Prospective sports betting bills submitted in Alaska and South Carolina

Lawmakers in both Alaska and South Carolina are mulling over bills that would legalize sports betting in the respective US states. 

In the case of Alaska, Representative David Nelson has put forward House Bill 145, a bill that would see the state accommodate for 10 online licenses. 

All online operators would pay a license fee of $100,000, alongside a processing fee for initial or renewed licenses. Under the terms of HB 145, all bills are valid for one year before renewal is required. 

Nelson’s proposal sees the Alaska Department of Revenue entrusted with regulatory oversight, with its commissioner possessing the authority to both grant and renew licenses. 

Operators would be subject to a 20% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue. 

With regard to responsible gambling, HB 145 outlines how operators would be required to implement software monitoring systems to track betting habits and identify potential irregularities, which would subsequently be reported to the commissioner. 

All gambling-related marketing targeted towards those under the age of 21 would be banned, while all licensees would have to ensure responsible gambling tools are clearly signposted on their respective sites. 

If successful, HB 145 would permit bettors to make deposits using credit or debit cards, as well as third-party payment systems. 

Should the bill be passed into legislation, Alaska would aim to launch its regulated sports betting market on January 1, 2026. 

HB 145 has been referred to House Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 

Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Senator Thomas Davies has put forward a similar bill for the formation of a sports betting market overseen by a specially created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission. 

Senate Bill 444 outlines the commission would consist of nine members, all of whom would be selected by the state governor, senate president, and house speaker. 

SB 444 would allow eight licensed sportsbooks, with each required to pay a $100,000 application fee alongside a $1m license fee, with licenses valid for five years from the date of issue. 

License holders would be subject to a 12.5% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue.

Operators looking to expand into South Carolina must show active operations in five other US states to be deemed eligible, to be accompanied by letters of reference from other regulatory bodies in the relevant states. 

In December 2024, South Carolina Representative Chris Murphy sponsored HB 3625, a proposal that had similarities to SB 444, including the same licensing fee and tax rate. 

Of the tax revenue collected from the proposed sports betting operations, SB 444 specifies that 82% would go towards the South Carolina Department of Revenue, before being credited to the state’s General Fund. 

Neither of the aforementioned South Carolina bills have yet reached a vote.