South Carolina maintains one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States, reflecting long-standing social, political, and cultural resistance to expanded wagering.
Although the state allows a small number of tightly regulated gambling activities, most commercial forms of betting remain prohibited. This includes casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, and most electronic gaming machines.
Instead, South Carolina’s legal gambling market primarily revolves around its state-operated lottery and limited charitable gaming, such as bingo. These activities operate under strict oversight to ensure that revenues support public education and charitable organizations.
Despite these limitations, interest in new gambling options continues to surface among lawmakers, industry observers, and residents. South Carolina’s proximity to more gambling-friendly states, along with the growth of online betting nationwide, has fueled conversation about modernization.
However, legislative progress remains slow, and the state has yet to take meaningful steps toward legalization of casinos, sports betting, or online wagering.
Because South Carolina maintains one of the narrowest gambling frameworks in the country, many categories below will be listed as “Not licensed or regulated.” Still, understanding these limitations helps clarify how the state’s gambling landscape may evolve in the future.
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Overview: Tribes in South Carolina and Their Role in State Betting
Unlike many other states, South Carolina does not have a significant tribal gaming presence. While the state is home to the Catawba Indian Nation, the tribe does not operate casinos or betting facilities within South Carolina itself.
Instead, the Catawba Nation’s gaming interests have primarily developed in neighboring North Carolina through the Catawba Two Kings Casino project, operating under federal approval and outside the jurisdiction of South Carolina’s restrictive gambling policies.
South Carolina’s lack of tribal gaming is largely rooted in the state’s historical opposition to legalized gambling. Without enabling legislation or state-tribal compacts, tribal casinos cannot operate within South Carolina’s borders.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) allows tribes to negotiate compacts for Class III gaming, but South Carolina has never entered into such agreements. As a result, tribal operations have had no meaningful impact on the state’s gambling market.
The absence of tribal casinos also means South Carolina receives no gaming-related revenue from tribal operations and does not participate in economic development tied to tribal gaming expansions. This stands in contrast to many states where tribal gaming is a major contributor to tourism and economic activity.
Until lawmakers signal openness to broader gambling reform, the tribal role in South Carolina betting will remain minimal.
Key Tribes and Their Operations
Catawba Indian Nation
The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe with historical ties to South Carolina. The tribe is headquartered near Rock Hill, but despite its presence within the state, it does not operate any gaming establishments in South Carolina.
The absence of tribal gaming stems from state-level restrictions that prohibit casinos, electronic gaming machines, and most forms of betting.
The Catawba Nation has historically sought opportunities to establish tribal gaming to support economic growth, create jobs, and build long-term sustainability. However, state resistance has prevented progress within South Carolina.
Instead, the tribe shifted its efforts to neighboring North Carolina, where federal approval allowed the development of the Catawba Two Kings Casino project in Kings Mountain. While this casino is located outside South Carolina, it remains the closest tribal gaming operation associated with a South Carolina tribe.
The lack of tribal gaming in South Carolina means residents do not have access to tribal casinos, tribal sports betting, or tribal-run poker rooms. It also restricts the tribe’s ability to participate in economic ventures tied to gaming within state borders.
Unless South Carolina reforms its gambling laws or negotiates tribal compacts, the Catawba Nation’s gaming activities will remain focused outside the state.
Current State Laws of South Carolina Regulating Gambling
South Carolina Code § 16-19
South Carolina Code § 16-19 is the portion of state law that governs gambling-related offenses and the regulation of games of chance.
Its provisions broadly define illegal gambling activities, criminalize the operation of gaming establishments, and set penalties for violations. The statute covers multiple areas, including:
Prohibition of Unlawful Gambling – Defines which games of chance are illegal, such as card games, dice games, and any gambling where money or other stakes are involved.
Slot Machines and Gambling Devices – Outlaws the possession, operation, and distribution of slot machines and electronic gambling devices, including video poker.
Encouraging or Promoting Gambling – Criminalizes organizing or running gambling operations, including betting houses or games that generate profit for organizers.
Sports Betting and Wagering – Prohibits betting on sporting events, contests, or races within the state.
Enforcement and Penalties – Establishes fines, criminal charges, and potential imprisonment for individuals or entities found violating the statute.
In essence, SC Code § 16-19 serves as the primary legal barrier against most forms of gambling in South Carolina, except for activities explicitly authorized elsewhere, such as the state lottery or limited charitable bingo.
It reflects the state’s historically conservative approach toward gaming and serves as the legal framework for law enforcement actions against illegal gambling operations.
South Carolina Education Lottery Act
Approved by voters in 2000, the state lottery offers draw games (like Powerball, Mega Millions) and scratch-off tickets. All proceeds are dedicated to education initiatives.
