South Carolina Online Casinos Sites (2023 Update)
Key takeaways
- South Carolina has particular gambling laws that ban most forms of gambling.
- There are no legal online or land casinos of any kind, including tribal casinos. You will also not find a horse betting industry, dog racing, or South Carolina sports betting.
- However, two casino cruises are operated by the Big “M” Casino company.
- While charitable bingo is allowed and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Revenue, this is restricted to prizes below $500.
- Daily fantasy sports contests are allowed due to a gray area while the state decides whether to make it legal or illegal in South Carolina.
- State-licensed online casino sites may not be available in South Carolina, but offshore casino operators are open to South Carolina residents.
Top South Carolina Casinos Reviewed―2023
Café Casino
Café Casino, launched in 2016, operates under a license in Curacao. It forms part of the Bodog Group alongside its sister sites, Bovada, Slots.lv, and Ignition, all owned by Lynton Limited.
You discover over 230 online casino games developed by leading software providers such as Rival, Spinomenal, and RTG. Most of the game titles on Café Casino are made up of slots, with over 160 slot titles to pick from. Some popular slot titles include Demi-Gods, Fortune Keepers, and Super Wild XL. You’ll also find eight blackjack and video poker room options in the mix, four roulette games, and live dealers.
When you create an account with Café Casino, you can upgrade to a Premium Crypto Exclusive Membership. Doing this makes you eligible for big bonuses such as a weekly reload casino bonus of 350% up to $500 and 15,000 Perk Points.
Furthermore, you’ll also receive a welcome bonus of 250% up to $1,500 on your first deposit, which has a 40x wagering requirement. If you use Bitcoin, this increases to 350% up to $2,500.
To make your deposit or withdraw winnings, Café Casino accepts a range of secure payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Tether, where there is a minimum deposit of $5.
BetUS
BetUS is the longest-running online casino from our most recommended offshore providers. Launched in 1994, it is a platform for online casino gambling and sports betting and is licensed in Curacao.
You find an impressive range of world-class games with top software providers, including Betsoft, DGS, and Nucleus, producing BetUS’ selection of 480 casino-style games. In its game catalog, you find 32 blackjack, five roulette games, 24 video poker games, and live dealer games, not to mention 350 slot titles, such as A Night in Paris, Back to Venus, Aztec Warrior, and Faerie Spells. You also encounter tournaments, including blackjack, slots, and monthly poker.
BetUS is one of the best online casinos because of its three decades of experience. Both its long-standing reputation and extensive selection of sports betting options and online casino games make it one of the best online casino sites for South Carolina residents.
Registering an account with BetUS makes you eligible for a welcome bonus of 150%, up to $3,000, with a 30x wagering requirement. If you deposit with cryptocurrency, you get the same welcome bonus tailored to sports betting only.
A low minimum deposit requirement of $10 and a great range of supported payment methods exist. You can make deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers or use Google Pay, Apple Pay, and popular cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. BetUS also accepts cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
How to Sign Up with the Best South Carolina Casinos?
Load Website and Create an Account
Start by heading to the Café Casino website and selecting the orange ‘Join Now’ button. A registration form opens on your screen, requiring personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and telephone number. You are also required to provide a copy of your ID.
Deposit Funds
Once your account has been activated, you can make your first deposit. No promo code is required, so you’ll automatically receive your match bonus.
Choose a Game and Play for Real Money
You can play casino games for real money now that you have made your first deposit. Head to the games lobby and select your favorite casino game.
South Carolina Online Gambling Laws―Is it Legal?
Online gambling is not legal in South Carolina, so you’ll not find any state-regulated sites. South Carolina Code of Laws―Section 16-19-40―explicitly bans all types of betting. Furthermore, Section 16-19-50 makes owning any “unlawful gaming tables illegal.” South Carolina gambling laws are stringent, so legal options are limited to charitable games and a state lottery.
Let’s take a brief look at the gambling laws in South Carolina:
- Most forms of gambling in South Carolina are strictly prohibited.
