Members of the state’s struggling equestrian community say legislation allowing South Carolinians to bet on horse racing through an app on their phone could revive a once-thriving industry.
Discussion opened this week in a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on a bipartisan proposal led by Sen. Michael Johnson, R-Tega Cay.
No vote was taken. There could be several more meetings before that happens.
It’s one of several bills filed this year to allow gambling in some form.
Advocates contend South Carolina misses out on millions in potential revenue from betting as it becomes more prominent — both legally and illegally.
Of the proposals, the bill dubbed the Equine Advancement Act likely has the best odds of passing.
