Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina? State Laws & Regulations Guide
Gambling in South Carolina is heavily restricted, with most forms being illegal under state law. I'll break down the current legal status of different gambling activities in SC to give you a clear picture.
The only legal forms of gambling in South Carolina are:
- The South Carolina Education Lottery - Charitable bingo - Raffles for charitable purposes
All other forms of gambling are explicitly prohibited, including:
- Casino games - Poker rooms - Sports betting - Online gambling - Video poker machines - Slot machines - Commercial bingo operations
South Carolina takes a particularly strict stance on gambling, with Section 16-19-40 of the state code making it illegal to play or bet on any games with cards or dice. The law even prohibits gambling in private homes, though this is rarely enforced.
Penalties for illegal gambling in SC can be severe. Operating an illegal gambling establishment is a felony, while participating in illegal gambling is typically charged as a misdemeanor.
There are no legal casinos in South Carolina, including tribal casinos. The closest legal casino options are in North Carolina (Harrah's Cherokee) or cruise ships that depart from South Carolina ports and travel into international waters.
Recent attempts to legalize various forms of gambling have been unsuccessful. Several bills proposing sports betting legalization have failed to gain traction in the state legislature.
While some South Carolina residents travel to neighboring states or offshore gambling boats to participate in casino gaming, the state maintains some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. There are currently no signs that South Carolina plans to significantly expand legal gambling options in the near future.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) actively enforces gambling laws and regularly conducts raids on illegal gambling operations. Anyone considering gambling in SC should be aware that participating in any form of gambling outside the few legal exceptions could result in criminal charges.
For those seeking help with gambling addiction, South Carolina offers free treatment services through the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), regardless of the legality of their gambling activities.