Religious Groups Oppose South Carolina Sports Betting

Several religious groups sent a letter declaring opposition to legalizing South Carolina sports betting.

On Tuesday, the South Carolina House Ways and Means Revenue Policy Subcommittee held a hearing over proposals to legalize sports betting. Two bills, H3625 and H4176, propose to relax laws on gambling in the state.

There was plenty of opposition in the discussions, however. The following religious groups banded together to submit a letter opposing any legalization of gambling:

• Palmetto Family Alliance
• South Carolina Baptist Convention
• Faith Wins America
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
• The Swamp Fox Initiative

Gambling will fuel sex trafficking rings

The letter went into detail about how “The tentacles of problem gambling have already grasped young people”. And they said that, “Allowing casinos in the I-95 corridor will cause great harm to these communities while also serving as cover for sex trafficking rings which are already a major problem.”

The collective concluded their plea by stressing, “It is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens from predatory businesses while also promoting the virtue and welfare of its citizens.

“The legalization of horse betting, online sports gambling and casinos does not bolster families or build strong local economies.”

Demand for South Carolina sports betting

Despite the bills proposing to legalize gambling, there seems to be little chance that the state will follow neighbor, North Carolina, anytime soon. Gov. Henry McMaster is staunchly anti-gambling and has indicated he will veto any gambling expansion legislation. McMaster is in office until 2027.

Proponents argue that it would bring in substantial tax revenue. Rep. Chris Murphy introduced bill H3625 and said, “This is a revenue source for the state of South Carolina.” The bill proposes a tax rate of 12.5% and estimates it would generate $15 million to $18 million in its first year.

The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) believes this figure could be far greater, at around $60 million annually. North Carolina reported $78 million in tax revenue from sports betting last year. The legislation would allow for eight licenses for South Carolina sports betting.

Others argue that residents are already betting; legalization just allows the state to control it and get the bonus of extra funds. Sen. Tom Davis commented, “We’re not creating a new market here. We’re simply acknowledging that a market exists and bringing it out of the shadows into the sunlight.”

Crypto betting sites, sweepstakes, and prediction markets are operating in the shadows and allowing users across the US to gamble. Another supporter of legalization, Andrew Brown, stated, “People are going to do it whether or not it’s legalized, so you might as well benefit the state as a whole.”

The power of the religious groups in the state means it is unlikely either of these bills will make much progress. And even if they do, under the reign of Gov. McMaster, they would not make it into law either way.