[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6265813,"mediaKeyId","3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083","parentId",3088618,"title","Proposed skill‑competitions bill H 4129 aims to protect tournaments and small businesses; critics warn of loopholes","audioSeconds",1587,"startMs",3624055,"endMs",5211260,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083&start=3624&end=5211","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083/thumbnail_3624055.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6265813/South-Carolina/Proposed-skillcompetitions-bill-H-4129-aims-to-protect-tournaments-and-small-businesses-critics-warn-of-loopholes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265813-538d9303dce9a0517f5dbd5c837e9417/orig.mp4?Expires=1774977566&Signature=Gw35CQF0sJbhsIrvVuepUcgO9qjVu71~uQeRxjE6rusyq~SZgcB2vj3Ssw7aJGHLXHguUhu4lNu47xLy1pv7qkgC4gZEEWClhxNRjDp40QInAxwjP44Wme8XXmA4KrdXh4PKnnAjmyq0jglsNDerseNZKqwBrYqeOD~kTGIBlbhvJ7ybWba4k02hcCtjtlUmav83e1B2AJVBSIHA5xFRpdB0VmTkdnNWZHhKZ7VYKHLlPiAT2h~8s1vfyETB50hrIJDRQhSDP01ehgcSjxpb7ljjv-uzO~D7aEhJ84c-WIx4CTloUajo5XYhoOs4xWBf80wE0n~sVYr~keg1rSgX5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Carolina Legislature","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","A subcommittee hearing on H 4129 drew testimony from fishing‑tournament organizers, small business owners and industry representatives who said the bill is necessary to preserve entry‑fee contests that they characterize as games of skill. Supporters said recent court language threatened to classify common contests — from bass fishing tournaments to pinball and corn‑hole events — as illegal gambling.

Geddes Brannon, speaking for sponsors, warned that a recent court of appeals opinion could be read to make bass fishing tournaments illegal if entry fees and prizes are at stake. Brannon said that would jeopardize events that bring tourism and millions in local spending; he cited Bassmaster Classic events and returns to Anderson county totaling millions in visitor spending.

Small business owners spoke about the revenue they received from skill‑based amusement games before state enforcement removed them. Wilson Raines, owner of LG’s by the Creek in Berkeley County, said the games helped offset thin restaurant margins and higher insurance costs and asked lawmakers to “stop law enforcement from making the laws that responsibility [belongs] to you.” Rick Tapp and others also supported statutory clarity to restore the distinction between games of skill and chance.

Several legislators and other witnesses cautioned that broad or vague drafting could create unintended consequences. Representative McCravy said the bill’s language (which uses tests such as whether “skill predominates”) could open a backdoor for new forms of online wagering or permit devices that rely on skill to pass as legal gambling. He urged tighter drafting to avoid future enforcement and public‑health problems.

The committee took testimony and said staff will review proposed amendments; no vote was held during the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Ways and Means Committee -- Ways and Means Revenue Policy Subcommittee on H.3625, H.4129 and H.4176 - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","H 4129, a bill intended to clarify that fishing tournaments, pinball and other contests are games of skill, drew support from tournament organizers and small businesses. Critics and some lawmakers said the bill’s wording could create unintended loopholes that expand legal gambling online or allow backdoor wagering.","taxTitle","2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina","taxId",78666,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6265818,"Industry and education representatives push H 3625 to legalize sports wagering; opponents warn of public‑health harms",4757,41735,4799695,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083&start=41&end=4799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083/thumbnail_41735.jpg","/articles/6265818/South-Carolina/Industry-and-education-representatives-push-H-3625-to-legalize-sports-wagering-opponents-warn-of-publichealth-harms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265818-b515c8ed949da8e84c9aed4baf9b2350/orig.mp4?Expires=1774977566&Signature=opjSNwpKGovnK-7w7sdvUOdjBkCxOT8xEzZRLAnhRESTlh6YduLYn1eRLbRg~p78QFjGNnF2rGxvJIOg9kbVp1Exa4DP6ku1bBFkdepzz4DNLKuDt~82nCSegKYas67O-btVLDhGFv1ZCnQQwZwNtb849oSzNXbvI2jDez-Qz2D2UozDKaWcdTTDghjw8oGqn1mWF7UfTHjKQZqKSuV0BIXehMPZBR1fuaAnTBhuq6YN-CvSFqZWp9P8zhg2wo9xoZ3bW6WfgmTbpR7Mzr-1wPYvzc7aRU90Ynw63-ANwXgMFP-cAo2ZrwBT5rsR79NFwiC~tL5kny6kMSNNgXr89w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A South Carolina subcommittee heard competing testimony on H 3625, which would create a regulated sports wagering market and licensing framework in the state. Industry groups, casinos and some university officials urged lawmakers to legalize and regulate mobile sports wagering; public‑health advocates, faith leaders and some legislators warned of addiction, mental‑health harms and other social costs.

Michelle McGregor, representing the Sports Betting Alliance (which includes BetMGM, DraftKings and others), told the panel that much wagering currently takes place offshore and outside state oversight. McGregor said geolocation data showed “over the course of the past NFL season, there were 5,400,000 attempts made by South Carolina adults to access regulated sportsbooks,” and that the American Gaming Association estimates roughly $1 billion is wagered annually on offshore sites by South Carolinians. She said a legal market could generate roughly $60 million a year in new tax revenue and provide consumer protections like identity verification and responsible‑gaming tools.

