The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee recently passed a bill by a vote of 12 to 6, which would allow residents to bet on live horse races through a mobile app at designated racetracks. The bill, initiated by Senator Michael Johnson, aims to provide economic support to the struggling equestrian industry while ensuring that betting activities are strictly limited to races within South Carolina. In plain terms, it's about boosting business at racetracks, but bettors have to be present at the venue, not betting from home. Want to keep up with the latest on gambling legislation in various states? Follow the PASA official website.
Strict restrictions: Only on-site betting, only local races
The bill, named the "Equestrian Promotion Act," allows residents to place bets through a state-approved mobile app, but only within the confines of designated racetracks, verified by the app's built-in geolocation technology. Betting is limited to certain South Carolina horse racing events, including the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup in Camden, as well as the spring and autumn steeplechases in Aiken and Charleston. The bill has been significantly tightened compared to earlier versions, which allowed betting on any live event nationwide, but was scrapped due to concerns about gambling expansion.
Economic considerations: The equestrian industry has an annual output of nearly $2 billion
Research conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the University of South Carolina shows that the state's equestrian industry generates approximately $1.9 to $2 billion in economic activity each year, supporting about 28,500 to 29,000 jobs, involving around 73,600 horses, and covering racing, showing, and recreational activities. The initiator of the bill stated that the goal is to direct gambling revenues directly into the equestrian industry for horse training, racetrack operations, and the racing business, enabling it to compete with states that have already launched such betting.
Political resistance: Religious groups oppose, governor may veto
Despite support from the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, the future of the bill remains uncertain. South Carolina has traditionally been cautious about gambling, with religious organizations and family values groups actively lobbying against the expansion of gambling. Governor Henry McMaster, who has long opposed gambling, is expected to veto any bill considered too broad. Supporters of the bill caution that care must be taken to prevent the bill from being interpreted too broadly during its advancement. Want to keep up with the latest on gambling legislation in various states? Follow the PASA official website.
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