- No horseracing, dog racing, sports betting, or off-track betting options exist.
- While charitable bingo and raffle games are permitted, they are restricted to offering prizes below $500.
- There are no commercial or tribal-land casinos.
- Daily fantasy sports is considered legal under a gray area that hasn’t been officially declared legal or illegal.
- In 2008, South Carolina legalized casino cruises.
South Carolina has specific and strict laws around all forms of gambling, so there are no regulated online or land-based casinos, or sports betting options, including online sportsbooks. With our recommended offshore websites open to South Carolinian players, plenty of safe online casino options exist. It is important to note that local authorities have never prosecuted players for gambling on offshore sites.
Is Gambling at Offshore Casinos Safe?
Yes, gambling online at offshore casino websites is 100% safe. While there are many unsafe providers, we only recommend licensed operators. After reviewing the operator’s license and making sure it is regulated in the jurisdiction it is based in, such as Panama or Curacao, we only promote online gambling sites that have timely withdrawals, lucrative bonuses, and competitive odds.
When Will South Carolina Legalize Online Gambling?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look likely that the landscape of online gambling will change anytime soon in South Carolina: no gambling expansion is envisioned. In 2018, Gov. Henry McMaster declared that gambling “flies in the face of everything South Carolina stands for.”
A couple of years later, in 2020, House Resolution 3395 attempted to amend the constitution to allow gambling activities for pari-mutuel horse betting, sports betting, and other casino games where the player’s skill is involved in the outcome. However, it failed despite the funds being earmarked to repair roads, highways, and bridges.
The most recent bill that tried to legalize gambling was introduced in 2021 but failed without a committee hearing.
While there is always a chance for online gambling to be regulated in the future, this isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. South Carolina remains very strict about all forms of gambling.
South Carolina Online Gambling Legislation Timeline
- 1802: The South Carolina Constitution declares all forms of gambling illegal.
- 1976: South Carolina’s Bingo Act was introduced, allowing charitable bingo and raffle games.
- 2000: Video Lottery Terminals are banned by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
- 2000: State voters approve the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) after passing the SCEL Act.
- 2007: The Catawba Tribe lose its legal fight with the court for the right to offer video gaming on Tribal reservations.
- 2008: Casino cruises are legalized in the state.
- 2012: South Carolina Supreme Court announces that social gambling is illegal.
- 2015: Rep. Todd Rutherford introduces a bill that will legalize commercial gambling, but it fails.
- 2016: A bill is introduced to legalize DFS but doesn’t get a vote.
- 2022: HB 5277 is introduced by state lawmakers to legalize interactive sports betting but dies in committee.
SC Tribal Partnerships
South Carolina has one federally recognized Tribe, the Catawba Indian Nation, which signed an agreement with the U.S. government and the state in 1993 and was offered a settlement that included a 700-acre reservation and permission to operate two bingo halls. The bingo venues were located on the tribe’s original land; another was off-reservation and subject to local approval.
In 2007, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the Catawba were not allowed to operate video poker machines on their reservation, which meant that the state ban on video poker also applied. The Catawba tried to appeal the decision, but the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case. As a result, the Tribe could not get approval for its high-stakes bingo facility.
In 2013, Catawba negotiated a lease of a 45,000-square-foot building with the county, and in 2014, the bingo hall opened with authorization to offer prizes up to $100,000. However, the Catawba High Stakes Bingo later closed its doors.
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma attempted to gain authorization to build an off-reservation Cherokee Casino Resort. Unfortunately, after Gov. Nikki Haley publicly opposed these plans, the casino project did not progress.
South Carolina Online Casino Promotions
Although no state-regulated casinos exist in South Carolina, you can still benefit from a host of promotions at our recommended offshore providers.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Deposit match bonuses are a popular offer given out by online casinos. For instance, BetUS offers a welcome bonus of 150% match up to $3,000 on your first deposit. Match bonuses often come with a playthrough requirement; in this case, it is 30x.
