The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee voted 12-6 to advance a proposed bill that would legalise mobile wagering on live horse races within the state.
The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Michael Johnson, aims to provide economic support to a struggling equine sector while ensuring gambling remains limited to South Carolina events.
Dubbed the Equine Advancement Act, the bill permits residents to place bets via state-approved mobile applications only when physically on the premises of designated racecourses. This on-site requirement is verified by geolocation technology embedded in the apps.
Crucially, betting would be confined to a select roster of South Carolina horse races. This would include iconic events such as the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup in Camden. It would also include the spring and fall steeplechases in Aiken and Charleston.
The latest version of the bill narrows the scope from an earlier draft that allowed wagers on any live race nationwide. This provision was removed amidst concerns over expansion beyond in-state events.
The equine economy
Studies from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in 2019, developed in cooperation with the University of South Carolina, estimate the equine economy in the state generates between $1.9 billion and $2 billion in annual economic activity. The sector supports approximately 28,500 to 29,000 jobs and encompasses about 73,600 horses, spanning racing, showing and recreational pursuits.
According to local reporting, Senator Johnson, who sponsors the bill, described it as a reinvestment into the equine community.
“The goal is to take the proceeds from this and pump that directly into our equine industry, horse training, horse farms, horse racing, all of those things, so that they have an opportunity to compete with the other states that already have this,” Johnson said.
Not all united at the starting gate
Despite backing from Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, the path to full legislative approval remains uncertain. South Carolina’s historically cautious attitude towards gambling fuels skepticism among many lawmakers and interest groups.
Religious organisations and family-values advocates actively lobby against expanding gambling measures. Governor Henry McMaster, a longstanding opponent of gambling, is expected to veto any proposals perceived as excessively broad, which could include this bill if it evolves beyond its current limits.
Senator Greg Hembree (R–Little River), a supporter of the bill, cautioned, “We just have to be vigilant and watch it and see how it evolves and be ready to come back if somebody figures out a way to take advantage.”
The nation races ahead
The Equine Advancement Act represents a targeted attempt to tap into wagering revenue from South Carolina’s significant horse racing tradition. It would be without opening the door to full-scale casino gambling or remote statewide betting.
This approach aligns with broader discussions in the state. A separate Senate hearing earlier this year highlighted growing support for legal sports betting in South Carolina.
At the same time, developments in other states illustrate the wider national momentum behind online wagering expansion. In Wisconsin, lawmakers have advanced proposals to extend sports betting beyond tribal casinos to include online platforms.
Against this backdrop, South Carolina’s bill stands out for its deliberately narrow design. It balances economic support for the equine sector with the state’s traditionally cautious stance on gambling expansion.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/south-carolina-advances-bill-for-on-site-horse-racing-wagers/
