Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina? A Guide to Current Gambling Laws
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Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina?
As of writing, South Carolina only allows state lottery, charitable gaming, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). All forms of casinos, along with sports betting, are prohibited by South Carolina law.
For now, South Carolina doesn’t allow iGaming or online gaming, except for DFS. They’re one of the few states that still prohibit online gambling. State-by-state variations are important in understanding online gambling laws in the United States.
On the bright side, South Carolina lawmakers are considering legalizing sports betting in 2025. With DFS already legalized, there’s real traction for gambling to be allowed in South Carolina.
Overview of South Carolina’s Gambling Laws
South Carolina’s gambling laws operate strictly and conservatively. Illegal gambling activities include sports wagering, casino, and other forms of online gambling. On the other hand, the state allows charitable games like the state lottery, raffles, and bingo.
For context, here are major dates in South Carolina’s gambling history:
- 1976: South Carolina legalized bingo games through the Bingo Act of 1976. Licensed non-profit organizations handle bingo gaming tables.
- 1999: The South Carolina Supreme Court outlawed all video poker machines. Playing games through poker machines became prohibited in June 1999.
- 2000: 54% of South Carolina voters approved the operation of lotteries. It paved the way for the South Carolina Education Lottery Act to be signed into law.
- 2002: The first lottery tickets were purchased in the state. They opened four instant games, including 3 Times Lucky and the Logo Game.
South Carolina mostly allows gambling during charitable events. Underground gambling falls under illegal activities that could result in fines and crime consequences.
Casino Gambling in South Carolina
Casino gaming or gambling is strictly prohibited in South Carolina. The state’s Code of Laws maintains a strong stance against luck-based games, except during certain charitable events.
As a result, South Carolina bans any commercial gambling operation. It’s difficult to put up a casino business in this state unless you’re operating a cruise ship.
The South Carolina Gambling Cruise Act allows gambling activities inside cruise ships. However, there are policies to consider. Here are several key provisions:
- Passengers can only participate in casino games outside state limits.
- Gambling is illegal when the ship is still within South Carolina waters.
- Promoting casinos and other kinds of gambling isn’t allowed within South Carolina’s jurisdiction.
The Myrtle Beach Casino Cruise remains the only active casino cruise operator in the state. However, gamblers in Myrtle Beach should be aware of current price hikes on the cruise ship.
The Current Status of Sports Betting
Sports betting is among the illegal gambling activities in South Carolina.
The exception is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), which is a gray area in the state’s gambling laws. In DFS, people bet based on real player skill or team statistics. This is allowed, as opposed to games based on luck.
Moreover, state attorney and lawmakers are moving to legalize sports wagering, especially in major sporting events. This includes horse racing betting, which is still illegal in South Carolina. That’s despite having multiple horse racing tracks.
In 2023, House Bill 3749 was introduced to legalize sports betting platforms and gambling devices. It didn’t pass then, but discussions to allow sports betting are still ongoing.
It won’t come as a surprise for the authorities to make sports betting legal. After all, North Carolina just opened its online sports betting platforms. With North Carolina paving the way, South Carolina could follow suit.
Legal Implications of Online Gambling and Sportsbooks
Violating South Carolina’s gambling law is a crime that has varying legal risks. It could lead to fines, penalties, and imprisonment, whether you’re a bettor or an operator.
Illegal gambling is subject to legal repercussions in accordance with state law. Here are major risks that people must consider before engaging in illegal activities:
- The law doesn’t protect you from offshore sportsbooks or platforms. The state cannot protect you if you lose money playing cards or bets through offshore platforms. The same goes for playing games on unregulated gambling websites.
- Operating or promoting gambling is not legal in South Carolina. Therefore, it could lead to a crime, including misdemeanor charges. You could face trial or conviction, depending on how severe the crime is.
If you’re planning to operate a gambling platform, we recommend getting a qualified attorney first. Consult their legal expertise to avoid severe consequences or forfeiture of assets.
Legal Alternatives to Sports Betting
If you like to play a bit of gambling in South Carolina, there are legal avenues to do it. Here are current legal forms of gambling or gaming in the state:
- Lotteries: You could play in the state lottery, which offers a variety of legal games. The list includes Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-off tickets. Lotteries are allowed because the proceeds are donated to South Carolina’s education initiatives.
- Bingo: Non-profit organizations operate charitable bingo gaming across the state. This is allowed by the law, as long as funds go to charitable causes.
- Casino cruises: It’s legal to play casino on cruise ships, granted that you follow the laws. It’s permitted to engage in casino games if the ship isn’t within the state’s territorial waters.
- Private home games: Playing cards in a private home or property is also allowed. However, it should only be a friendly game. Private gaming tables with a large stake aren’t legal in South Carolina.
Also, we don’t recommend playing DFS as it’s still in a gray area in South Carolina law. The development of North Carolina allowing sports betting should impact neighboring laws. Soon, sports wagering will be legal in South Carolina.
Future Prospects for Sports Betting Legislation
There’s reason to believe that sports betting is in the works in South Carolina. It will be made legal sooner rather than later. North Carolina’s relaxed stance on sports wagering surely impacts the neighboring state’s mindset.
