Is Online Gambling Legal in South Carolina?
Most residents of South Carolina, including its legislators, hold that gambling is immoral and stimulates criminal activities, which is why strict anti-gambling laws have been in force in South Carolina for over 200 years.
South Carolina prohibits all forms of online gambling. The only forms of gaming allowed in the state are tightly controlled social and sweepstakes casinos, the state lottery, and charitable bingo games.
As with most other US states, the minimum age to engage in social games, lottery, and bingo is 18 years.
Although fines and punishments for engaging in play at offshore online casinos are limited, the residents of South Carolina should, nevertheless, refrain from such activities.
Are Land-Based Casinos Allowed in South Carolina?
No, there are no land-based casinos available in the US state of South Carolina. Due to its strict gambling laws, residents of South Carolina don't have the luxury of visiting brick-and-mortar casinos and engaging in casino entertainment.
The only gambling options left for South Carolinians are casino cruises. Those who wish to enjoy casino games can drive to Myrtle Beach or the Little River area and hop on casino yachts.
Casino ships sail from Myrtle Beach most days of the week for either morning and afternoon or evening and night cruises. Games available on cruise yachts include table games, slot machines, and video poker. Regular poker, however, isn't available.
Which Forms of Online Gambling are Legal in South Carolina
None. There isn't a single form of online gambling legal in the US state of South Carolina. Existing laws explicitly prohibit any gambling activity, leaving little choice to its residents who want to gamble. Slot machines, poker, table games and sports betting are all outlawed in South Carolina.
Although the authorities don't prosecute people who gamble online and the law doesn't mention anything about seeking gambling services with companies headquartered outside of South Carolina's territory, residents are strongly encouraged not to engage in such activities.
Can I Get in Trouble for Gambling in a South Carolinian Online Casino?
Having one of the most restrictive gambling laws in the US, there are no grey areas when considering playing real money casinos in South Carolina.
Residents of South Carolina cannot play at online casinos legally and risk fines or imprisonment if they do. Sites that pose as "legal" in South Carolina are most likely offshore sites based out of the state.
Although residents of South Carolina might be allowed to register and play at these casinos, they will be offered no legal recourse if cheated out of their winnings or deposits or in case of any other issue.
What is the Future of SC Online Gambling?
In 2021, Democrats in the SC House of Representatives proposed several bills to legalise all gambling forms; however, they didn't get past the relevant committee.
Also, in 2021, the Equine Industry Support Measures Study Committee, comprised of two House members and two state senators, announced that it had begun a study into the economic impact of horse breeding and horseracing in South Carolina.
The study will also consider legalising betting on horse racing in the state.
