Gambling is limited in South Carolina. It is all charity and tribal bingo or games related to the state lottery. Two casino ships leave the Little River Inlet north of Myrtle Beach most days of the week. One of the country’s largest video poker industries was banned in South Carolina in 1999.
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South Carolina casinos
There are no casinos in South Carolina. Once found across the state, video poker was banned in 1999. Two Big “M” Casino ships dock in the Little River Inlet. That is along the Atlantic Ocean north of Myrtle Beach near the North Carolina state line. Available games include slot machines like Treasure Ball, Dancing Drums, 88 Fortunes, Wheel of Fortune, Double Diamond, Cash Wizard, Quick Hit Platinum, Double Jackpot 7’s, and Double Gold.
Video poker is available on Game King and Pot of Gold machines. The Pot of Gold games include a favorite of the old video poker games from South Carolina casinos called Shamrock 7’s. This game is Joker Poker with a bonus round for making three or more sevens. A progressive jackpot pays on any five of a kind. Denominations for slots and video poker go from a penny to $5.
Four table games are dealt on the Big “M” Casino ships. These are blackjack, double zero roulette, Three Card Poker, and Let It Ride. The minimum bet is $5 for roulette and $10 for the other games.
South Carolina residents who do not live near the beach may go to North Carolina for casino action. The options are Catawba Two Kings along Interstate 85 near Charlotte, as well as Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in the western part of the state.
Sports betting in South Carolina
Sportsbooks are not legal in South Carolina. This includes retail and mobile sports betting. However, wagering is permitted on daily fantasy sports contests. Sports bettors who live close to the North Carolina line may bet on mobile apps once crossing the border. There are live sportsbooks at Catawba Two Kings, Harrah’s Cherokee, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in North Carolina.
Limited online gambling options in SC
In South Carolina, online gambling is limited to daily fantasy sports bets and sweepstakes contests. Mobile sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering are currently illegal.
South Carolina horse racing
Pari-mutuel wagering is not permitted in South Carolina. This includes advanced deposit wagering (ADW) apps. In April 2023, progress was made to allow mobile betting on horse races. However, more steps are required for this legislative bill to legalize pari-mutuel wagering.
In South Carolina, live horse races are social events. Such races include The Carolina Cup, The Colonial Cup, the Steeplechase of Charleston, and multiple Aiken Triple Crown races. These races are family-friendly events that help support local businesses and not-for-profit groups.
South Carolina Education Lottery
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers drawings and scratch-offs. Drawings include Powerball, Mega Millions, Palmetto Cash 5, Pick 4 Plus Fireball, Pick 3 Plus Fireball, and Cash Pop. Scratch-off tickets are available from $1 to $20 per game. Some games are also eligible for second-chance promotions.
Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age. Tickets can be purchased with cash at authorized retail locations throughout the state.
South Carolina gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in South Carolina?
No. There are no casinos in the state. Video poker was banned in 1999.
Are sportsbooks legal in South Carolina?
No. Sportsbooks are not legal.
Is mobile sports betting legal in South Carolina?
No. Sports betting is not permitted using mobile apps. North Carolina has legal online sportsbooks.
What online gambling options are available in South Carolina?
Players can bet on daily fantasy sports contests and sweepstakes sites.
Are live horse races held in South Carolina?
Yes. However, pari-mutuel wagering is not permitted on these races.
Can you bet on horse races in South Carolina?
No. Pari-mutuel wagering is illegal.
Does South Carolina have a state lottery?
Yes. Scratch-offs and drawing games are available.
How old must you be to play lotto games in South Carolina?
Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older.
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Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by John Mehaffey