This guide is for you if you’re looking to play online casino games from South Carolina. We’ll give you complete information on the best South Carolina online gambling sites you can sign up for and play at from the comfort of your home.
We’ll also tell you all about the gambling laws in South Carolina, land-based casinos, and the history of casino gambling in the state.
Our experts also rated the five best South Carolina online casinos based on the most popular casino games and the best online casino bonuses. One of our top South Carolina casino sites offers up to $14,000 in welcome bonus funds.
Key Things You Need to Know
- South Carolina has not regulated land-based or online casinos, and therefore, you won’t find casinos operating from inside the state. The same goes for SC online sports betting and online poker.
- All online casinos that accept players from South Carolina are located offshore. Typically, they operate from Curacao or Panama.
- Players residing in the state of South Carolina are eligible to claim bonuses at online casinos. Typically, depositing with cryptocurrency will give you the best bonus offers.
- Online casinos for players in South Carolina tend to accept both USD and cryptocurrency as payment methods. You might want to choose cryptos for fee-free transactions.
- Typically, online casinos that accept players from South Carolina offer a good game selection. You can expect to find slot machines, table games, a live casino, and sometimes even jackpot games or a poker room.
Types of Legal Gambling in South Carolina
South Carolina remains one of the most anti-gambling states in the nation, with most forms of gambling strictly limited. For example, there’s no horse racing in South Carolina, and greyhound/dog racing is illegal in the state. SC sports betting hasn’t been legalized either. Even charitable gambling is limited. For instance, prize raffles are allowed if the value of the prize doesn’t exceed $500.
Currently, South Carolina gambling allows only three types of gambling: SC bingo, raffles, and a state lottery. Controlled social games (home poker games, mahjong, bridge, etc.) are also available.
The state approved the South Carolina Education Lottery in 2002 to help fund educational efforts.
There are no land-based casinos or retail sports betting options in South Carolina. The only exception for South Carolina players is two casino cruises that sail international waters. Both these casinos are operated by The Big “M” Casino company.
Like land casinos, online gambling is also not regulated in South Carolina. There are no locally available casino sites in Palmetto State, which means there are no online poker or sports betting sites. Although daily fantasy sports is considered legal in South Carolina, the state has yet to confirm this officially.
Luckily, you can still gamble online in South Carolina using the best offshore online casinos that accept players from the state. South Carolina gambling laws are too antiquated to clarify the legality of offshore casinos. This means the existing gray areas allow South Carolinians to play online casino games, online poker, or bet on sports from the comfort of their homes without fear of persecution.
Charitable Gambling
In South Carolina, charitable gambling is limited to bingo and raffles, conducted by licensed non-profit groups like religious and educational organizations. The state enforces rules on game conduct, advertising, and financial reporting, ensuring proceeds benefit charitable causes. Casino-style charitable gaming is not permitted, emphasizing community-focused activities.
Bingo Halls
Bingo halls in South Carolina operate under the Bingo Act, requiring different classes of licenses for non-profits and commercial entities. The state regulates prize limits, game frequency, and operational procedures, with oversight from the Department of Revenue. Taxation on bingo revenue contributes to state education funds.
South Carolina Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
With no land-based casinos in South Carolina, it’s easier to decide between a land casino and an online casino. Although South Carolinians have two casino cruises, you must drive to Myrtle Beach to join a Big “M” casino cruise.
In contrast, online SC gambling sites allow you to play your favorite slot or table games from your comfy couch. You no longer need to plan costly casino cruise trips in South Carolina. The top South Carolina online casinos feature thousands of the best online video slot titles and hundreds of exciting table games. Additionally, these sites provide excellent welcome bonuses, which means you can receive free bonus money to play more games and enjoy greater chances to win real money.
Our experts worked hard to shortlist the best online real-money casinos in South Carolina, ensuring you a premium online gambling experience in the state. However, we suggest you stick to the trusted brands for secure online casino gambling in South Carolina.
How To Gamble Online in South Carolina
Step 1: Decide on an Online Gambling Platform
We recommend Cafe Casino as a top-choice South Carolina gaming site. You can browse through our evaluations and assessments of other SC online casinos.
Step 2: Join the Platform
Access the Cafe Casino webpage and choose the ‘Enroll’ function. Provide your personal details such as your full name, email, and date of birth to initiate a new account. Conclude the account creation by authenticating your email address using the confirmation link received in your email.
Step 3: Load Your Account with Funds
Upon your email being authenticated, proceed to the ‘Finance’ section to infuse capital into your profile. Capitalize on Cafe Casino’s inaugural incentive, which may yield a reward as high as $2,500 on your first eligible crypto transaction. Select your favored transaction method and carry out the procedure to infuse capital into your profile.
Step 4: Enter Your Stake
With your account capitalized and incentive secured, you can commence wagering. Peruse the assortment of games offered, encompassing video poker, live croupier contests, and accumulative jackpot slots. Elect your choice, establish your stake, and initiate gameplay.
Gambling in and Near South Carolina
South Carolina has no land-based casinos – commercial or tribal casinos – in the state.
The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina. The tribe owned two bingo halls before they were closed due to financial challenges.
However, there are two casino cruise chips that you can try out if you’re 21 or above. First, however, you will have to travel to North Myrtle Beach, the easter-most side of the state, to experience gambling on one of the two state-regulated casino cruises.
Both these gambling cruises depart from Little River and are operated by The Big “M” Casino company – South Carolina’s only casino offering two yachts. The company claims to pay out an average of $383,000 a week.