Title 33, Chapter 57: Nonprofit Raffles for Charitable Purposes
Under this ruling, bingo and raffles are permitted only when operated by qualified charitable, religious, or non-profit organizations exempt from federal income taxation. There are strict limits on prize amounts and frequency.
Pari-Mutuel Betting: SC Code (General Exceptions)
Only permitted at two recognized annual steeplechase horse racing events: the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup International Steeplechase at Springdale Race Course. Off-track betting (OTB) and general horse betting are otherwise prohibited.
Title 3, Chapter 11: Gambling Cruise Act
Gambling devices and casino games are permitted on licensed cruise ships, but only when the vessel is operating outside of South Carolina’s territorial waters (typically three miles from shore). Gambling is illegal while the ship is in the state’s jurisdiction.
Title 12, Chapter 21: Gaming Devices Prohibition
Unlawful to keep, operate, or permit any vending or slot machine, or any video game machine with a free play feature (video poker/blackjack), or other device operated by a slot that involves an element of chance. The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled all video poker machines illegal in 1999.
Latest South Carolina Gambling Legislative Updates
H.3095: Legalizing Online Betting
This was a bill that attempted to expand gambling options, including sports betting and casino gaming. The proposal generated discussion but did not advance.
H.3353: Constitutional Amendment for Gambling Expansion
This bill proposes amending the state Constitution to allow the General Assembly to pass laws for various gambling and gaming activities in specified areas of the state. These activities could include pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, sports betting on professional sports, and casino games (card/dice games where skill is involved). If passed, this would go to a voter referendum.
H.3625: Interactive Sports Wagering Act
H.3625 aims to legalize and regulate online/mobile sports betting statewide. It proposes creating the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to oversee licensing, regulation, and a 12.5% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts. It would limit the number of licensed operators (e.g., to a maximum of eight).
H.4176: I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act (Casino Proposal)
This bill aims to legalize and regulate retail casino gaming in certain areas, particularly rural and impoverished counties along the I-95 corridor.
The legislation proposes creating a state gaming commission and allowing for a resort-style casino development (like one proposed near Santee). The goal is to create jobs and generate revenue for local education.
H.4129: Skill-Based Gaming Clarification
H.4129 proposes to amend the state code to clarify that paying a fee to play a game where skill predominates over chance and receiving a prize proportional to one’s skill level is not considered gambling.
This is often an effort to protect or legalize video game terminals or amusement machines that argue a skill component.
S.362: Skill-Based Gaming Clarification
S.362 is a companion bill to H.4129 that states that a person who pays a fee to play a game in which skill predominates over chance and receives a prize proportional to how skillfully they played is not gambling. Examples mentioned include PGA Tournaments or NASCAR events, suggesting a broad definition.
Land-Based Sports Betting in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based sports betting in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated, reflecting the state’s conservative approach to gambling legislation.
Wagering on professional or collegiate sports at physical retail locations is prohibited under state law, and no casinos or sportsbooks operate within the state. The absence of commercial casinos, tribal casinos, or racetrack facilities effectively removes any potential venue where sports betting might otherwise take place.
South Carolina lawmakers have occasionally discussed sports betting legalization, particularly as surrounding states adopt regulated markets. However, legislative progress remains minimal. Concerns over social impact, morality, and the potential expansion of gambling infrastructure continue to influence policymakers.
Because of this, sports betting is far from gaining approval, and any retail sports wagering proposals have been stalled before reaching a vote. Unless South Carolina makes substantial legislative changes, land-based sports betting will remain prohibited.
For now, residents have no legal avenue to place in-person sports wagers within the state.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in South Carolina
Currently, South Carolina has no retail sportsbooks or in-person sports betting operators.
Online Sports Betting in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Similar to land-based operations, online sports betting in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated, consistent with the state’s overall restrictive gambling structure.
No legal online platforms operate within state borders, and lawmakers have not passed any bills creating a regulatory framework for internet-based sports wagering.
South Carolina’s prohibition covers mobile betting apps, online sportsbooks, and digital wager platforms hosted within or outside the state. The state’s criminal statutes broadly outlaw betting on sports and contests, leaving no ambiguity regarding online betting’s illegality.
Despite the lack of legal options, online sportsbooks continue to be discussed at the legislative level. Several proposed bills and study efforts have suggested reviewing the economic benefits of sports betting, especially as neighboring states modernize their own gambling industries. However, none of these proposals have gained meaningful traction.
Until South Carolina enacts a legal framework, all forms of online sports betting remain illegal, and no licensed platforms are available to residents.
