The legalization of casino gambling in Indiana about 30 years ago changed the lives of many residents. Jobs created within the industry helped fight the unemployment rate and gave people a chance to build a decent life for their families. Now Santee, a small town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, is thinking about following suit. A recent bill proposes the legalization of casinos in South Carolina.
The Promising Proposal
If the proposal is adopted, the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act would legalize sports betting throughout the state. This would also include online platforms and would be in favor of many Americans. The American Gaming Association reports a growing interest in online gambling alternatives across the states. This also includes a growing preference in online casino gambling. Among the rising sites are crypto gambling sites which offer a decentralized and more anonymous way of gambling.
The South Carolina Sports Wagering Act would allow betting on professional and college events at licensed venues. Provided the operator has the appropriate license, all bets would be permitted. This includes betting on the results of soccer and basketball matches in the major leagues, through to major college matches.
The law establishes the South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission to oversee the new industry. This is an independent regulatory authority that will draw up detailed rules, issues and renews licenses, and monitors compliance with regulations. Any operator wishing to offer sports betting must pass stringent background checks. They must also prove that they are financially stable, and they must pay license fees.
In return, operators would receive a privilege tax. This would be calculated as a percentage of the total betting stakes and would flow into the state’s general fund. This revenue could be used to support public services such as education and infrastructure.
The law also stipulates who may not participate. These include individuals under the age of 21, individuals with serious criminal convictions, and employees or participants in betting operations. Authorized providers are subject to reporting requirements. This means that they must regularly submit data on betting volumes, tax transfers, and any cases of fraud or problem gambling. If an operator breaches the regulations, there may be consequences. In order to maintain reputability and public confidence, the Commission can impose fines, revoke licenses, and take other enforcement measures.
Finally, the bill amends the Criminal Code to clarify that participation in sports betting by a licensed entity is not illegal. This provision is intended to remove any legal ambiguity for both players and operators. It also ensures that players can participate in appropriately regulated sports betting without fear of prosecution.
Charleston’s Gambling Scene
Historically, South Carolina wasn’t welcoming to casino gambling, fearing it would cast a bad light on the state. Gov. Henry McMaster argued that there are more effective ways to achieve economic wealth other than gambling. He suggests that gambling isn’t the most productive path to create jobs, boost tax revenues, and build a solid economy.
However, in recent years, Charleston has proven its growing economic wealth thanks to large-scale destination resorts and the introduction of riverboat gaming cruises. Special experiences like these are drawing tourists and have positioned the city as a favorite visitor destination for casino experiences.
Charleston's biggest success is its offering of riverboat gambling cruises on the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. This is a rare offering that not many states can match. Guests can view the coastline from the boat for a special casino experience. This offers a welcome alternative to traditional casinos and attracts many tourists.
Industry analysts attribute Charleston's growing appeal to the city's tourism. Recent changes to the state's gambling laws in South Carolina are also expected to make a positive contribution to the industry. Visitors originally attracted by Charleston's old architecture and seaside charm will soon have access to regulated casino gambling as well.
The legalization of gambling businesses could contribute to new investment and increasingly promote Charleston as a premier travel destination for many tourists.
Projected Economic Impact
Seeing the positive impact of Charleston’s developing casino industry leaves Santee wondering about its own future. Head of Santee Development, Wallace Cheves, who developed the proposed casino, is dreaming of a Las Vegas like casino. Cheves argues that Santee, situated between New York and Florida, is perfectly located to draw casino tourism in. According to his calculation, the casino plan would not only open up a variety of job options for Santee citizens but also generate a promising revenue in tax.
Although the attempts to legalize gaming in South Carolina have failed thus far, industry analysts are optimistic. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans’ participation in gambling has reached new heights, and the vast majority view it as acceptable. Currently, 88 percent of adults believe that casino gambling is an appropriate form of entertainment. AGA states, that this level of approval has remained stable for more than a decade. Notably, in 2024 59 percent of Americans expressed that they personally consider gambling to be acceptable.
With the growing acceptance across the country and the potential benefits from the gambling sector, South Carolina is now positioning itself to enter the market too.