transactions, profits and losses, operations, and events; and

(2) requirements for internal and independent audits of licensees;

(3) the manner in which periodic financial reports must be submitted to the commission from each licensee, including the financial information to be included in the reports;

(4) the type of information considered to be confidential, financial, or proprietary information that is not subject to the reporting requirements of this chapter;

(5) policies, procedures, and processes designed to mitigate the risk of cheating and money laundering; and

(6) postemployment restrictions necessary to maintain the integrity of sports wagering in this State.

(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the commission has the authority to and shall adopt temporary regulations to implement the provisions of this act within one hundred eighty days after the effective date. These temporary regulations are not considered regulations as defined by the Administrative Procedures Act; however, these temporary regulations have the force and effect of law. The commission must submit regulations for the implementation of this act to the General Assembly for review in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act within one year of the effective date. The temporary regulations authorized in this section are repealed on the effective date of regulations promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.

Section 39-55-280. A sports governing body may submit to the commission in writing, by providing notice in such form and manner as the commission may require, a request to restrict, limit, or exclude a certain type, form, or category of sports wagering with respect to covered sporting events of such body, if the sports governing body believes that such type, form, or category of sports wagering with respect to covered sporting events of such body may undermine the integrity or perceived integrity of such body or covered sporting events of such body. The commission shall request comment from operators on all such requests. After giving due consideration to all comments received, the commission shall, upon demonstration of good cause from the requestor that the type, form, or category of sports wagering is likely to undermine the integrity or perceived integrity of the body or covered sporting events of the body, grant the request. The commission shall respond to a request concerning a particular event before the start of the event, or if it is not feasible to respond before the start of the event, no later than seven days after the request is made. If the commission determines that the requestor is more likely than not to prevail in successfully demonstrating good cause for its request, then the commission may provisionally grant the request of the sports governing body until the commission makes a final determination as to whether the requestor has demonstrated good cause. Absent the provisional grant by the commission, sports wagering operators may continue to offer sports wagering on covered sporting events that are the subject of such a request during the pendency of the commission's consideration of the applicable request.

Section 39-55-290. (A) The commission and operators shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with investigations conducted by sports governing bodies or law enforcement agencies including, but not limited to, using commercially reasonable efforts to provide or facilitate the provision of betting information.

(B)(1) Operators shall report, as soon as practical, to the commission any information relating to abnormal betting activity or patterns that may indicate a concern with the integrity of a sporting event or events, or any other conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of a sporting event or events for purposes of financial gain, including match fixing.

(2) Operators simultaneously shall report such information to the relevant sports governing body.

(C) The commission and operators shall maintain the confidentiality of information provided by a sports governing body for purposes of investigating or preventing the misconduct, unless disclosure is required by this chapter, the commission, other law, or court order, or unless the sports governing body consents to disclosure.

(D) With respect to any information provided by a sports wagering operator to a sports governing body relating to conduct described in Section 39-55-280, a sports governing body:

(1) may only use such information for integrity purposes and may not use the information for any commercial or other purpose; and

(2) shall maintain the confidentiality of such information, unless disclosure is required by this chapter, the commission, other law, court order, or unless the sports wagering operator consents to disclosure.

(E) Operators shall maintain records of all bets and wagers placed, including personally identifiable information of the bettor, amount and type of bet, time the bet was placed, location of the bet, including IP address if applicable, the outcome of the bet, records of abnormal betting activity for three years after the sporting event occurs, and video camera recordings in the case of in-person wagers for at least one year after the sporting event occurs, and shall make the data available for inspection upon request of the commission or as required by court order.

(F) Operators shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in real time and at the account level, anonymized information regarding a bettor, amount and type of bet, the time the bet was placed, the location of the bet, including the IP address if applicable, the outcome of the bet, and records of abnormal betting activity. The commission may request such information in the form and manner as required by regulation of the commission. Nothing in this section may require an operator to provide any information that is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws or regulations including, but not limited to, laws and regulations relating to privacy and personally identifiable information.

(G) If a sports governing body has notified the commission that access to the information described in Section 39-55-280 for wagers placed on covered sporting events of the sports governing body is necessary to monitor the integrity of the body's covered sporting events, and represents to the commission that it specifically uses such data for the purpose of monitoring the integrity of covered sporting events of the sports governing body, then operators shall share, in a commercially reasonable frequency, form, and manner, with the sports governing body or its designee the same information the operator is required to maintain under subsection (E) with respect to sports wagers on covered sporting events of such sports governing body. Sports governing bodies and their designees only may use information received pursuant to this section for integrity monitoring purposes and may not use information received pursuant to this section for any commercial or other purpose. Nothing in this section may require an operator to provide any information that is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws or regulations including, but not limited to, laws and regulations relating to privacy and personally identifiable information.