List of Online Sports Betting Operations in South Carolina
To date, South Carolina no locally licensed sites exist. However, players could turn to offshore sports betting options for their gaming needs.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for South Carolina Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for South Carolina players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of South Carolina players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Land-Based Casino Gambling in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based casino gambling in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated.
The state prohibits commercial casinos, tribal casinos, and any establishment offering slot machines, table games, or electronic gaming devices. These restrictions have been in place for decades, supported by strong political and cultural opposition to casino expansion.
South Carolina once permitted video poker, which became widely available during the 1990s. However, concerns over enforcement, social issues, and operational abuses led lawmakers to ban the industry outright in 2000.
Since then, South Carolina has shown little interest in reviving commercial gaming or adopting regulated casino models similar to neighboring states.
Because of these strict laws, residents seeking casino entertainment often travel to nearby states such as North Carolina or Georgia (via cruises), or they board casino cruise ships departing from South Carolina ports. These ships operate under international waters regulations rather than state law once they sail offshore.
While some lawmakers periodically raise the idea of casino gambling as a potential revenue booster, no substantial movement has emerged. Without new legislation or a shift in public sentiment, land-based casinos will remain prohibited.
List of Land-Based Casino Operations in South Carolina
No land-based casino operators or facilities are licensed within the state.
Online Casino Gambling in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casino gambling in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated, mirroring the state’s stance on physical casinos.
State law prohibits online slot machines, internet-based table games, and any digital platform offering real-money casino-style gaming. Attempts to legalize online casinos have never gained meaningful traction in the legislature.
South Carolina’s strict anti-gambling statutes make no distinction between in-person gambling and digital platforms. As a result, online casino gambling remains fully illegal, and residents have no access to state-approved or commercially regulated operators.
Efforts to modernize gambling such as online lottery expansions are occasionally discussed, but full online casinos remain politically unlikely. With no supportive legislative movement, online casino gambling is expected to remain prohibited for the foreseeable future.
List of Online Casino Operations in South Carolina
No online casino operators are legally authorized in South Carolina. Players looking for online casinos can check offshore options for their gaming needs.
Other Online Casino Options for South Carolina Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for South Carolina players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Land-Based Poker in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based poker in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated, and state law prohibits most poker games played for real money.
Even private poker games risk being classified as illegal gambling if the house takes a rake, if the game is organized for profit, or if it violates other statutory conditions.
Poker has been a subject of legal controversy in South Carolina, including notable court cases questioning whether certain home games constituted illegal gambling. Ultimately, courts affirmed that poker falls under prohibited games of chance when played for monetary stakes, regardless of its skill components.
Because of the video poker ban enacted in 2000 and the lack of commercial or tribal casinos, there are no physical poker rooms or card rooms operating in the state. Residents seeking live poker must travel to casinos in neighboring states or join regulated poker venues across state lines.
Although poker enthusiasts occasionally lobby for regulated card rooms or charitable poker events, lawmakers have shown little interest in revisiting the issue.
South Carolina’s conservative gambling stance continues to limit any expansion of live poker opportunities.
List of Land-Based Poker Operations in South Carolina
South Carolina has no legal poker rooms or licensed operators.
Online Poker in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated, and state law prohibits placing wagers over the internet.
This includes online poker rooms, mobile poker apps, and multi-state poker networks. The state’s broad anti-gambling statutes apply equally to digital and physical betting, leaving no legal framework for regulated online poker play.
Despite poker being a skill-based game, its classification under South Carolina law remains as a form of gambling. Therefore, any real-money poker conducted online is a prohibited activity. Lawmakers have not proposed any meaningful legislation to regulate or legalize online poker platforms.
Until South Carolina implements a modernized gambling structure or considers joining interstate poker compacts, online poker legalization remains unlikely. For now, residents must rely on travel to regulated states if they want to participate in legal online poker.
List of Online Poker Operations in South Carolina
South Carolina has no legal poker rooms or licensed operators. South Carolina poker players looking for online alternatives can check offshore options.
Online Poker Options for South Carolina Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for South Carolina players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of South Carolina players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Land-Based Horse Betting in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based horse race betting in South Carolina is not licensed or regulated. The state does not permit pari-mutuel wagering, live racetrack betting, or off-track betting facilities. Although South Carolina hosts equestrian events, shows, and training operations, none involve legal wagering.
Historically, horse racing was more active in South Carolina, especially in training and breeding sectors. However, this activity never evolved into a state-regulated betting industry. Unlike states with a strong racing heritage, South Carolina did not develop racetracks or pari-mutuel wagering frameworks.
Efforts to introduce horse racing wagers have surfaced occasionally, usually framed as economic development initiatives. Despite these discussions, lawmakers have not advanced any bills creating racetrack betting or pari-mutuel systems.
