Thinking about betting the horses from South Carolina? Here’s where the state actually stands — what’s legal, what isn’t and what your options are.
Can You Bet on Horse Racing in South Carolina?
South Carolina is steeplechase country — the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup at Camden and the Aiken meets are social institutions — but none of it carries legal pari-mutuel betting.
The state does not license on-track, off-track or online wagering on horses. A 2026 bill would allow limited on-site app betting at in-state events, but it is not law, so there is no legal online horse betting in South Carolina today.
Horse Racing & Betting in South Carolina
No pari-mutuel track — South Carolina has steeplechase and point-to-point events only, with no betting.
Online wagering is not legal — the state licenses no on-track, off-track or online horse wagering.
The Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup at Camden, prestige social events run without wagering.
| Track | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale Race CourseCamden · Steeplechase (no wagering) · Usually the Carolina Cup in late March/early April and the Colonial Cup in November; no betting |
Months with live racing. Dates come from the tracks and the state racing regulator; meets can change, so check the track’s own calendar before you go. Simulcast wagering runs year-round.
More on Racing in South Carolina
Yes, there is live horse racing in South Carolina. No, you can’t wager on the races. Although South Carolinians can attend live horse racing meets held in the state, it’s illegal under state law to offer pari-mutuel wagering on these races.
That situation, though, could be on the road toward change. In April of 2021, the Equine Industry Support Measures Study Committee was formed following passage of a bill in the state government. The committee, which is composed of two state Senators, two state House members, two members of the horse racing industry and a representative from the South Carolina Agriculture Department is tasked with coming up with methods to grow and revitalize the horse racing industry within the state. However one of the measures they are considering is to permit wagering on the races.
Horse Racing History
Steeplechase racing is big in South Carolina. Since 1932, each spring the Carolina Cup is the big spring horse racing event. The Carolina Cup draws thousands of spectators from all around the state and region. Decked out in their Easter finest, they watch a half-dozen steeplechase races, including the 2 1/8-mile Carolina Cup.
The Colonial Cup, held in Camden, draws 10,000 fans and is the highlight of the fall racing season. There’s also steeplechase racing held in Aiken and Charleston.
To legalize pari-mutuel wagering in the state won’t be a simple or easy task. A bill must be presented in front of the South Carolina legislature. It would require the approval of a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate and the signature of the Governor to move forward.
Next, a referendum would be put to the people of South Carolina giving the okay to change the South Carolina constitution in order to make pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing legal.
Simulcast wagering and online wagering on horse racing (and all sports for that matter) are also prohibited in South Carolina.
South Carolina Horse Racing & Betting 2026 Summary
Yes, South Carolina still hosts live horse racing. No, you cannot legally bet on it.
The Palmetto State is home to popular steeplechase events like the Carolina Cup in the spring and the Colonial Cup in the fall, along with smaller meets in Aiken and Charleston. These races draw large crowds and remain cultural fixtures—but pari-mutuel wagering is illegal, both on-site and online.
That could change in the future. In 2021, South Carolina formed the Equine Industry Support Measures Study Committee, which is exploring ways to revive the state’s horse racing industry. One option under discussion is legalizing wagering, though doing so would require:
- A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate
- Approval by the Governor
- A statewide referendum to amend the state constitution
As of 2026, online horse betting, simulcasting, and sports betting of any kind remain prohibited in South Carolina.
- Live racing: Yes (steeplechase only)
- Horse betting: Illegal (in-person & online)
- ADW apps: Not allowed
- Minimum betting age: N/A (no legal betting)
How to Bet on Horse Racing
New to the windows? Start with the straight bets. A win bet needs your horse to finish first; place pays if it runs first or second; show pays for first, second or third. They are the cheapest way to learn the game.
From there come the exotics, where the real payouts live. The exacta asks for the first two home in order, the trifecta the first three, and the superfecta the first four. Multi-race bets — the daily double, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 6 — string winners together across races, and the Pick 6 jackpot can roll into life-changing money. Our guide to exotic bets walks through each one, and the beginner’s guide to betting on racing covers the basics end to end.
South Carolina Horse Racing Betting FAQs
How old must you be to bet on horses online in South Carolina?
There is no gambling age in The Palmetto State. South Carolina doesn't offer any form of sports betting online or offline.
Is online horse betting legal in South Carolina?
Betting in-person and online is prohibited across South Carolina.
What are my options?
The Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup at Camden, prestige social events run without wagering.
Are there any racetracks in South Carolina?
There are several training tracks in the state with no wagering allowed.