South Carolina's next governor could change the state's gambling policy after years of stalled legislation, because both major-party nominees favor regulated online sports betting. Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson differ on casinos: Johnson says he would allow them only if voters approve, while Wilson has committed to vetoing casino bills even after a favorable statewide vote, according to Covers. The Nov. 3 contest to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster offers sportsbook supporters a chance to revisit proposals that went nowhere under the outgoing administration.
Shared support for online wagering
Wilson has taken a public position in favor of regulated online sports betting, breaking with some members of his party while continuing to reject casinos, Covers reported. In September he argued that wagering already takes place on mobile devices and that he did not want to make that conduct illegal. Johnson also supports regulating online sports betting, but his backing depends on voter approval and safeguards, the publication said. Neither candidate has released a detailed sportsbook plan covering licenses, taxes, or enforcement, so their campaign statements mark the beginning of negotiations rather than a settled policy.
Debate shows casino divide
During the Oct. 6 gubernatorial debate, the Index-Journal reported, the moderator asked whether each candidate would support allowing casinos in South Carolina if voters approved a statewide referendum. Johnson indicated support, and Wilson did not. On a separate question about opposing casinos even with voter support, Wilson was the sole candidate to raise his hand. Johnson's casino position is conditional and includes safeguards for gambling harms, but his published platform omits locations, licensing rules, and tax rates, according to Covers.
Wilson's casino opposition
Wilson signed a Palmetto Family Alliance pledge to veto any measure that would bring a casino to South Carolina, citing law enforcement worries about crime and illegal activity, Covers noted. He described activity on a phone as different from building a casino. Within the Republican caucus, this split has precedent: state Sen. Josh Kimbrell backed sports betting regulation at a hearing this year while keeping his distance from casino expansion, the outlet said.
Referendum rules in South Carolina
South Carolina does not offer a voter-led ballot referendum. A question can reach the November ballot only with supermajority approval from both chambers of the General Assembly, and the earliest a casino measure could appear is November 2028, the Index-Journal said. Johnson could support a public vote, but the authority to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot does not rest with the governor alone, Covers reported. A victory by Johnson would likely produce divided government for the first time since 2003, pairing a Democratic governor with a likely Republican legislature, which could complicate even bipartisan proposals.
Legislature remains the key hurdle
Republicans are expected to maintain control of the legislature, and prediction markets heavily favor Wilson, Covers reported. South Carolina lawmakers pursued different expansion paths in 2025: a Senate bill centered on online sports betting, while a House proposal sought casinos in selected counties. Neither made much progress despite some bipartisan interest. Wilson has not published a complete sportsbook regulatory structure, so any legalization would still require agreement from lawmakers, the publication said.
