In South Carolina, wagering on horse racing is permitted exclusively through pari-mutuel betting at licensed off-track betting facilities. These facilities offer wagering on races conducted at tracks across the United States and internationally. However, it’s crucial to note that online betting on horse racing is not currently legal in South Carolina.
South Carolina Horse Racing Laws
South Carolina has a long and storied history of horse racing, dating back to the early 1800s. However, the state’s current laws on horse racing are relatively restrictive.
In 1951, the South Carolina General Assembly passed a law that made it illegal to bet on horse races in the state. This law was upheld by the South Carolina Supreme Court in 1953.
Today, there are only two exceptions to the state’s ban on horse race betting. First, pari-mutuel wagering is allowed at the state’s two racetracks, Carolina Downs and the Greenwood Jockey Club.
Second, off-track betting is allowed at certain locations in the state that have been licensed by the South Carolina Racing Commission.
Pari-Mutuel Betting
- Pari-mutuel betting is a form of gambling in which bettors wager on the outcome of a horse race.
- The total amount of money wagered on each horse is pooled, and the winning bettors share in the proceeds.
- Pari-mutuel betting is legal at Carolina Downs and the Greenwood Jockey Club.
Off-Track Betting
- Off-track betting is a form of gambling in which bettors wager on the outcome of a horse race at a location that is not a racetrack.
- Off-track betting is legal at certain locations in South Carolina that have been licensed by the South Carolina Racing Commission.
- Off-track betting is available on simulcast races from racetracks all over the country.
| Type of Betting | Legal | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pari-Mutuel Betting | Yes | Carolina Downs, Greenwood Jockey Club |
| Off-Track Betting | Yes | Licensed locations |
Horse Racing Betting in South Carolina
South Carolinians have two options for wagering on horse races: off-track betting and race track betting.
Off-Track Betting
Off-track betting (OTB) allows you to bet on races from anywhere in the state. There are currently two OTB facilities in South Carolina:
- Hoosier Park OTB in Anderson
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino OTB in Cherokee
OTB facilities offer a variety of wagering options, including:
- Win
- Place
- Show
- Exacta
- Trifecta
Race Track Betting
Race track betting is only available at the following two tracks in South Carolina:
- Charles Town Races in Charles Town
- Greenville-Spartanburg Speedway in Campobello
Race track betting offers a wider range of wagering options than OTB, including:
- All of the OTB options
- Superfecta
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Pick 5
| Characteristic | Off-Track Betting | Race Track Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Location | OTB facilities | Race tracks |
| Wagering options | Limited to basic wagers | Full range of wagers available |
| Convenience | Can bet from anywhere in the state | Must travel to the race track |
| Atmosphere | No live racing atmosphere | Live racing atmosphere |
Legal Online Horse Racing Betting in South Carolina
Until recently, pari-mutuel horse racing betting was not legal in South Carolina. However, this changed in 2021 when the state legislature passed the South Carolina Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act. This law legalized both online and in-person horse racing betting at state-licensed facilities.
Who can bet on horse races in South Carolina?
- You must be at least 18 years old to bet on horse races in South Carolina.
- You must be physically located within the state of South Carolina to place a bet.
Where can I bet on horse races in South Carolina?
There are currently two state-licensed horse racing tracks in South Carolina:
- Charles Town Racecourse in North Charleston
- Greenville-Spartanburg Airport in Greer
In addition to these two tracks, there are also several online horse racing betting sites that accept players from South Carolina.
How do I bet on horse races in South Carolina?
To bet on horse races in South Carolina, you can either visit one of the state-licensed tracks or place a bet online. If you choose to bet online, you will need to create an account with a licensed betting site. Once you have created an account, you can deposit funds and start placing bets.
What types of bets can I make on horse races?
There are many different types of bets that you can make on horse races. Some of the most popular bets include:
- Win: A bet that the horse you select will finish first.
- Place: A bet that the horse you select will finish first or second.
- Show: A bet that the horse you select will finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: A bet that the two horses you select will finish first and second in the exact order.
- Trifecta: A bet that the three horses you select will finish first, second, and third in the exact order.
How much can I bet on horse races in South Carolina?
The minimum bet amount for online horse racing betting in South Carolina is $2. The maximum bet amount varies depending on the betting site and the type of bet you are placing.
What are the taxes on horse racing winnings in South Carolina?
Horse racing winnings are subject to the following taxes in South Carolina:
| Winnings | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $500 | 5% |
| $501 – $1,000 | 10% |
| Over $1,000 | 15% |
Responsible Gambling and Horse Racing
Unfortunately, horse race betting is not legally permitted in South Carolina at this time.
However, if you’re interested in responsible gambling, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Take breaks and don’t chase losses.
- Know the odds and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Seek help if you have a gambling problem.
Additionally, here’s a table summarizing the legal gambling options available in South Carolina:
| Gambling Activity | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casinos | No |
| Sports betting | No |
| Lottery | Yes |
| Horse racing | No |
Hey there, sports fans! Thanks for hanging out with us and learning all about the horse racing scene in South Carolina. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just curious about the ponies, we hope you found this article informative and entertaining. If you’re itching to put some money down, don’t forget to check out the links we provided. And if you’re ever feeling lucky in the future, make sure to come back and say hello. We’ve always got the latest updates and insights on all things horse racing. Keep your eyes on the finish line and see you next time!