Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina? State Laws & Regulations Guide
Gambling in South Carolina is mostly illegal, with very few exceptions. I'll break down the current legal status of different types of gambling in the state to give you a clear picture.
The state maintains strict restrictions on most forms of gambling. Currently, the only fully legal forms of gambling in South Carolina are:
• The South Carolina Education Lottery • Charitable bingo • Raffles for charitable purposes
Casino gambling, including slot machines and table games, is illegal throughout South Carolina. This includes both land-based and riverboat casinos. The state actively enforces these restrictions, and operating illegal gambling establishments can result in significant penalties.
Sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina, both online and in person. Despite several attempts to legalize sports wagering in recent years, no legislation has successfully passed as of 2024.
Online gambling is also prohibited. This includes:
• Online casino games • Online poker • Online sports betting • Daily fantasy sports
There's one notable exception when it comes to gambling in South Carolina: "cruise to nowhere" ships. These vessels can offer casino gambling once they're in international waters (typically 3 miles offshore). However, all gambling must stop when the ship returns to South Carolina waters.
The penalties for illegal gambling in South Carolina can be severe. First-time offenders may face:
• Fines up to $500 • Up to 30 days in jail • Criminal record • Possible seizure of gambling equipment
Repeat offenders face increased penalties, including higher fines and longer jail terms.
Looking to gamble legally in South Carolina? Your options are limited to:
• Purchasing lottery tickets from authorized retailers • Participating in licensed charitable bingo games • Playing in legal charitable raffles • Taking a gambling cruise to international waters
If you're experiencing gambling-related problems, South Carolina offers free help through the SC Gambling Helpline at 1-877-452-5155. Treatment services are available regardless of whether you've been gambling legally or illegally.
The state's stance on gambling remains conservative, though this could change in the future as neighboring states continue to expand their gambling options. For now, South Carolina maintains some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States.