South Carolina Governor Race Could Open Door to Sports Betting

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Oct 09, 2026, 12:00 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

South Carolina Governor Race Could Open Door to Sports Betting

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The South Carolina governor race could influence the future of sports betting and casino gambling in the state. 

Republican nominee Alan Wilson supports regulated online sports betting but opposes casino development. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson is open to casinos under strict conditions.

The candidates' positions have renewed attention on South Carolina gambling as the state considers whether to expand its restrictive gaming laws. 

Crucially, both candidates represent a potential shift from outgoing Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who has opposed gambling expansion throughout his tenure. McMaster must leave office because of term limits, creating a new political opening for advocates.

However, neither candidate can legalize gambling independently. Legislative approval remains essential, and casino proposals face particularly high procedural hurdles.

Wilson Supports Regulated Online Sports Betting but Rejects Casinos

Wilson has argued that South Carolina should reconsider its approach to online wagering, particularly because residents can already access betting platforms through their phones. He believes regulation offers a more practical approach than criminalizing conduct that people already engage in.

"(The) internet is everywhere, and obviously, anybody can go online. I don't want to criminalize conduct that people are doing on their phone," Wilson said in an interview. 

"I think brick and mortar gambling is very different than what people do on their phones. But at the same time, I just want to make sure that we're very thoughtful about it."

His comments distinguish online sports betting from traditional casino gambling. Wilson's support could give legalization advocates an ally in the governor's office, although legislative approval would remain essential.

However, Wilson has drawn a firm line on physical casinos. During the candidates' debate, he said he would veto a casino bill even if voters approved it through a referendum. His position means that a public vote alone would not secure casino legalization under his administration.

For US online sportsbooks, South Carolina represents a potential market if lawmakers establish a legal framework. Any expansion would require decisions on licensing, taxation, consumer protection, and responsible gambling standards.

Johnson Open to Casinos Under Strict Conditions

Johnson has taken a different approach to casino development, expressing openness to proposals that meet specific requirements. He has emphasized that casino projects would need substantial safeguards addressing public safety and gambling addiction.

"The design of the place would have to be drastically different than any other casinos that we see around," Johnson said in an interview. 

"It would have to be something so drastically different for me to support something like that because we know with places like that, there's potential for high crime areas and things like that. We need to have make sure that there (are) resources in there for addictions, gambling addictions as well."

His comments suggest that casino legalization would depend on more than potential economic benefits. Any proposal would need to address concerns about crime, addiction treatment, and the effects on surrounding communities.

Unlike Wilson, Johnson has left the door open to casino development. However, his conditional support does not guarantee that legislation would advance or that voters would ultimately approve a proposal.

Referendum Rules and Legislative Hurdles

South Carolina's referendum rules present another major obstacle to casino legalization. Citizens cannot place a statewide referendum on the ballot through a petition process. Instead, a referendum requires approval by a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers of the state legislature.

That requirement creates a high bar for gambling proposals, which have faced resistance from lawmakers in previous sessions. Even if legislators authorize a referendum and voters approve casino development, Wilson's stated veto position would present another barrier.

Online sports betting also requires legislative action. A governor's support could help advocates build momentum, but lawmakers must pass legislation establishing the market and its regulatory framework.

These hurdles show why the election could change the political debate without guaranteeing immediate progress. Sports betting and casino development would also require separate policy decisions.

McMaster's Departure Creates a Potential Opening

McMaster's departure is a key factor behind renewed interest in gambling expansion. Since taking office in 2017, the outgoing Republican governor has consistently opposed efforts to expand gambling in South Carolina.

His firm opposition has constrained the prospects for legalization, even as lawmakers have considered proposals involving online sports betting and casino development. His departure removes a longstanding obstacle, creating an opportunity for advocates to pursue a different approach.

Wilson and Johnson offer distinct alternatives to McMaster's position, particularly on online wagering. Wilson supports regulated sports betting, while Johnson has shown greater openness to considering casino proposals.

Nevertheless, their positions differ sharply on physical casinos, and Wilson has pledged to veto such legislation.

What the Election Could Mean for South Carolina's Gambling Market

The next governor could influence whether South Carolina revisits online sports betting legislation and how lawmakers approach casino proposals. 

Wilson's support could encourage renewed discussion of a regulated sports betting market, while Johnson's position could bring more attention to casino development and its potential safeguards.

For now, operators must wait for concrete legislative action before treating South Carolina as an available legal market. Lawmakers would need to settle licensing rules, tax rates, compliance obligations, and responsible gambling requirements.

Ultimately, McMaster's exit creates a new political opening, but it does not guarantee gambling expansion. 

The election could reshape the debate around South Carolina gambling, while legislative supermajority requirements and the candidates' differing positions will determine how far reform can advance.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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