Bill > S0444

This bill establishes the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act, creating a comprehensive legal framework for interactive sports wagering in the state. The legislation creates the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to regulate sports betting, allowing up to eight licensed operators to offer interactive sports wagering to individuals 18 and older who are physically located within the state. The bill defines key terms like "sports wagering" and "interactive sports wagering," which include various types of bets on professional, collegiate, and Olympic sporting events. Licensees must implement robust age verification, geolocation technologies, and account registration processes to ensure only eligible bettors can participate. The bill imposes a 12.5% privilege tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts, with revenue distributed across the state's general fund, local governments, mental health services, and the commission's administrative costs. The legislation also establishes strict regulations around betting integrity, including requirements for reporting suspicious betting activities, maintaining confidential records, and preventing individuals with conflicts of interest from placing wagers. Additionally, the bill creates enforcement mechanisms, including potential fines and license revocations for violations, and provides a legal pathway for sports wagering that exempts participants from existing gambling prohibitions.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0444&session=126&summary=B