By Jane Shaw
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: January 16, 2024
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
| Carnival Ecstasy Casino | Charleston | 2.000 | 15 | 5 | Read Our Review Visit Website |
| Carnival Sunshine Casino | Charleston | 2.000 | 17 | N/A | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Due to the SC government's intense political opposition against gambling within its lands, numerous tribes' efforts to establish Indian casinos have failed. South Carolina casino resorts are only allowed to operated, so long as they sail a few miles out into international waters where casino betting is legal.
There are no available racinos within South Carolina lands. Many gambling legislations introduced the legalization of race tracking and betting facilities; however, they were never brought out by the committee. Although the SC government's firm stance against gambling activities, there are still ongoing studies as an attempt to help leaders decide and consider possible economic benefits of legal gambling.
Cruise gambling is being accepted and practiced in South Carolina. South Carolina casino resorts serve as an alternative for residents looking to have fun with slot games, and even poker tournaments. Some residents prefer cruise casinos as a practical option rather than taking a long drive to a land-based casino in other states.
While having land-based casinos in South Carolina are still being discussed, here are some available casinos near us.
| All Casinos in Charleston | ||||
| Big M Casino - Ship I | 4491 Mineola Ave #8743, Little River, SC 29566, USA, Charleston, 29566 | |||
| Carnival Ecstasy Casino | Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401 | |||
| Carnival Sunshine Casino | Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401 | |||
| Big M Casino - Ship II | 4491 Mineola Ave #8743, Little River, SC 29566, USA, Little River, 29566 | |||
South Carolina is still discovering possible landing spots for legal gambling. The Palmetto Forum for Gaming Studies is working on numerous studies about the benefits surrounding a possible development of gaming options in potential South Carolina gambling cities. Generally, the existence of gambling towns in South Carolina is achievable in the coming years.
South Carolina's restrictive gambling laws have been observed and implemented throughout its entire history. Initially, SC constitution banned all gambling activities within its state lines. However, the Palmetto State did not actively sought ways to ban offshore gambling, which led to the existence of South Carolina's cruise ship casinos.
| South Carolina Gambling Topics | Gambling Facts for South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 4 |
| Casino Types | Cruise ship/ Riverboat |
| Casino Games Offered | Slots Games, Table Games, Poker Games, Roulette Games, BlackjackGames, Dice Games, |
| Age | 21+ , |
| Smoking | Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external dedicated areas in each South Carolina casino |
| Drinking | Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served |
| Opening Hours |
24/7
,
Limited Business Hours, Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
|
| Betting Limit | Minimum of $0.01 |
| Taxation of Winnings | Yes/No, for additional details click here |
Even when South Carolina does not have any casino in its major cities, its cruise ship casinos still offer the same variety of gambling activities that other land-based casinos in neighboring states provide. Residents can play video slots and table games, such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Available games are as follows
Lottery winnings are filed and taxed like income in South Carolina. Generally, IRS requires taxes for winnings greater than $5000. More than that, proceeds are also subject to additional state tax. Additionally there is a federal tax rate of 24% that is levied on casino winnings in the US.
With the prohibitive nature of SC gambling laws, it is advisable to start your betting experience with knowledge about its restrictions. Below are some quick guide on South Carolina gambling laws.
This section covers all forms of gambling activities,which clearly states that unlawful gaming and betting are strictly prohibited. SC law considers someone guilty of illegal gambling if the person plays at a gambling place or keeps a place for table games, cards or dice games, slots for gambling purposes within state lines.
Officers shall have the authority to confiscate and destroy all gaming devices or machines used for gambling purposes within the state lands. This sectioninvolves the seize and destruction oftools of any kind or description that proves a violation of the state gambling laws.
South Carolina has been restrictive on gambling throughout its history. Many tribes and groups fought for the right to keep a gaming place within the state, but SC laws ruled against them.
South Carolina's firm stance on gambling continued in the coming years. Catawba Tribe filed a case to reserve its right to offer video gambling on reservations, but they eventually lose against the state. Later on, South Carolina outlawed social gambling that led to an arrest of 27 people for gambling poker in 2009. Many presented bills and legislation to challenge the federal ban on commercial casinos and sports betting, but none were accepted.
Despite the state's strict gambling laws, gaming cruises start to operate and continue under certain conditions. Cruise ships must depart three miles away from the state land and commence gambling activities in the international waters. With this condition, residents enjoy hundreds of slots and table games in select South Carolina casino resorts.
South Carolina prohibited any gambling placе but bingo is the first legalized form of gambling in 1976.
1788 South Carolina started banning all forms of gambling after being an official state.
2000 SC law prohibited the widespread use of video poker machines and approved state lottery.
2003 Officers rejected tribal gambling pacts.
2008 The state legalized gambling cruises.
Given South Carolina's conservative laws regarding gambling, legalization of any gaming forms within the state lines is still unclear. However, the state is continuously facing pressure from its residents to loosen its strict laws. More than that, Palmetto State has not yet confirmed the complete ban on online gambling. It might result in the possible existence of online gaming and the establishment of land-based casinos within its borders any time soon.
For residents who are gambling enthusiasts, booking a trip in South Carolina casino resorts is better than taking a long drive across states to have a great betting experience. Two gambling cruise lines are operating in international waters off the SC coast― Big M and Carnival gambling cruise lines. Both are departing from the state's Little River (near Myrtle Beach).
Gambling cruises are major exceptions for the anti-gaming law of South Carolina. Gaming events are only allowed to commence once cruise ships travel to international waters. Below is the list of gambling cruises that depart from SC lands.
| Number of Rooms | 1028 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 224-563 |
| Special Packages | "VIFP Club Offers" |
| Additional Services | Health Club, Pool |
| Number of Rooms | 1501 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 309-1089 |
| Special Packages | "Early Saver Sale" |
| Additional Services | Health Club, Library, Spa |
Casino trips are popular in the state due to non-existence of legal casinos in South Carolina's territory. Gambling cruises depart from Little River, which is few minutes away from Myrtle Beach, with both day and evening trips.
| Provider | CTA | Trips | Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Visit Website |
|
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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.
| Capital | Columbia |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant |
| Size | 82,931 km² |
| Population | 5 million |
| Time Zone | Eastern Daylight Time |
| Abbreviation | SC |