South Carolina’s next governor could give sports betting supporters their best chance in years for legalization while leaving casino advocates facing a more difficult political fight.
Republican Alan Wilson has broken with some members of his party in public support for regulated online sports betting, though he has maintained the GOP’s long-standing aversion to casinos. Democrat Jermaine Johnson supports regulated online sports betting but also backs brick-and-mortar casinos should they earn voter approval.
The attorney general and state representative are competing on the Nov. 3 ballot to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. The outgoing governor’s gambling opposition has hung over repeated legislative attempts to authorize sportsbooks and casinos; neither effort has gained much traction despite some bipartisan support.
