A bill that would permit sports wagering in South Carolina has been introduced and referred to the state Committee on Judiciary.
House Bill 5277 was first introduced in the state House on 21 April. It is sponsored by representatives William Herbkersman and Tom Rutherford.
If passed, it would add new provisions to the Code of Laws on South Carolina 1976, allowing interactive sports betting in the state.
This would come in the form of adding a third article under chapter 150, title 59 of the state Code, detailing the conditions under which sports wagering must take place in South Carolina.
Operators who gain a license to offer interactive sports wagering in South Carolina must pay a privilege tax of 10% on adjusted gross betting income.
The state must pay 80% of the total privilege tax into the Education Lottery Account, 15% into a general fund and 5% to the Department of Mental Health.
Between 8 and 12 mobile operating licenses will be issued. The application fee and licensing fee will be $500,000 each, and the license will last for three years.
For a supplier license, the fee for an initial or renewed license will be $10,000. This license lasts for three years.
The bill would also create a state Lottery Commission Sports Wagering Advisory Council.