Section 39-55-300. The commission shall enforce this chapter and supervise compliance with laws and regulations relating to the regulation and control of wagering on sporting events in this State.

Section 39-55-310. (A) The commission shall prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives containing:

(1) the number of active licensees;

(2) the aggregate gross and adjusted gross sports wagering receipts of all licensees; and

(3) the financial impact on this State and local governments as the result of the sports wagering industry in this State.

(B) The report prepared under subsection (A) annually must be submitted before September thirtieth. A report submitted under subsection (A) may be submitted electronically.

Section 39-55-320. (A) The commission may enter into intelligence sharing, reciprocal use, or restricted use agreements with the federal government, law enforcement agencies, lottery regulation agencies, and gaming enforcement agencies of other jurisdictions which provide for and regulate the use of information provided and received pursuant to the agreement.

(B) Records, documents, and information in the possession of the commission received pursuant to an intelligence sharing, reciprocal use, or restricted use agreement entered into by the commission with a federal department or agency, a law enforcement agency, or the lottery regulation or gaming enforcement agency of a jurisdiction are considered investigative records of a law enforcement agency and are subject to the confidentiality and disclosure policies, and must not be released without the permission of the person or agency providing the record or information, except as may be required by the Freedom of Information Act.

Section 39-55-330. Members of the commission or designated employees or agents of the commission may, during normal business hours, enter the premises of a facility of a licensee or a third party used by the licensee to operate and conduct business in accordance with this chapter for the purpose of inspecting books and records kept as required by this chapter, to ensure that the licensee is in compliance with this chapter, or to make another inspection of the premises necessary to protect the interests of this State and its consumers.

Section 39-55-340. (A) The commission may investigate and conduct a hearing with respect to a licensee upon information and belief that the licensee has violated this chapter, or upon the receipt of a credible complaint from a person that a licensee has violated this chapter. The commission shall conduct investigations and hearings in accordance with regulations adopted by the commission.

(B) If the commission determines that a licensee has violated a provision of this chapter or regulation of the commission, then the commission may:

(1) suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license; and

(2) for a violation by a licensee, impose an administrative fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for each violation.

(C) Fines assessed under this section must be accounted for separately for use by the commission in a manner consistent with regulations of the commission.

(D) The commission may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books, accounts, records, and documents for purposes of carrying out its duties under this chapter.

Section 39-55-350. (A) The commission, using security personnel of the commission, shall conduct investigations to determine whether:

(1) a licensee is accepting wagers from minors or other persons ineligible to place wagers in this State; and

(2) a person is unlawfully accepting wagers from another person without a license or at a location in violation of this chapter.

(B) After a hearing, if the commission finds that:

(1) a licensee is accepting wagers from minors or other persons ineligible to place wagers in this State, then the commission shall impose a fine against the licensee for:

(a) a first offense, one thousand dollars;

(b) a second offense, two thousand dollars; and

(2) a person is unlawfully accepting wagers from another person without a license, then the commission shall impose a fine against the person for:

(a) a first offense, ten thousand dollars;

(b) a second offense, fifteen thousand dollars; and

(C) This section does not prohibit the commission from suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew the license of a licensee in accordance with Section 39-55-340.

Section 39-55-360. (A) A licensee or other person aggrieved by a final action of the commission may appeal that decision to the Administrative Law Court pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.

(B) The Administrative Law Court shall hear appeals from decisions of the commission and, based upon the record of the proceedings before the commission, may reverse the decision of the commission only if the appellant proves the decision to be:

(1) clearly erroneous;

(2) arbitrary and capricious;

(3) procured by fraud;

(4) a result of substantial misconduct by the commission; or

(5) contrary to the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, 1895, or this chapter.

Section 39-55-370. (A) A licensee or other person who violates this chapter is liable for a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each violation, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars for violations arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, which must accrue to the commission and may be recovered in a civil action brought by the Office of Attorney General in the name of the commission.

(B) The Attorney General may seek and obtain an injunction in a court of competent jurisdiction for purposes of enforcing this chapter.

Section 39-55-380. (A) It is unlawful for a person or entity, directly or indirectly, to knowingly receive, supply, broadcast, display, or otherwise transmit material nonpublic information for the purpose of wagering on a sporting event or influencing another person's or entity's wager on a sporting event.

(B) This section does not apply to the dissemination of public information as news, entertainment, or advertising.

(C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, for a first offense, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.

SECTION 3. Chapter 19, Title 16 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 16-19-135. A person who engages in sports wagering or fantasy sports contests as defined in this chapter is not in violation of Section 16-19-130.

SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

South Carolina S 444

Sports Wagering Act

2025 SO S 444

South Carolina S 444

Sports Wagering Act

2025 SO S 444