South Carolina’s anti-gambling laws are among the strictest in America. Operating a casino, playing poker or other forms of gambling for real money or socially is illegal under state law; social gambling may incur fines and jail time. State legislators have attempted to liberalize South Carolina’s gambling industry but their efforts have proven futile; no state-regulated forms of online gambling currently exist or plans exist for their introduction in South Carolina.
South Carolina does allow some forms of legal gambling activities, including lotteries and certain charitable events that qualify, but most other forms are forbidden. Individuals engaging in illegal gambling operations risk serious criminal charges and prosecution for various offenses. It is illegal to operate any type of betting device like punchboards with hidden numbers. Penalties for violating South Carolina gambling laws include imprisonment, fines and forfeiture of any properties used to commit a crime.
One of the state’s primary gambling concerns is residents driving into neighboring states for betting purposes – leading to tax revenue losses. To address this problem, lawmakers have been considering permitting sports betting, with legislation recently passing through both chambers of parliament. If implemented, this bill would permit online and in-person sports wagering on professional, collegiate, and amateur sporting events; it would also establish eight in-person sportsbooks near professional sporting venues around the state.
This bill has yet to be introduced into the Senate and faces many obstacles on its journey there. Given Massachusetts’ longstanding anti-gambling sentiment dating back to the 1700s, lawmakers may take some time to alter their position on sports gambling legalization; however, current trends in American society support legal sports gambling legalization, providing potential revenue gains to states like Maryland.
Though South Carolina lacks land-based casinos or retail sportsbooks, two casino cruise ships do operate off the coast of Myrtle Beach: The Big Easy and The Palms offer slots, table games and video poker among many other games.
Though South Carolina lacks state-regulated online casinos, some sites operating as sweepstakes casinos still operate within its borders. Similar to lotteries, players purchase entry tickets for a chance at prizes. Prizes at sweepstakes casinos range from free spins and cash, to merchandise. If you decide to play, be sure to read through and adhere to their terms and conditions carefully as some countries or states have restrictions regarding gambling laws that could prevent you from taking part. If caught breaking these regulations, a good criminal defense attorney can assist with building a strong case in order to reduce or dismiss charges, or find an appropriate defense strategy in court should your charges become valid.