Casino and gaming companies said regulated sports betting is preferable to an unregulated market. Trevor Hayes of Caesars described the offshore “black market” and recent federal developments that have allowed other platforms to offer sports‑bet‑like products; he urged lawmakers to build a regulatory framework that protects consumers.

Collegiate and athletics officials said regulation helps surface integrity issues. Andy Humes, senior deputy athletic director at Coastal Carolina, said a monitored legal market is preferable because it allows leagues and schools to detect irregularities that could affect student athletes.

Proponents of including fantasy and daily fantasy sports in legislation also spoke. JT Foley, executive director of the Coalition for Fantasy Sports, and Ron Hart of PrizePicks urged amendments to ensure fantasy contests are regulated and taxed; Hart projected $10–15 million in licensing and tax revenue from an open, regulated daily fantasy market.

Opponents and several lawmakers cited public‑health research linking expanded access to sports betting with higher rates of problem gambling, especially among young men. Representative McCravy pointed to studies that he said show increased mental‑health harms and financial distress after legalization; he urged caution and tighter regulation.

The committee took testimony but did not vote on H 3625 that day; the chair said amendments would be vetted by staff before any formal action.","Supporters including online operators, casinos and university athletics administrators argued H 3625 would move bettors from offshore markets into a regulated system and generate revenue. Opponents and some lawmakers raised concerns about addiction, student‑athlete integrity and public-health impacts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":80,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":83,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6265823,"Lawmakers hear mixed testimony on H 4176 casino proposal for Santee",7105,7146775,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088618-762ed0bfcfe3759084857b146a195083&start=41&end=7146","/articles/6265823/South-Carolina/Lawmakers-hear-mixed-testimony-on-H-4176-casino-proposal-for-Santee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265823-e425842d7bccbfb20fd8758876e25f53/orig.mp4?Expires=1774977566&Signature=nm8w0rh0OWGYQjbxcXuVVNBK1OiqUeFzN1vWq0mGeBliZdK4FCdZWXZ73uol7XY6xcMKuBBiDZGmpHSZgoOHjnjupW5bJexNszlu3uM0i0aoVVnbqBMHPhT0QtTCn7bNytu4H~IJ7umoBb2qG9I7ZOorj98oJ1-PWLSQ20hoIXSqQHWgDWbBx9Ixge2IT1WciXQ23pxpHP4chlp7OIeGIEdb2oxcYTcsD7PMoYFrBE49HGW32zEyj663zRam1KKgQ0ofEoi811WyznYpX8Yc~0xKxk4hzJSubrGSOQa0n7GajDUUpFzZNJ4QhQfdz~8P2ZTYjs92eKmthSQqfh3pUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A South Carolina legislative subcommittee held an extended public hearing on H 4176, the I‑95 economic stimulus/casino proposal, hearing residents, local officials, tribal leaders and industry representatives who sharply disagreed about the project’s risks and benefits.

Supporters told the panel that a single, regulated casino at Santee would bring construction and permanent jobs, new tax revenue and a broader tourism base for a persistently low‑income region. James McQuillah, president of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, said the site’s location “directly on I‑95” makes it a natural tourism stop and estimated the project could create “800 to 1,000 direct jobs.” County leaders, community pastors and small‑business owners echoed that theme: “This bill is a chance to bring something real and lasting to our community,” said E. Jean Davis Capers, who identified herself as a Utahville resident.

Tribal leaders and developers also spoke. Brian Harris, who identified himself as chairman of his tribe’s council, described the Catawba Nation’s history and urged the committee to protect tribal opportunities. Harris said the tribe now operates gaming across the North Carolina border and that it has negotiated compacts there; he told members the state bill “doesn’t even mention us” and urged support for an amendment to restore the Catawba’s negotiated rights.

Economists and economic development witnesses told the committee the bill’s fiscal impact could be substantial if a large resort is built. Doug Walker, economics professor at the College of Charleston, said the bill’s fiscal summary—based on a $200 million project—likely understates revenues and that a $700 million investment could generate considerably more in state receipts, which he estimated “could be anywhere from $70 to $100 million” annually depending on project size.

Opponents framed gambling as a public‑health and social problem. Tony Beam, representing the South Carolina Baptist Convention, said gambling “profits off of those who lose” and described addiction risks; Palmetto Family Council’s Steve Pettit called gambling “a moment of moral reckoning.” Local residents and speakers cited studies and personal experience to warn about addiction, household debt and pressure on public services.

Several speakers raised implementation questions including who would hold licenses, how revenue would be shared locally versus out‑of‑state, and potential litigation tied to tribal claims. Representative McCravy, not on the committee, said he had reviewed studies showing links between casino introduction and bankruptcy or suicide and urged more hearings and research before legislative action.

Chair remarks at the start of the hearing said the subcommittee did not plan to vote that day and wanted time to vet proposed amendments. No formal action or vote on H 4176 was taken during the session; members collected amendments and testimony for future consideration.

The committee accepted written materials and said it will reconvene to review amendments. Further hearings and drafting changes were discussed as next steps but no next meeting date was announced.

","A legislative subcommittee heard hours of testimony both for and against H 4176, a bill that would authorize a large-scale casino development on the I‑95 corridor near Santee. Supporters focused on jobs, tax revenue and local investment; opponents raised concerns about addiction, crime, economic displacement and tribal exclusion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proposed skill‑competitions bill H 4129 aims to protect tournaments and small businesses; critics warn of loopholes

Industry and education representatives push H 3625 to legalize sports wagering; opponents warn of public‑health harms

Lawmakers hear mixed testimony on H 4176 casino proposal for Santee