The small town of Santee, South Carolina, stands at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively, as a proposed $1 billion casino resort could significantly alter the fortunes of this community of 1,000 residents and reshape the economic landscape of the entire region. With projections suggesting the project could inject around $8 billion into South Carolina's economy over its first decade, the stakes are undeniably high. For an area that has long faced economic struggles, this development represents something more profound than mere statistics—it offers hope for genuine transformation.
Wallace Cheves Development Vision
The former Santee Outlet Mall site, now in the hands of Greenville businessman Wallace Cheves, represents possibility rather than decline. Cheves envisions transforming this property into a comprehensive entertainment destination that would rival major resorts in neighboring states.
With gaming at the heart of the project, the resort is expected to feature a wide range of gaming options, including dedicated poker rooms designed to offer a high-end experience similar to those in established casino hubs. As poker continues to grow in popularity, particularly in the Southeast, a space for tournaments and cash games could attract both casual players and seasoned professionals, further boosting tourism and local revenue.
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However, Cheves plans for the resort extend far beyond gaming, he intends to offer guests luxury accommodations, chef-driven restaurants, and entertainment venues designed to keep visitors engaged for extended stays. With a target opening of 2027, the project timeline is ambitious but achievable. Perhaps most notably, Cheves has committed to private funding for the entire development, a promise that resonates with financially conservative South Carolinians wary of public investment risks.
His background in developing strategic partnerships across hospitality and sports management sectors suggests he brings both vision and practical expertise to this venture. The scale of investment, $1 billion, speaks to the seriousness of this proposal. This isn't a speculative development; it represents a calculated bet on South Carolina's untapped potential in the gaming and tourism sector.
Advantages of Its Strategic Location
perfectly between Georgia and North Carolina, this small town has always had a location on its side. Just 94 miles from Georgia's border and 98 miles from North Carolina, Santee sits at a natural gathering point for travelers throughout the Southeast. Lake Marion provides a stunning backdrop, offering the natural beauty that developers dream of when envisioning destination resorts.
What Santee has always lacked, despite these advantages, is the economic catalyst to leverage its position. The surrounding region has watched as other parts of South Carolina have flourished, while its infrastructure, job market, and overall prosperity have stagnated. The casino resort proposal speaks directly to this imbalance, promising to harness Santee's locational advantages in ways that could radically alter its economic trajectory.
The town's proximity to major highways makes it an ideal stop for long-distance travelers, creating a steady flow of potential visitors. With a significant $175 million investment dedicated to replacing bridges on I-95 over Lake Marion, the area is set to improve infrastructure, further boosting its appeal as a travel hub. Additionally, its location within a short drive of major metropolitan areas like Charleston and Columbia increases its accessibility for in-state tourism. With proper investment in transportation and infrastructure, Santee could become a premier entertainment hub, attracting visitors who might otherwise pass through the area entirely.
South Carolina’s Evolving Stance on Gambling
South Carolina's relationship with gambling has been complicated, at best. The state has long maintained strict limitations, allowing only the state-run lottery, while watching neighbors embrace more expansive gaming options. This resistance has come at a cost, with millions in potential revenue and thousands of jobs likely flowing to neighboring states. However, South Carolina’s stance on gambling appears to be evolving. The introduction of bill HB 4176, on March 6, 2025, with endorsement from key Republican legislators, signals a major shift in the state's approach to gaming.
Representatives Chris Murphy, Bill Herbkersman, and Weston Newton have crafted legislation that acknowledges regional economic disparities within South Carolina. Their approach recognizes that, while casino gaming may not align with every community's values or needs, it could provide vital economic stimulus to struggling regions, particularly those along the I-95 corridor. The bill proposes creating a state gaming commission, with regulatory authority over casino licensing in qualifying counties. This nuanced approach reflects political maturity, moving beyond all-or-nothing positions, to consider how targeted economic development might address persistent regional inequalities.
Legislators backing the bill point to successful models in other states, where regulated gaming boosted economic growth. The proposed commission would manage casino licensing and ensure responsible development. Supporters argue it could generate significant tax revenue for infrastructure and public services. Despite opposition, momentum is growing for a potential policy shift in South Carolina.
Economic Impact
When analysts speak of "thousands of jobs" and "billions in economic impact," such figures can seem abstract. The reality for Santee and surrounding communities would be far more concrete. The immediate construction phase would create jobs ranging from basic labor to highly skilled trades. Once operational, the resort would need staff across numerous sectors such as hospitality, food service, entertainment, security, maintenance, and administration.
These positions would offer competitive wages and benefits in a region where such opportunities have been scarce. The economic ripple effects would extend well beyond the resort itself. Local businesses would benefit from increased customer traffic, while new enterprises would likely emerge to serve visitor needs.
Property values would likely rise, expanding the tax base and potentially funding improvements to infrastructure and public services. The prospect of career opportunities might also slow or reverse population decline, particularly among residents who have recently joined the workforce and typically leave for larger cities.
Shifting Perspectives and Cultural Considerations
South Carolina's cultural identity has long been intertwined with conservative values that have traditionally viewed gambling with skepticism. Many South Carolinians are increasingly questioning whether the current policy approach serves the state's best interests. The existing lottery represents state-sanctioned gambling, yet private-sector gaming development faces significant barriers. This inconsistency has become increasingly difficult to justify, particularly as neighboring states demonstrate that regulated casino gaming can coexist with conservative values. The Santee proposal has accelerated this conversation, encouraging lawmakers to consider whether maintaining the status quo truly aligns with their constituents' economic interests.
Conclusion
South Carolina's decision on the Santee casino proposal extends beyond gaming policy—it’s a chance to reshape economic development in underserved regions. Success could set a precedent for private investment-driven growth, while rejection might reinforce economic stagnation. With strong private backing and bipartisan support, the proposal presents an opportunity to balance tradition with economic progress. As lawmakers debate, communities across the state watch closely, knowing this decision could shape South Carolina’s future for years to come.
