A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS, BY ADDING SECTION 16 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW, IN SPECIFIED AREAS OF THE STATE, MAY PROVIDE FOR THE CONDUCT OF GAMBLING AND GAMING ACTIVITIES ON WHICH BETS ARE MADE TO INCLUDE PARI MUTUEL BETTING ON HORSE RACING, SPORTS BETTING ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, CASINO ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS CARD AND DICE GAMES WHERE THE SKILL OF THE PLAYER IS INVOLVED IN THE OUTCOME, AND GAMES OF CHANCE WITH THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR GAMING TABLES, ALL OF WHICH STRICTLY MUST BE REGULATED AND MAY BE CONDUCTED IN ONE LOCATION OR IN SEPARATE LOCATIONS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREA SUBJECT TO SPECIAL LAWS, INCLUDING CRIMINAL LAWS, ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, APPLICABLE ONLY IN THE SPECIFIED AREA, WITH THE REVENUE REALIZED BY THE STATE AND LOCAL JURISDICTIONS TO BE USED FOR HIGHWAY, ROAD, AND BRIDGE MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND REPAIR; AND BY PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 8, ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS, BY DELETING SECTION 8 WHICH MAKES IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON HOLDING AN OFFICE OF HONOR, TRUST, OR PROFIT TO ENGAGE IN GAMBLING OR BETTING ON GAMES OF CHANCE, AND REQUIRES THE OFFICER'S REMOVAL FROM OFFICE UPON CONVICTION FOR A GAMBLING OFFENSE.
If enacted, the bill would not only modify existing laws regarding gambling and gaming but also alter the constitutional restrictions placed on this sector. This amendment aims to provide clearer guidelines for the administration of gambling, ensuring compliance with state laws and maintaining regulatory oversight. Revenue generated from these activities is earmarked for critical public infrastructure projects, which could have a substantial impact on state finances and resource allocation. As a result, this could provide a boost to local economies by creating jobs related to these activities and enhancing tourism.
House Bill 3353 proposes a significant amendment to Article XVII of the South Carolina Constitution to allow the General Assembly to regulate new forms of gambling and gaming activities, including sports betting, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, and various casino games requiring player skill. The intent of this bill is to establish a legal framework where such activities can be conducted in specified areas, under state regulation, and generate revenue for infrastructure maintenance, specifically roads and bridges. The proposed amendment underscores the state’s acknowledgment of the potential benefits of legalized gaming in terms of economic support.
Despite the potential benefits outlined, the bill may face opposition based on ethical and social concerns regarding gambling. Critics may argue that expanding gambling could lead to increased social issues, including gambling addiction and related crimes, which historically have been challenges in states with more liberal gaming laws. Furthermore, removing certain prohibitions that disallow individuals in public office from engaging in gambling raises questions about maintaining integrity and trust in governmental roles. The balance of economic growth versus protecting community welfare is likely to be a central point of debate as this bill progresses.