Last month, South Carolina introduced a bill to the House that would legalize casino gambling in the state if passed. The bill is co-sponsored by 17 bipartisan lawmakers, including 11 Democrats and 6 Republicans.
If the bill passes, it will allow in-person casinos in several counties. To be eligible, counties must be adjacent to I-95 and fall into the lowest job tax credit tier. Counties must also request that the state grant applicants a casino license.
The Santee Development Corporation has conducted extensive studies on the economic impact of casinos in the Palmetto State. The corporation, led by prominent businessman Wallace Cheves, has published plans for a proposed casino at the corner of Mall and Knowles Streets. The site is right off I-95, near numerous hotels, and less than two miles from Lake Marion.
According to the published report, Sen. Brad Hutto said, “Our people, schools, and businesses will benefit dramatically as people traveling on I-95 will no longer pass us by but make us a destination place to visit and spend their money.” The Santee Development Corporation has also noted that the project would be funded solely through private investment, and no public funds would be needed.
Current Status Of The New Casino Bill
South Carolina gambling laws currently do not allow for brick-and-mortar casinos; however, if the state passes Bill 4176, that will all change. On March 6th, the bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee. Since then, there has been little action on the bill besides several other lawmakers signing on as sponsors.
Current South Carolina Gambling Options
Despite the lack of physical casinos, SC players can access online South Carolina casinos. Since no laws make online casino gambling illegal in the state, players can sign up and wager with any site they choose.
Online South Carolina casinos have operated since the early 2000s and have become a trusted source for casino games, sports wagering, and poker gambling. Today, online casinos still accept SC players over the age of 18 since there are no federal or state laws that prevent them from operating online from outside of the country.
South Carolina residents can also travel to North Carolina, where there are currently three tribal casinos. However, lawmakers hope to derail that option with their own commercial gaming facilities in the future.