Despite South Carolina's conservative stance on gambling, poker continues to thrive across the Palmetto State. While you won't find major casino poker rooms or sanctioned tournaments here, the game is alive in private homes, clubs, and, more recently, online.
Due to the lack of regulated online poker options, many players within the state turn to trusted offshore poker sites for real money games. These sites offer larger player pools, innovative tournament formats, and generous bonuses, allowing players to enjoy poker beyond traditional home games.
Whether you're exploring online poker for the first time or looking to expand your gameplay safely and confidently, this page outlines the best options currently available for players in South Carolina. It also aims to provide you with a better understanding of the state's legal landscape.
South Carolina Online Poker Legality Snapshot
Online Poker
Available — Offshore Only
Commercial Poker
Not Available
Legal Gambling Age
18+ for lottery and bingo
Poker Regulator
SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in South Carolina
Yes, South Carolina residents can access real money online poker through offshore poker sites. While these platforms aren't licensed or regulated by the state, they allow players to join cash games and tournaments online. Plenty of offshore sites are available—some reputable, others less reliable. The best options have a long track record of paying players promptly, offering fair games, and providing a smooth, hassle-free playing experience.
Recommended Sites for Online Poker in Michigan
Choosing an online poker site in South Carolina takes more than just checking for available games. Since there is no state regulated market, players rely on offshore sites, which makes factors like reliable payouts, strong player traffic, and overall site reputation even more important.
Below, we break down the poker platforms that performed best during our hands on testing to help South Carolina players find dependable and enjoyable places to play online.
Ignition’s anonymous table format fits South Carolina’s casual poker scene. No screen names and no tracking software means fewer sharks and more space to relax into the game. Cash tables and MTTs run steadily, with soft competition and solid performance across devices. Fast crypto withdrawals and minimal friction make it a good choice for players who want fairness and fluidity without unnecessary pressure or tools aimed at pros.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best for Payment Method Variety
Funding your poker account here is refreshingly flexible. The site supports credit cards, e-wallets, crypto, and wire transfers, so you’re not locked into one method. Transactions are processed reliably, and crypto users often enjoy faster turnaround. For those in South Carolina who want options and minimal headaches around banking, the site does a better job than most offshore competitors without adding extra friction to the experience.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best for All-In-One Gaming
South Carolina poker fans seeking an all-in-one gaming experience will feel at home at Bovada. With a single account, seamlessly switch from poker tournaments to blackjack or sports betting. The poker platform excels with anonymous tables, casual competition, and high traffic from the PaiWangLuo network. Enjoy diverse game formats like Zone Poker and Jackpot Sit & Gos, plus over $2M in weekly tournament guarantees. Reliable crypto withdrawals in 1–24 hours enhance convenience. Bovada’s user-friendly interface and versatile gaming options make it a top choice for multi-game enthusiasts.
Comparing Online Poker Rooms in Michigan
Finding the right online poker site in Michigan depends on factors like bonus offers, tournament variety, player traffic, and banking reliability. Some platforms stand out for their regulated gameplay and strong security, while others attract players with large prize pools and fast-moving cash games.
The table below highlights the key differences among our top picks, helping you easily find the best fit for your preferences and playing style.
How We Pick the Best Online Poker Sites in South Carolina
Finding a reliable online poker site is not always straightforward, especially when playing from South Carolina. That is why we carefully review and test every platform before recommending it. We focus on quality, security, and player experience to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time at the tables.
Available to South Carolina Players: All the poker sites we recommend accept players from South Carolina. You will not face registration issues or blocks based on your location.
Active Player Pools and Good Game Selection: Busy sites offer better games. We favor poker rooms with strong traffic and a good mix of casual and competitive players, giving you plenty of action at all hours.
Bonuses and Rewards that Matter: We focus on sites offering bonuses you can use, with fair terms and loyalty programs that add long-term value instead of short-lived perks.
Wide Range of Games: Whether you enjoy Texas Hold'em, Omaha, or quick sit-and-go tournaments, the platforms we highlight provide steady game options across different stakes and skill levels, so South Carolina players can always find a table that fits.
Is Online Poker Legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not regulate or license online poker; however, many residents enjoy the game legally by accessing offshore poker sites. These international platforms operate outside state jurisdiction, and no players have faced prosecution simply for joining or playing on them.
According to Section 16-19-40 of the South Carolina Code, unlicensed gambling, including wagering on card games for money, is broadly prohibited. Nevertheless, enforcement has historically targeted organizers of illegal games rather than individuals participating recreationally online. As a result, offshore online poker remains a common and generally low-risk option for players in South Carolina, despite the lack of local regulation.
For sanctioned gambling activities, such as the state lottery or charitable raffles, the minimum legal gambling age in South Carolina is 18. However, options for live real-money poker are limited. Traditional poker rooms and casino-style poker games are not allowed under state law.
The only sanctioned gambling venue in the state is The Big "M" Casino, which offers casino cruises from Little River near Myrtle Beach. Once the ships reach international waters, they provide games like blackjack, roulette, and 3 Card Poker, but traditional poker games such as Texas Hold'em are not available on these cruises. As a result, players seeking full poker rooms often need to travel out of state to places like North Carolina or Florida.
Will South Carolina Regulate Online Poker?
For now, the state shows little traction toward regulating online poker. Gambling laws remain among the strictest in the country, allowing only limited forms of wagering such as the lottery, charitable raffles, and tightly controlled casino cruises.
Attempts to expand gambling options have consistently faced strong resistance in the legislature. Unlike some neighboring states that have explored sports betting or casino legislation, online poker has not emerged as a serious topic of debate.
While public sentiment around gambling has slowly shifted nationwide, any real push for regulation would likely require major political changes or broader regional momentum. Until then, players will continue to rely on offshore poker sites as their primary way to access real money games in South Carolina.
Poker Players from South Carolina
South Carolina doesn’t host legal poker rooms or tournaments, but that hasn’t stopped some of its residents from making a name for themselves in the poker world. With limited in-state options, many top players travel or relocate to compete in live events across the US. Several SC-based players have built solid reputations both online and on the tournament circuit.
Here are the top live poker players from South Carolina:
Will Failla – $6,584,529
Brad Albrinck – $2,454,888
William Givens – $1,298,978
Kevin Saul – $1,254,275
Robert Hankins – $1,132,888
Max Young – $1,084,129
Thomas Carroll – $925,351
Ethan Mizerak – $816,295
Mike Vanier – $776,130
Justin Bonds – $710,064
Gamble Responsibly in South Carolina
Playing online poker should always be viewed as a form of entertainment. If gambling ever starts to impact important areas of your life, there are resources available to help you regain control. South Carolina provides access to several confidential support services aimed at promoting responsible gaming.
National Council on Problem Gambling (South Carolina) — Provides national and state-specific resources to assist individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
Online poker remains popular for South Carolina players, primarily through trusted offshore sites that welcome residents. While the state does not regulate online poker, offshore platforms provide access to larger player pools, tournaments, and unique bonuses that add extra value to the experience. If you are ready to start, look at our recommended offshore poker sites, sign up, and join the action whenever you are ready.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Michigan Online Poker
