No, sports gambling is not currently legal in South Carolina. The state maintains strict laws against most forms of gambling, including sports betting, whether online or in person.

South Carolina's gambling laws are among the strictest in the United States. According to Section 16-19-10 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, betting on sports events is explicitly prohibited, with violations potentially resulting in fines and imprisonment.

The only legal forms of gambling currently permitted in South Carolina are:

The South Carolina Education Lottery
Charitable bingo
Raffles for charitable purposes

Several attempts have been made to legalize sports betting in South Carolina. The most recent effort came in 2023 with Senate Bill 531, which proposed to legalize mobile sports betting. However, this bill did not pass, leaving sports wagering illegal throughout the state.

Those caught participating in illegal sports betting in South Carolina may face:

Fines up to $2,000
Up to 12 months imprisonment
Additional penalties for repeat offenses

While neighboring states like North Carolina have moved to legalize sports betting, South Carolina maintains its conservative stance on gambling. Residents seeking to place legal sports bets must travel to states where it's permitted.

The future of sports betting legalization in South Carolina remains uncertain. While there's growing support for legalization, particularly given the potential tax revenue benefits, significant opposition remains from conservative lawmakers and religious groups.

For now, South Carolina residents interested in sports betting should be aware that:

All forms of sports wagering are illegal within state borders
This includes online betting through offshore websites
Using VPNs or other methods to access betting sites is still illegal
Social sports pools and fantasy leagues may also violate state law

Until the state legislature passes new legislation, sports betting will remain prohibited in South Carolina. Those interested in gambling should stick to the state's legal options or travel to jurisdictions where sports betting is permitted.

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