Using the BetUS welcome bonus as an example, if you placed a deposit of $50, BetUS would give you a bonus amount of $75, bringing your bankroll total to $125.
Cryptocurrency Bonuses
Most offshore providers offer exclusive cryptocurrency bonuses that are usually significantly larger than the standard ones. For example, Ignition rewards you with a crypto welcome bonus of 300% up to $3,000 when you deposit using one of the supported cryptocurrencies. Half of the bonus can be used in the casino, and the other half is for poker.
No-Deposit Bonuses
A no-deposit bonus typically comes as a welcome bonus, rewarding you with promotions like free spins or credit. Red Dog Casino has a fantastic no-deposit bonus that gives you $40 to play online slots and another $25 to use on any other game you choose. To claim this, you only have to request it via the live chat feature on the website.
Reload Bonuses
You must have made a previous deposit to your casino account to claim a reload bonus. This bonus usually gives you some free spins, free credit, a match bonus, or other perks to increase your bankroll.
VIP Programs
VIP Programs, also known as Rewards Programs, is a type of tiered reward system where you can earn and unlock exclusive bonuses. Some VIP programs give you exclusive offers, free spins, and other perks, while others allow you to collect points to redeem prizes. As you play games, you progress through the levels, and as you climb higher on the loyalty ladder, you receive more substantial and better bonuses.
Café Casino operates a brilliant VIP program that uses a points system. When you join the Perks Points VIP program, you can earn points to exchange for dollars. As you unlock new levels, the redemption rate improves.
- Level 1 – 2,500 Perk Points = $1
- Level 4 – 1,750 Perk Points = $1
- Level 8 – 1,000 Perk Points = $1
Mobile Gambling Apps in South Carolina
Let’s look at your mobile gambling options for online casino games.
Android Mobile Gambling
You have two options when playing casino games on your mobile or tablet. You access the site using mobile internet browsers like Samsung Internet or Google Chrome or download the app directly from the operator’s site.
Wild Casino is the perfect example of a mobile-friendly site. The website is fully compatible with Android devices and offers the same user experience as the desktop site.
iOS Mobile Gambling
Just like on Android devices, most online casinos are iOS-friendly. You use your internet browser to access your casino account. Most casino websites are built using HTML5 technology, making them adaptable for all screen sizes, giving you a seamless gaming experience.
You can also download an app from the operator’s website directly. Both of these options are suitable for all mobile devices, so whether you are using an iPhone or iPad, you can continue playing your favorite casino games while on the move.
Advantages of Offshore Gambling Sites
Welcome Bonuses
You typically find much larger bonuses when comparing state-licensed gambling sites with offshore providers. Overall, the welcome bonuses available at our recommended operators are worth thousands of dollars. Even if South Carolina eventually legalizes online casino gaming, you likely not find welcome bonuses as large.
Game Variety
All our recommended offshore operators work with some of the industry’s leading software providers that create world-class quality games. You discover hundreds of casino-style games, including slots, table games, live dealers, and online poker games. Software providers you find at offshore casinos include:
- Genesis
- Betsoft
- Concept Gaming
- Nucleus
- Woohoo Games
- DGS
- Platipus
- Dragon Gaming
- Bovada gaming
- 3 Oaks Gaming
- Amatic Industries
- Authentic Gaming
- Habanero
- Yggdrasil
- Steady Games
- iSoftBet
- Visionary iGaming
- Endorphine
- Belatra Games
- Amatic Industries
Cryptocurrency
When you join an offshore casino website, you can make deposits and withdraw your winnings via various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Ripple.
One of the main benefits of using cryptocurrency is transaction speed. Your deposits land in your casino account instantly, and withdrawals take just a few hours to process. You also benefit from anonymity because all crypto payments are processed through blockchain technology.
Privacy
When you win on offshore casinos, the operator is not required to report your winnings to the US government. Because they are based outside of the US jurisdiction, you benefit from improved privacy.
