Online gambling is not legal in South Carolina. The state has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, explicitly prohibiting most forms of gambling, including online betting and gaming activities.

Under South Carolina Code § 16-19-40, it's illegal to engage in any form of gambling or betting, whether in person or online. This includes:

- Sports betting
- Online casino games
- Poker websites
- Daily fantasy sports
- Online lottery games (except the state lottery)

The only legal forms of gambling in South Carolina are:

- The South Carolina Education Lottery
- Charitable bingo
- Cruise ship gambling (when in international waters)

Penalties for illegal gambling in South Carolina can be severe. If caught gambling online, you could face:

- Misdemeanor charges
- Fines up to $500
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Additional penalties for repeat offenses

It's important to note that these restrictions apply to both operators and players. While some South Carolina residents might access offshore gambling sites, doing so violates state law and carries significant legal risks.

The state actively enforces these laws and has not shown any indication of moving toward legalizing online gambling. Unlike neighboring states that have begun to embrace various forms of online betting, South Carolina maintains its traditional stance against gambling expansion.

Law enforcement primarily focuses on gambling operators rather than individual players, but participating in any form of online gambling within state borders remains illegal.

For those seeking legal gambling options in South Carolina, the state lottery remains the primary authorized form of gaming, with proceeds supporting education initiatives throughout the state.

Recent legislative attempts to expand gambling options in South Carolina have failed to gain traction, and the current legal framework shows no signs of changing in the immediate future.

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