The Big “M” Casino
Address: 4491 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC 295
Big “M” Casino is the only casino boat in South Carolina, comprising two yachts that offer day and evening cruises. Ship I offers 158 slot machines, and Ship II features 248 slot machines.
Those 21 or above can set sail on one of these casino cruises, which run on different days and times. It would be best to call the staff of the casino boat company or visit their site before planning your onboard gambling experience.
Both casino ships feature Vegas-style gaming allowing popular games like slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, video poker, Let it Ride, and more.
You can choose dining options from their Boar’s Head subs or wraps. Those looking for any special dining need to inform the management upon arrival.
Other Forms of Gambling in South Carolina
Peruse our pages to acquire deeper insights into various modes of sanctioned wagering in South Carolina.
- South Carolina online casinos
- South Carolina online sportsbooks
- South Carolina poker sites
- South Carolina online racebooks
- South Carolina casinos
- South Carolina bingo
- South Carolina lottery
- South Carolina sportsbooks
- South Carolina race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in South Carolina
Explore the exciting world of casino games available to players in South Carolina, where a blend of strategy, luck, and entertainment awaits.
Poker
Globally celebrated, poker continues to captivate. In Alaska, digital venues host a plethora of poker styles, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. This game is a fusion of proficiency, tactical planning, and a touch of fortune.
Blackjack
In this card pursuit, the goal is to assemble a hand totaling nearest to 21, without surpassing it. It necessitates strategic acumen and swift judgment. Online platforms typically feature diverse blackjack variations, including single-deck and multi-deck formats.
Roulette
A quintessential casino staple, roulette lets participants wager on the result of a revolving wheel. Available online versions encompass American and European styles. The American variant introduces an extra ’00’, slightly elevating the house’s advantage.
Slots
Arguably the most user-friendly of casino offerings, slot machines don’t demand specific skills or strategies. Alaskan online casinos present an extensive array of slot options, from traditional 3-reel machines to advanced video slots with intricate themes and bonus attributes.
Video Poker
Merging traits of slot machines and classic poker, video poker tasks players with forming the optimum five-card hand. The strength of the hand correlates with the payout magnitude. Popular types like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are widely accessible.
Live Dealer Games
For an immersive casino sensation, live dealer games offer real-time interaction with an actual dealer via video link. Prominent live dealer selections include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, all played in live formats.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in South Carolina
- 1802: South Carolina Constitution makes all forms of gambling illegal in the state.
- 1976: Charitable bingo games are allowed.
- 2000: South Carolina Supreme Court bans video poker machines, declaring them unconstitutional.
- 2000: State voters approve South Carolina Lottery through a constitutional referendum.
- 2007: The Catawba Tribe lose their legal fight against the court for the right to offer video gaming on tribal reservations.
- 2008: South Carolina legalizes gaming cruises.
- 2012: The state’s supreme court rules that social gambling is illegal.
- 2015: Rep. Todd Rutherford introduces a gambling bill to legalize commercial casinos. But the legislation fails.
- 2016: A bill to legalize daily fantasy sports in South Carolina fails to get a vote.
- 2017: A poll reveals that 70% of residents want gambling legalized in South Carolina if the proceed is used to fix roads.
- 2021: A study is conducted to assess the potential benefits of the horse betting industry in South Carolina.
- 2022: Reps. Two house lawmakers introduce HB5277 – allowing interactive sports betting – to amend the Code of Laws in South Carolina in 1976.
South Carolina Online Gambling FAQs
What types of gambling are available in SC?
South Carolina is one of the least gambling-friendly states in the entire country. Regulated gambling within the borders of the state is pretty much limited to the local lottery. The only exception is charitable bingo, but there’s simply no denying the fact that South Carolina doesn’t allow casino-style games, poker, or even pari-mutuel betting. As you’ve probably already guessed, online gambling isn’t regulated there.
Are online casinos legal in South Carolina?
Online casinos are not regulated in South Carolina. But you can still play your favorite online games using the top offshore sites listed above.
Will I face trouble playing at online casinos in South Carolina?
Theoretically, it can happen as South Carolina has one of the strictest online gambling laws. However, we have not heard of any South Carolina residents being prosecuted for playing online casino games.
Are online casinos in South Carolina safe?
Although online casinos are usually safe, some shady sites are preying on new gamblers with little knowledge. So, we suggest you use only the safest online casinos in South Carolina. All our recommended SC online casinos provide secure platforms with the best game selection and enticing bonuses.
Which online casino has the best payouts in South Carolina?
All our top SC online casinos are the best RTP online casinos. However, Bovada has the highest payouts, with over 97% RTP.
How many casinos are in South Carolina?
South Carolina has no land casinos, and successive gambling bills to legalize online casinos have failed in the state. As of now, the only regulated casino gaming option in the Palmetto State is a few boat casinos.
Why are there no casinos in South Carolina?
South Carolina once allowed video poker in the state. However, the state’s supreme court ruled against the game in 1999, and tens of thousands of video poker machines were shut down in 2000.
The state’s conservative approach has prevented the evolution of gambling in South Carolina. However, it may change in the future. Considering the ever-increasing trend of gambling in the nation, South Carolina may legalize gambling in the coming years. In 2017, over 70% of South Carolina residents also gave a verdict in favor of gambling.
What is the legal gambling age in South Carolina?
While most gambling options are not regulated in South Carolina, you can participate in lottery and bingo games if you’re at least 18. However, you must be 21 or above to play on the cruise casinos.