If you're a fan of gambling and you live in South Carolina, you're options are rather limited. In fact, there's only one (legal) option in the entire state - and it's actually quite a different experience to most. However, several states surrounding SC have legalized casino gambling for licensed premises - so there are a few exciting options within a day's drive. But which are the best of the bunch?
This piece will look at the one solitary legal gambling option in the state - sort of - and then two highest rated casino resorts within a reasonable drive of downtown Charleston. The former is a fairly unique experience, and the latter give what you expect from a casino resort but they do it very well.
The Big M is the Nearest Casino to the City
At about three hours drive north of Charleston, in Little River, near Myrtle Beach, you'll find the only legal gambling option in the state. Or at least, it starts out in the state. See, The Big M is a casino boat. But not a river steamer, or an actual building but built on a floating platform as in Louisiana, but a full ocean going yacht with a casino that sails into international waters.
Of course if you're looking for casino games with no fuss, online is always on option. A great casino operates in jurisdictions all over the world, and will have thousands of games of all kinds in one place. Plus, great bonuses and rewards you won't find at land-based casinos either. Simple.
Meanwhile, Big M casino boat leaves port in Little River twice a day six days a week, for a five hour journey out to the high seas and back. The boat comes equipped with a full service casino, a restaurant and a bar.
The games include blackjack, poker, slots and roulette - but none are allowed to start until the boat has officially left the USA. The boat is praised by online reviews as being modern and clean, and the casino has a player's card for stacking reward points. The food is apparently also good quality and reasonably priced, with a restaurant and a general store for snacks and drinks.
Catawba Two Kings Casino in North Carolina is a New Regional Gambling Destination
OK, so The Big M is an interesting concept - but it's hardly Las Vegas. If you want that kind of huge casino with all the latest modern games, bells and whistles, and maybe even a hotel and some entertainment options, there's only two places within half a day's drive. Two Kings Casino is the newest - very new - as it literally isn't even fully open yet.
Various parts of it have though, and there's already way more options than at Big M. There is currently a large temporary casino building with 1000 slots and table games and a sportsbook, and a collection of local food trucks in a covered outdoor area.
The full resort is set to open its first phase in spring 2026, so very soon, and the total project has cost so far almost a billion dollars. At around six hour's drive from Charleston, just over state lines in NC, the resort's soon to be opened luxury hotel will make it perfect for a quick one-night getaway with the gambler in your life.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is the Top Resort within a Day's Drive
Owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Harrah's Cherokee has been the premier casino resort of the region since the late 1990s. Over that time it has seen several multimillion dollar renovations and expansions.
The casino is located on Cherokee tribal lands, not far into North Carolina. It is around five hours drive from Charleston, but if you're looking for the best gambling option anywhere even close to nearby this is your pick. Gambling wise, Harrah's Cherokee has:
- A full service sportsbook and bar with a ninety foot screen bank
- 150,000 square feet of casino floor including more than 3000 slot machines
- 150 table games from roulette to blackjack, baccarat or casino poker
It also offers a premium poker room with 36 tables - the largest in the region - that hosts small cash games all the way up to high stakes tournaments. It even has its own World Series of Poker Circuit series, thanks to the casino's long association with Caesars Entertainment that owned the WSOP brand for many years. Last year the WSOPC Cherokee Main Event prize was a $324,000 for first place.
This full-scale casino resort is about more than just gambling however. The amenities include two hotels with 1800 guest rooms between them, as well as a spa, multiple pools, a concert arena and a dozen different restaurant and bar options. That last bit covers loads of styles from fine dining to fast food or fast casual, and even includes a Food Market and full restaurant from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.