New Casino Legislation Proposed by Lawmakers in South Carolina

The Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina pictured at night.

A bipartisan bill proposed by lawmakers in South Carolina earlier this month would bring land-based casinos to the Palmetto State.

The current gambling scene is virtually non-existent, as South Carolina law prohibits gambling operations on state soil, with the exception of the lottery. Some operators have managed to bypass this restriction by running casino boats.

However, the I-95 Economic And Education Stimulus Act proposes establishing a gaming commission with the power to award casino licenses in certain counties. These rural counties along Interstate 95 were selected with the intent of revitalizing their local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing educational opportunities for children in the area.

Opportunity for Impoverished I-95 Counties

"I-95 is one of the places... considered in the poverty belt for some counties, and so any economic development would be looked at favorably because of the fact that it would boost tourism and infrastructure as well as housing in that area," Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said to WLTX.

If the bill is passed, Orangeburg County could be the first place in South Carolina to have a casino. The Santee Development Corporation has already proposed a $1 billion plan for a casino resort at the site of the former Santee Outlet Mall.

"We strongly believe that this investment should be driven by private enterprise, not taxpayer dollars, ensuring no financial risk to the public sector," said South Carolina businessman and casino developer Wallace Cheves, when asked about funding the project.

Changing times in South Carolina?

Although the bill was introduced this month with bipartisan support, it will still have to pass consideration in both houses before being signed into law by the governor. However, supporting representatives like Senator Brad Hutto are optimistic about the economic impact the legislation could have.

"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," Hutto told WLTX.

With change on the horizon, there may be opportunities for the legalization of other forms of gambling in the state, such as sports betting. Although lawmakers in South Carolina have started discussions, no legislation has been proposed yet.

Phil is a poker content creator, social media strategist, and avid player who has been involved in the game since 2019. He started out playing low-stakes home games before transitioning to casino cash games and tournaments. Through his poker-focused social media brand, @philthebeast, he has built a strong following and worked with several major names in poker media. Passionate about making poker fun and accessible, Phil’s goal is to grow the game and share his love for it with a wider audience.