What Games Can I Play at South Carolina Online Casinos?
In this section, you’ll discover more about the types of casino games you can play at our recommended South Carolina gambling sites.
Slots
There are hundreds of slot titles to discover at offshore gambling sites like Wild Casino. The platform offers a fantastic range of 363 slot games, always offering something new to try.
All our recommended providers offer a vast selection of slots, including popular favorites such as slot tournaments and classic fruit, 3D, and progressive jackpot slots. For instance, Wild Casino has a few large progressive jackpots featuring Tycoons with a jackpot of $62,259.77 and Charms & Clovers with $71,496.66.
The bet ranges vary depending on the gambling site you join but expect to find very low minimum bets of $0.01 and $5 bets per payline, which allows all US players to find wagering options to suit their budgets.
Blackjack
Blackjack is among the most popular table games on any casino website. BetUS has the largest selection of blackjack games from our top-rated offshore casinos, with 32 variations.
There is also a decent selection of blackjack games at Ignition, which offers eight options, including Double Deck Blackjack, Classic Single Deck Blackjack, and Zappit Blackjack.
Video Poker
You will find an impressive selection of online video poker games at all our recommended online casinos for South Carolina. BetUS offers the most video poker titles with 24 games, including Tens or Better, 2 Ways Royal, All American, and Aces & Faces.
Roulette
Another popular table game is roulette, with a fantastic offering by all our recommended offshore providers. You find a great selection at Café Casino, with four roulette variations, and Wild Casino, which has 11 roulette games, including Platinum Chip Roulette, Roulette Tournament, NG European Roulette, and American Double Ball Roulette.
Table Games
In addition to the common table games like roulette and blackjack, you discover favorites like Baccarat games, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Pai Gow Poker.
Bingo
You often find bingo games under the specialty category. Plenty of fun bingo games exist on our offshore casino websites, including Café Casino. Café Casino has nine bingo options, including Amazonia Bingo, Go-Go Bingo, Tribo Bingo, and Bingo Ribeirinhos.
Live Dealer
Live dealer games offer a digitalized traditional casino experience. You play against real-human croupiers while communicating with them via a live chat feature. Most of our recommended online casinos feature a good range of live dealer games, including Red Dog Casino, which has eight options. You find titles such as Blackjack Early Payout, Auto European Roulette, Live Baccarat, and Super 6.
New Online Casinos in South Carolina
With new online casinos launching every year, you have abundant options. During our reviewing process, we prioritize reliability within the industry by only recommending newly established casinos if they are a brand of a trusted provider.
With this in mind, here is a list of the best online casinos in South Carolina:
- Las Atlantis: 2020
- Super Slots: 2020
- Lucky Tiger: 2020
- Rich Palms: 2020
- El Royale: 2020
- Shazam: 2021
What to Look for When Choosing the Best South Carolina Betting Site
Deciding which online casino to join can often be challenging, so we have compiled a list of helpful tips to get you started.
Reviews
Before joining any online casino, you should read reviews from customers and industry experts. While a customer can give you first-hand experience throughout their time on the site, an expert can provide insight based on industry knowledge. A great place to start is by reading the reviews within this article and on our website for a balanced view.
Licensing
One of the first things we check before reviewing an online gambling site is the legitimacy of the operator’s license, which includes verifying that it is regulated in the jurisdiction where the operator is based. You can find details of our recommended casino’s licensing in this article and on the operators’ websites and official government sites.
Promotions
To keep your bankroll looking healthy, there are plenty of opportunities for promotions and bonuses at legitimate online casinos. You discover bonuses such as free spins, match bonuses, free credit, no-deposit bonuses, and more. There are also VIP programs to join with sites like Café Casino, which offers a Perk Points system that allows you to collect points to exchange for prizes.
Accessibility
If you enjoy playing casino games on your mobile device, clarify whether your chosen gambling site offers a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-friendly website. Most gambling sites are built using HTML5 technology, which allows the site to adapt from a bigger desktop screen to a smaller mobile screen.
