The legal framework around any form of gambling and betting differs according to each state. According to the American Gaming Association, casino gambling is legal in 43 of the 51 states. South Carolina remains one of the strictest states in the US, where all forms of gambling are forbidden. Since this includes not only casino gambling, but also sports betting and iGaming, locals who enjoy these types of entertainment are left empty-handed. Yet, thanks to modern technology, there is a solution: online gambling.
While resorting to offshore platforms beyond borders poses potential negative consequences for South Carolina’s economy, residents see themselves forced to seek alternatives that fall outside their state's jurisdiction. For the individual, however, online gambling has many benefits. Players can decide conveniently between various offshore casinos. Telegram casinos, for example, use interactive bots on the cloud-based messaging app. This way, these casinos ensure total anonymity while gambling. Today, Telegram casinos have 950 million active users, and more South Carolina residents are showing interest in learning how Telegram casinos work to use them as a gambling alternative.
Why do People Turn Increasingly to Offshore Online Casino Sites?
Although online gambling has the potential to pose some risks, statistics show that it is becoming increasingly popular. States like South Carolina have no other choice but to resort to offshore online gambling, but even in states where gambling is allowed, offshore sites are becoming more interesting. The reason for this development is the lack of local regulations. Gambling regulations differ from state to state. While some states might have fairly loose regulations, others are stricter, not allowing gamblers to wager above a certain amount, for example.
Offshore gambling sites, on the other hand, offer freedom of choice. Not only do most of them offer a different and sometimes wider range of games than might be available in a state, but also better bonuses. Casinos that are trying to sustain themselves entirely by online visitors use welcome bonuses, free spins, and other appealing prizes to attract a wider audience. Many players capitalize on these generous offerings, hoping to benefit from high-value rewards.
Because offshore sites attract players worldwide, they usually offer cryptocurrencies as deposit and payment options. Cross-border bank transfers can come with high transaction fees, which isn’t the case when using crypto. Furthermore, crypto allows for more anonymity, another reason why gamblers increasingly turn to offshore casinos.
Economic Implications of Offshore Gambling in South Carolina
For locals, offshore gambling offers a loophole to work around the state’s strict regulations. Yet, while convenient for the individual, the broader economic implications might be harmful for the state. Wagered money that could support local industries instead flows offshore. Had the money stayed in the state, the potential gambling revenue could be of great help in supporting the local economy.
South Carolina is slowly waking up to this potential and has proposed a bill to legalize sports betting throughout the state. The adoption of this proposal would be in favor of both locals and the state. While locals would be able to gamble legally, the state could benefit from potential gaming revenue.
The act includes betting on professional and college events, like betting on the results of soccer and basketball matches in the major leagues, at licensed venues. However, operators offering this kind of entertainment must provide the appropriate license.
Operators would be subject to a privilege tax, which would be added to the state's capital as a percentage of total betting stakes. Proponents of the act argue that revenue from the gambling sector could be used to support public services and education.
Thus far, South Carolina hasn’t shown much appreciation for any form of gambling, persistently rejecting any potential development in this sector. The reason for this was the concern over its potential damage to the state’s reputation. According to Gov. Henry McMaster, gambling isn’t the most productive path to boost tax revenues, create jobs, and build a solid economy. He argues that there are better ways to achieve economic wealth.
Estimated Economic Impact of Gambling Legalization
According to the American Gaming Association, the number of participants in gambling entertainment is on the rise. The AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker reports that the US generated a gaming revenue of $1.18 billion in sports betting in February alone. This contributes to a 4.2 percent increase in overall revenue from the previous year. Compared to other states, Nevada remains the nation’s top generator. The jurisdiction published data on the overall growth of the gaming revenue for February 2025 to be $1,217.7 million.
While many South Carolina residents still have to resort to offshore sites for their personal entertainment, the overall data published by the American Gaming Association shows that gambling is finding more acceptance in the US. The numbers above are stunning and highlight the unseized opportunity for South Carolina. By opening up to regulating more than one gambling activity, the state could see substantial benefits, directing tax revenues into highways, classrooms, and hospitals. According to the American Gaming Association, on a national scale, commercial gaming already supports 1.8 million jobs, fighting back the unemployment rate and helping local economies. If South Carolina were to legalize and regulate casino gambling, the state could set itself up for a better future.