South Carolina is one of the strictest states in the US when it comes to any form of gambling. Unlike many other states, South Carolina has no casinos in its major cities. You can not legally play at online casinos or participate in any daily fantasy sports. You can’t go to the horse tracks or pari-mutuel facilities because they do not exist in the state.
Currently, the lottery, bingo, and one casino cruise called the “Big M Casino,” are your only options for legal gambling in South Carolina.
Top Guide to South Carolina Online Casinos
While most other US states have recently opened to the online betting industry, South Carolina walks the other way with no interest in joining the masses. Palmetto State is currently among the least likely to join other states in legalizing online casinos, especially since no land-based partnerships are possible.
Access to casino slots and live dealer games is legal with social online casinos. Of course, these don’t provide real money, but those that combine Sweepstakes make it possible to redeem rewards for cash prizes and other rewards, which we’ll cover later in our South Carolina online casino guide.
Are Online Casinos Legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina is very against the idea of people playing at online casinos. The state isn’t gambler-friendly and has prohibited all forms of online gambling. Even on land, you will only find one venue to gamble at legally.
Since the laws are extremely strict around online betting, online casinos will not exist legally in South Carolina anytime soon. You could receive a hefty fine and prison time if you’re found guilty of participating in any online game activity.
What is Legal in South Carolina Casinos?
Legal gambling in South Carolina is limited to a Lottery and requires participants to purchase a ticket at least 18 years old. For casino fans, the only option is to leave the state, either to a neighboring stake with legal casinos or by joining the casino cruise, which takes you out of the state before gambling activity can begin.
Finally, casino fans can access sweepstake casinos in South Carolina, which are 100% legal and safe as no real money gambling occurs.
When will South Carolina Legalize Online Casinos?
As mentioned earlier in our South Carolina online casino guide, the state does not permit any form of gambling other than lottery, which means online casino activity is unlikely in the near future, especially since no land-based casinos are in the state.
Brief Gambling History in South Carolina
Since the 1780s, gambling has been illegal in South Carolina. Before World War II, SC residents could wager on horse and dog races for a brief period, but that was banned later on. It was only in 2002 that the lottery started, and in 2008, casino gambling on cruises was legalized.
Before casino cruises and the lottery, bingo was first legalized in the state in 1976. The Bingo Act stopped games with multiple prizes and ruled that the winner must receive one reward. Only licensed charities under the South Carolina Department of Revenue can operate bingo halls in the state.
Recently, bill H 3102 was brought to the state by Rep. Todd Rutherford. This bill discusses finding land in South Carolina where Las Vegas-style casinos can be built and mentions the possibility of sports betting. Unfortunately, the bill has not progressed since January (2020).
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In Which States is Online Casino Legal?
While online gambling in South Carolina remains very limited, more states have moved toward offering residents and visitors access to regulated online casinos. The first to provide access to online casinos was New Jersey in 2013, and since five other stakes have joined. Rhode Island will be the 7th state to provide legal online casinos in March 2024.
Closest Legal Online Casino State to South Carolina
Access to legal online casinos from South Carolina is either a short flight or a seven-hour drive from West Virginia. While online casinos are legal in the WV, the selection is limited compared to states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Land-Based Casinos in South Carolina
Unlike its neighbor, North Carolina, there are no land-based or Indian casinos in South Carolina. You must jump on a boat and sail to gamble in the Palmetto State down the river.
Only one casino boat is in operation, The Big M Casino in Little River, SC. The company has two boats in operation that alternate sailing days and times. In either case, the boat sails three miles into international waters where casino gambling is permitted. This is the only type of gambling you will find in South Carolina casinos.
The Big M Casino operates as a luxurious casino ship and caters to everyone at least 21 years of age. The Big M Casino offers blackjack, craps, roulette, three-card poker, let it ride, slots, and video poker. A cash bar and a la carte food service are also offered.
States Around South Carolina Likely to Legalize Online Casinos First
The eastern side of America hosts the majority of stakes with legal online casinos, which are close to South Carolina. Therefore, neighboring and nearby states such as North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and others are likely to legalize online casinos before South Carolina.
Once this happens, many residents in SC are likely to make the short journey to access online play in other states, which could eventually force lawmakers in the state to consider introducing online casinos. However, until then, the only option to play online in South Carolina is Sweepstake online casinos.