Game Variety
Not only should you consider the number of casino games on offer, but you should also ensure that your chosen casino site features a great variety. For the best online casino experience, seek online casinos with slots, table games, live dealer options, online poker, and more.
Responsible Gambling
Online gambling for real money should always be fun. The best online casinos offer support if you ever need advice or guidance. For example, Wild Casino has a fantastic responsible gaming section on its website that helps you recognize when gambling has become a problem. The platform also offers some helpful resources, such as Gamblers Anonymous. You also can suspend your casino account for 1 one week to 6 months, self-exclude from the site, or close your account permanently.
Good Range of Min and Max Bets
When placing bets with real money, you should watch for low minimum and high maximum bet limits. This offers you flexibility and allows you to keep within your budget.
Convenient Banking Options
Most online casinos support various payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. Other things to remember are transfer fees, transaction speeds, and any restrictions for deposits and withdrawals.
South Carolina State Revenues from Gambling
South Carolina is one of the strictest states for both online and offline gambling. The state revenue is limited to the state lottery, the Big “M” Casino, and charitable games.
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) is experiencing positive growth; in 2021, it had an annual revenue of $2,415,722,179. In 2022, the annual revenue increased to $2,253,564,474. The SCEL is committed to using its revenue to help fund education programs. In 2022 alone, the SCEL transferred $564 million for educational purposes. Since 2002, the SCEL has awarded over 2.4 million scholarships.
South Carolina Lawmakers Involved in Gambling Legislation
- 2012: Gov. Nikki Haley opposed plans for an off-reservation Cherokee Casino Resort from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma. As a result, the project didn’t advance.
- 2015: Rep. Todd Rutherford introduced a gambling bill to legalize commercial casinos, but the legislation failed to win support.
- 2016: Senators Brad Hutto and Tom Davis introduced S 1093, which attempted to legalize DFS but failed to get a vote.
- 2022: Two house lawmakers introduced HB5277―allowing interactive sports betting ―to amend the Code of Laws in South Carolina from 1976.
Charitable Gambling in South Carolina
In 1976, the South Carolina Bingo Act was passed, which allowed charitable bingo to be hosted in the state. Charitable gaming in SC is regulated by The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), which states that the prizes must be below $500.
A nonprofit organization must obtain a license to host charitable bingo from SCDOR Bingo Licensing. To apply for a license, the organization has to have been in operation for three years in the state before the application, and it costs $1,000 per year to keep the license.
Banking Methods at South Carolina Gambling Sites
With South Carolina online casinos supporting an impressive range of payment methods, continue reading for an overview of the most popular banking options.
Bitcoin & Cryptos
All our recommended South Carolina casino gambling sites accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. You can expect to find options such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Tether, and Ripple.
With cryptocurrency payments, you enjoy instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and low minimum deposit limits. For example, BetUS, Café Casino, and Ignition require a minimum deposit of just $5 when you use Tether.
Credit and Debit Cards
Most popular payment cards are accepted at South Carolina online casino sites. You find Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover options. While payment cards offer secure transactions, these are typically only available for deposits.
Credit and debit cards also usually require higher minimum deposits, averaging around $10―$20. Maximum deposit limits vary depending on your chosen casino site, but to give you an idea, BetUS has a maximum limit of $3,000, and Café Casino has a limit of $1,500.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are primarily offered as a method for withdrawals. One of the key benefits of bank transfers is the ability to move large amounts of money at once, although it can take several working days for the transaction to process fully.
eWallets
eWallets are a popular digital banking option allowing you to make online transactions through your electronic wallet linked with your bank. You can move money quickly from your bank into your secure eWallet account, where you benefit from instant deposits and fast withdrawals.
Offshore gambling sites do not support eWallets for US players. However, MatchPay provides a great alternative with P2P payments.
What Forms of Gambling Are Available in South Carolina?
