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Who says South Carolina is no fun? Despite sports betting in South Carolina still being a no-go — daily fantasy sports does not fall into that category. The topic has been under fire as of late in other states and we have an important update as it pertains to South Carolina here.
Daily Fantasy Sports Under Scrutiny As Of Late
Before the Supreme Court reversed course on sports betting in 2018, daily fantasy sports was the “legal” way to wager on sports, a workaround per se. This is how DraftKinge and FanDuel initially got started — which paved the way for its current lead in the legal betting landscape in the United States. But once sports betting became normalized, DFS betting got lost in the shuffle.
Until recently at least. That’s because Florida went after three different DFS platforms — Betr, Prize Picks, and Underdog Fantasy — earlier this year. The Florida Gaming Control Commission sent cease-and-desist letters, saying the three were illegally offering sports betting. Only the Seminole Tribe has legal betting rights in Florida. However, it’s heavily restricted. Betting can be done through the Seminole Tribes casinos and mobile betting app, Hard Rock Bet. Nothing else — hence why these three DFS sites are being pursued.
There’s always been a legal grey area around DFS. Operators argue it’s a game of skill rather than a game of chance — technically, only the latter counts as gambling. DFS games task players with putting money on player statistics, not game outcomes. Moreover, the events happen over one day, not season-long like other fantasy-based sports. There’s also the option to play against other players, not just “the house.”
DFS was long allowed because, in the original Professional and Amateur Sports Protection (PAPSA) Act of 1992, language said fantasy sports was ok — only sports betting was illegal. It was this same act that was reversed in 2018 by the Supreme Court, which led to the surge in sports betting legalization.
South Carolina Indifferent Toward DFS
We would have guessed South Carolina would fall in line with Florida — the two are similar in how they view betting, after all. The state’s conservative leadership is hesitant to allow betting, despite other states relaxing on it for tax revenues (North Carolina went live with its legal wagering earlier this year).
However, South Carolina is instead looking the other way with DFS. Robert Kittle, a spokesperson for the South Carolina attorney general, said in a statement: “Our office is not taking action on online gambling (DFS sites specifically).”
This topic feels like one of those “we have bigger fish to fry” issues. That’s because betting bills made their way to the 2024 South Carolina General Assembly session. Two bills actually — one specifically for online horse betting, and the other for both sports and horse wagering. Each was met with stiff opposition.
“I just don’t think we need to supply that temptation in the state of South Carolina,” said Representative David Hiott, South Carolina’s House majority leader.
South Carolina is one of 17 states that allows DFS betting or playing. The number has shrunk considerably since the mid-2010s — which was during the practice’s peak popularity. Still, popular apps still offer it, and all of it is accessible in South Carolina.
South Carolina Bettors Have Other Options
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re from South Carolina to begin with. Well, we’re here to say DFS isn’t the only way you can “skirt” around local rules that ban putting money on sports. You see, offshore sportsbooks are freely available inside the state.
Offshore betting sites are NOT regulated by anyone in South Carolina or the United States. But here’s the thing: they don’t need to be. As offshore entities, they abide by rules where they’re based out of — usually smaller islands in the Caribbean. In those islands, it’s legal and allowed.
So this is your green light to go use an offshore betting site if in South Carolina. We’ve tried out dozens upon dozens of ’em — and all work just fine. Money can be transferred in and out using debit cards, cryptocurrency, and other popular payment types. However, our five favorite offshore sites are listed below:
We probably don’t have to remind you that we’re about a month away from football season. In this state, that means — the Gamecocks (University of South Carolina), Tigers (Clemson), and the Panthers. Let’s face it, all three went the wrong way last year. The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL, the Tigers had their worst record since 2010, and the Gamecocks were under .500.
However, things can change quickly in football. There’s reason to believe all three will be in the ascend this season, and if so, the betting opportunities will only get more tantalizing. Offshore betting sites allow you to take advantage of those opportunities, and for now, it’s the only way to do so inside South Carolina.
