South Carolina Gambling Guide: Legal Options and Regulations
South Carolina maintains one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States, prohibiting commercial casinos, sports betting, and real-money online gaming. The only regulated forms include the state education lottery, charitable bingo, and limited riverboat casino operations on cruise ships in international waters. No land-based or online casinos operate within state borders, and players seeking casino-style experiences often travel to neighboring states. The South Carolina Education Lottery Commission manages the lottery, while the Department of Revenue oversees charitable bingo licensing.
Technical Sheet
Casino: South Carolina Regulated Gambling (No Casinos or Online Gaming), Website: sceducationlottery.com, Established: Lottery 2002, License: South Carolina Education Lottery Commission / Department of Revenue, Operator: State commission, Providers: N/A for casinos (lottery: various draw games), Payment Methods: N/A for online gaming (lottery retail only), Withdrawal Times: N/A, Customer Support: Lottery helpline, Active Bonuses: N/A for casinos,
Overview of Gambling Regulations
South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16 Chapter 19 prohibits most forms of gambling, including games of chance for money, with exceptions for state lottery and charitable bingo. Laws do not explicitly address online gambling, creating a gray area for offshore sites, though no prosecutions of individual players have occurred. Enforcement focuses on operators, and regulated activities emphasize revenue for education and charitable causes. The minimum age is 18 for lottery and charitable bingo, with strong responsible gaming support through state resources and 1-800-GAMBLER.
The absence of commercial gaming stems from historical and constitutional restrictions, limiting options to lottery products and limited offshore-adjacent riverboat experiences.
Riverboat Casino Operations
Big M Casino operates two riverboat vessels departing from Little River, offering slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, three-card poker), and other casino-style entertainment in international waters. These provide the closest legal casino experience for South Carolina residents, with no land-based or online equivalents within the state.
Online Casino and Poker Status
Real-money online casinos and poker remain unauthorized and unregulated. No legislative proposals have advanced to introduce iGaming, and public opinion, including past polls showing opposition, continues to favor the status quo. Sweepstakes and social casino platforms offer limited alternatives using virtual currencies, but these differ from real-money gaming. Offshore sites operate without state oversight or protections.
Sports Betting
Sports betting, including pari-mutuel horse racing, is prohibited by the state constitution and statutes. No retail or mobile options exist, and attempts to legalize following the 2018 federal PASPA repeal have not progressed. Residents may travel to neighboring states for regulated sports wagering.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Lottery
DFS operates in a legal gray area without specific regulation or enforcement; major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel accept South Carolina players, treating contests as skill-based. The South Carolina Education Lottery provides draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions), scratch-offs, and instant games, sold exclusively at retail locations with no online sales permitted.
Bingo and Charitable Gaming
Bingo is authorized solely for charitable purposes under licenses from the Department of Revenue, with strict prize limits and operational rules. No commercial bingo halls or regulated online bingo exist.
Payment Methods and Player Protections
No regulated online gaming platforms operate, so payment methods are unavailable for real-money play. Lottery tickets require cash or card at retailers. Responsible gaming resources include self-exclusion options through state programs and national helplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online casino gambling legal in South Carolina?
No, real-money online casinos are not regulated or authorized.
What gambling forms are legal?
State lottery, charitable bingo, and riverboat casino operations in international waters.
What is the legal age?
18 for lottery and charitable bingo; 21 for riverboat casino activities.
Can offshore sites be used?
While not actively prosecuted, these lack South Carolina protections and may violate general laws.
What is the outlook for online gaming?
No significant legislative movement; historical opposition and constitutional barriers make expansion unlikely in the near term.
South Carolina prioritizes limited, education-focused gambling through the lottery and charitable activities, providing secure options with public benefits. Residents seeking broader experiences often travel to neighboring states. Check official sources like the South Carolina Education Lottery for updates.