- Casinos: The only legal casino option for South Carolina residents is on the Big “M” Casino cruise ship in Myrtle Beach. Online gambling is prohibited in the state, so you won’t find any state-licensed gambling sites.
- State Lottery: There is a South Carolina state lottery. It offers games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash5.
- Sports Betting: You won’t find any sports betting options in South Caroline. This includes both online and offline sports gambling.
- Dog Race Betting: There is no pari-mutuel dog race betting. You will also not find any off-track betting options.
- Horseracing Betting: Horserace betting is not legal in South Carolina. This includes pari-mutuel betting and off-track betting.
- Bingo: There are legal options for bingo in South Carolina. This is available in the form of charitable bingo.
Major Jackpot Wins in South Carolina
Because offline gambling is restricted in South Carolina, the Big “M” Casino cruise ship in Myrtle Beach is one of the only places residents can play online casino games. The casino cruises have seen some decent slot jackpot wins recently. The largest jackpot won this year was on 1st March 2023, when a gentleman named John took home $4,800 playing the cruise casinos Triple Double Stars slot.
Another great jackpot slot win was by a player named Ray. He visited the cruise ship on 2nd March 2023 and won a jackpot of $4,000.
Land-Based Casinos in South Carolina
You won’t find any land-based casinos in South Carolina; no commercial and tribal casinos exist in the state. There is one federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, which is the Catawba Indian Nation. While the tribe previously owned and operated two bingo venues in South Carolina, these have since closed. You find two gambling cruise ships at Little River, Myrtle Beach, called The Big “M” Casino.
You find 158 slot machines on Ship I; on Ship II, there are 249. Both gambling cruise ships feature popular slot games such as Pot O’Gold, Wheel of Fortune, and Video Poker. Table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, 3-card poker, and Let it Ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos legal in SC?
You won’t find any state-licensed online casino sites in South Carolina. However, you can still safely access offshore casino sites as an alternative.
What is the legal gambling age in South Carolina?
SC residents must be over 18 to play the state lottery games. To gamble at the Big “M” Casino cruise ship, you must be aged 21 or over.
When did South Carolina regulate online gambling?
Internet gambling is not legal or regulated in South Carolina. South Carolinians can access offshore casino sites instead.
Who regulates online sports betting in South Carolina?
There are no sports betting sites available in SC. This is because online sports betting is not yet legal.
Can I play DFS in South Carolina?
Yes, DFS exists in a gray area under SC legislation. While lawmakers decide whether to make it illegal or legal, SC residents can play DFS contests.
Can I win real money playing online?
Yes, South Carolinians have plenty of options for winning real money online. While there are no state-licensed casino sites, you can access many offshore operators.
What is the best South Carolina casino operator?
Our most recommended online casino site for South Carolina is Café Casino. You can read this article’s full review about more top-rated gambling sites.
Are South Carolina betting sites safe?
All our recommended South Carolina casino operators are 100% safe and trustworthy. We only promote reliable operators with fair games, great bonuses, and competitive odds.
Is DraftKings legal in South Carolina?
DraftKings is not yet technically legal in SC. However, while the state decides whether or not to legalize DFS, you can safely play DraftKings.
Is FanDuel legal in South Carolina?
While FanDuel is not technically legal in South Carolina, it is a legal gray area. Until the state decides whether to legalize DFS, you can access FanDuel.
Is Café Casino legal in South Carolina?
There are no legal SC online casino options that are state-licensed, although you can safely access Café Casino without fear of prosecution.
Is BetUS legal in South Carolina?
Internet gambling hasn’t been legalized in SC. Despite this, residents can safely play on offshore sites like BetUS.
Is Wild Casino legal in South Carolina?
While online casino sites are illegal in South Carolina, you can safely access the site.
Is Red Dog Casino legal in South Carolina?
Online gambling is not regulated in SC currently. However, you can still safely play at Red Dog Casino and other offshore sites.
Do games at South Carolina casinos use an RNG?
Yes, all our top-rated casino sites for SC use RNGs. This ensures that all the games are fair.