Of course, South Carolina considers multiple factors before they make sports wagering legal. Here’s a quick overview of those factors:
- Tax revenue potential: There’s much to earn from making gambling legal. The tax revenue will be huge, providing states with much-needed funds. This can also help contribute more jobs and provide support to the economy.
- Regional pressure: Neighboring states are already embracing the benefits of sports wagering. Even major states like Florida have legalized sports betting. The public clamor will soon influence gambling laws in South Carolina.
It remains to be seen if South Carolina will relax its legal stance against gambling. But the signs point towards a law to finally legalize sports gambling in the state.
Comparing South Carolina Gambling Laws to Other States
Like Georgia, South Carolina is one of the few states that maintain strict gambling restrictions. They’re still miles behind legal gambling hotspots like New Jersey and California. South Carolina’s conservative gambling history is difficult to break through.
Here are more examples of how South Carolina’s gambling law differs from other laws:
- Casino gaming law: As opposed to SoCal, Nevada offers multiple legal casino spots. Gaming devices like slot machines are legal in Nevada. On the other hand, South Carolina only offers legal casinos on licensed cruise ships.
- Sports wagering and pool selling: New Jersey offers legal sports betting, both online and face-to-face. In SoCal, creating a sportsbook account or wagering on sports teams is not permitted. Pool selling is also not permitted in the state.
- Lottery: State lotteries are legal in South Carolina. However, Nevada doesn’t allow lottery sales, which makes their gambling laws more complex.
As a result, SoCal hasn’t reaped the benefits of gambling in its economy. Businesses find it difficult to penetrate casino markets and many others. We recommend consulting legal experts or a gambling attorney before you engage in a gambling activity.
For gambling marketers, it’s best to work with iGaming or sportsbook agencies like Fortis Media. They have expertise in navigating legal frameworks and are up-to-date with gambling policies. They can help you avoid crime and other legal repercussions when running a gambling marketing campaign.
How Businesses Can Navigate the Evolving Gambling Landscape
It’s not just about making quick money. Managing a gambling platform also means complying with legal frameworks and regulations.
Avoid severe legal or crime repercussions like fines and imprisonment. We recommend these tips to ensure compliance with gambling laws:
- Monitor local laws and regulations. Follow gambling industry publications like iGaming Business (iGB) and organizations such as the American Gaming Association.
- Train your staff to always follow the law. Have an attorney or legal expert train your staff in complying with regulations. Create internal policies and conduct third-party audits to contribute unbiased input.
- Use secure technology and software. Block unwanted access from other regions through geofencing tools like GeoComply and Radar. Also, there are compliance tools that keep you up-to-date with gambling regulations.
Most importantly, focus your messaging on responsible gambling. Most gambling regulators require operators to promote responsible gambling and protect their players. Always consult a gambling attorney or marketing expert to help you promote this message.
Key Takeaways
South Carolina has one of the most conservative environments for gambling in the United States. To this date, only charitable lotteries, raffles, and bingos are allowed. The development of gambling in the state is still in its early stages.
Having said that, there’s potential for gambling to take form here. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is already in a gray area, which could give way for sports wagering to enter. This potential development could reward businesses planning to operate in SoCal.
But don’t enter the scene blind without any legal preparations.
Consult iGaming marketing agencies like Fortis Media to develop compliant marketing campaigns. These experts know the gambling market inside and out. They also have inside connections within the industry, making it easier for them to anticipate regulatory changes.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in South Carolina?
No, online poker is not legal in South Carolina. The state is known for its conservative approach to gambling activities, as it still deems luck-based games illegal. As of writing, all forms of casino games and sports wagering are illegal in SoCal.
Are daily fantasy sports allowed in South Carolina?
Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is allowed in South Carolina. In fact, SoCal is one of the few states that do not regulate the operation of daily fantasy games. However, it’s still a gray area in the state’s very restrictive gambling landscape, with changes soon to happen.
What are the penalties for illegal gambling in South Carolina?
Engaging in illegal gambling activities in South Carolina could result in significant fines, forfeiture of assets, and imprisonment. Bettors might incur lighter fines while gambling operators or promoters could face heavier penalties, depending on the evidence. It’s recommended to hire an attorney to help you navigate these gambling regulations.
Can tourists gamble legally in South Carolina?
Tourists can gamble legally on South Carolina cruise ships, once they have sailed into international waters. However, tourists are not allowed to gamble in brick-and-mortar casinos and other gambling platforms in SoCal. Only charitable lottery, bingo, and raffle are legal types of gambling in the state.
Can visitors buy lottery tickets in South Carolina?
Yes, even visitors are allowed to purchase South Carolina lottery tickets, granted that they are already 18 years of age or older. SoCal allows games for charitable purposes, including lottery, bingo, and raffle. However, these regulations can change. Always consult an attorney before participating in any form of gambling activity.
Will federal law changes affect South Carolina gambling?
Yes, federal law changes can affect South Carolina’s gambling stance, particularly in the legalization of online gambling and the development of taxation frameworks. Federal laws also strongly influence consumer protection, especially in promoting responsible gambling practices and anti-money laundering measures.
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