Because of this prohibition, residents interested in wagering on horse races must travel to states with legalized racing or utilize interstate simulcast platforms available elsewhere. No legal in-state wagering locations currently exist.
List of Land-Based Horse Betting Operations in South Carolina
South Carolina has no racetracks or pari-mutuel betting operators.
Online Horse Betting in South Carolina
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online horse betting in South Carolina is technically allowed under federal law but not licensed or regulated at the state level.
The Interstate Horseracing Act permits simulcast wagering across state lines, but South Carolina has not adopted the regulatory frameworks needed to oversee or license online horse betting platforms.
Despite the absence of state regulation, major advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms often accept customers from South Carolina because federal law allows interstate wagering on horse races where states do not explicitly prohibit it.
However, because South Carolina provides no regulatory oversight, these platforms do not operate under state licensing or local consumer protections.
Residents can typically access well-known ADW sites, but these platforms function without direct state approval. This creates a unique gray area where access is common, but the state does not formally endorse or regulate the activity.
If South Carolina chooses to modernize its gambling laws, online horse betting could be among the easiest verticals to regulate because it already operates legally under federal guidelines. Until then, the state remains hands-off, neither blocking nor licensing ADW platforms.
List of Online Horse Betting Operations in South Carolina
Online horse betting operations are not available in South Carolina. Bettors can check for offshore alternatives to enjoy horse betting online.
Online Horse Betting Options for South Carolina Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for South Carolina players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
South Carolina Lotteries
Status: Legal
The South Carolina Education Lottery is the primary legal gambling entity in the state and one of the most successful lotteries in the Southeast.
Established in 2002, the lottery funds scholarships, educational programs, and public school initiatives statewide. The lottery offers a wide range of products, including draw games, scratch-offs, multi-state jackpots, and specialty promotions.
South Carolina participates in major multi-state lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions, enabling residents to access large national jackpots. Retail lottery sales are widespread, with thousands of authorized locations across the state. Scratch-off games are particularly popular, contributing a significant portion of revenue.
While the lottery is legal and regulated, online lottery sales are not permitted in South Carolina. Some neighboring states have adopted digital lottery platforms, but South Carolina has not joined this modernization trend. Lawmakers have discussed digital expansion, but no formal proposals have passed.
Despite restrictions on digital sales, the South Carolina Education Lottery remains a substantial revenue generator for the state. It operates under strict regulations to ensure transparency, responsible gaming, and proper allocation of funds.
List of Lottery Platforms in South Carolina
South Carolina Education Lottery
The official statewide lottery offers scratch-offs, draw games, and participation in Powerball and Mega Millions. Operated by the state government and providing funding for education.
South Carolina Sweepstakes
Status: Gray Area
Sweepstakes operations in South Carolina exist in a legally sensitive environment. While promotional sweepstakes are generally permitted such as those run by retailers, fast-food chains, or national brands.
South Carolina law strictly prohibits electronic gaming devices, including those frequently used in sweepstakes cafés and quasi-gambling operations. Title 37, Chapter 15 (Prizes and Gifts) regulate how promotions and sweepstakes are advertised to protect consumers from deceptive practices.
The legality of sweepstakes in South Carolina depends on whether the promotion is a bona fide sweepstakes that does not require payment for participation.
Legitimate promotional sweepstakes must provide free entry methods, disclose odds, and avoid functioning as disguised gambling. Any activity resembling wagering such as purchasing credits to play casino-style games violates state law.
South Carolina Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes casinos in South Carolina are not licensed or regulated, and the state treats them as illegal gambling operations.
These establishments often attempt to mimic online or land-based casino play by offering slot-style games or casino-themed simulations in exchange for purchased credits or entries.
Despite claims of operating as sweepstakes, South Carolina courts and law enforcement have repeatedly ruled that these businesses violate state prohibitions against electronic gaming devices.
South Carolina has a history of aggressively enforcing its gambling laws, particularly following the crackdown on video poker in the early 2000s.
Sweepstakes casinos are frequently targeted because they rely on software that resembles slot machines or video poker terminals, both explicitly banned by statute. Operators attempting to reopen under modified business models often face swift action from regulators.
Because sweepstakes casinos are unregulated, residents lack consumer protections, dispute resolution processes, and guaranteed payouts. These establishments also risk closure at any time due to enforcement actions. As a result, sweepstakes casinos do not form part of South Carolina’s legal gambling landscape.
Unless lawmakers introduce legislation to regulate sweepstakes-style gaming, which is unlikely, these operations will remain prohibited and treated as illegal gambling.
South Carolina Gambling FAQ
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