South Carolina lawmakers in the Senate Judiciary subcommittee have discussed a proposal led by Senator Michael Johnson, dubbed the Equine Advancement Act, to revive the state’s horse racing industry.
The proposed legislation would legalize online horse betting through mobile apps, which South Carolinians could use to bet on horse racing. Proponents of the bill believe that legalizing online horse gambling would bring back potential revenue to the state, which is currently being lost through illegal betting.
“This bill is very narrowly tailored,” Johnson said. “The goal is to take the proceeds from this and pump that directly into our equine industry — horse training, horse farms, horse racing, all of those things — so that they have an opportunity to compete with the other states that already have this.”
Yet, opponents of the proposal, such as the Palmetto Family Council and South Carolina Baptist Convention, disagree with any form of gambling being legalized in the Palmetto State, with Governor Henry McMaster saying that he would continue fighting against any gambling legislation that may come his way.
“Gambling is bad for our culture. It’s not part of our heritage and there are better ways to make money, to give jobs, to generate tax money, to generate a thriving economy,” McMaster explained.
No decision has been made yet regarding the Equine Advancement Act, but more meetings are sure to follow before any vote can take place.