Gambling Laws of South Carolina Legal State of Gambling

History and Timeline for South Carolina Online Gambling

South Carolina's gambling history reflects a unique trajectory marked by significant shifts in legislation and societal perceptions. In 1802, the state's legislature amended the constitution to outlaw all forms of gambling, setting a foundational precedent for stringent anti-gambling laws. However, a notable reversal occurred in the late 20th century when video game terminals gained immense popularity. Despite their widespread use, the South Carolina Supreme Court deemed these terminals unconstitutional in 1999, mandating their shutdown by June 2000. A tragic incident involving a baby's suffocation, linked to a mother engrossed in video poker, fueled public sentiment against these machines, contributing to the industry's abrupt disappearance that summer. This unprecedented retreat from gambling expansion represented a stark departure from the norm observed in other states, which typically embrace gambling gradually. Presently, South Carolina's stringent gambling statutes remain among the strictest in the nation. The state prohibits not only casinos but also horse tracks, dog tracks, pari-mutuel facilities, and even the possession of gambling devices or tables, regardless of their use in gambling promotion. Some of these laws predate the Civil War, reflecting a historical backdrop steeped in enduring anti-gambling sentiments that persist in the state's regulatory landscape today.

• 1802: South Carolina Legislature amends its constitution, instituting a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling within the state.
• 1999: The South Carolina Supreme Court rules the use of popular video game terminals unconstitutional, leading to their mandated shutdown by June 2000.
• 2007: The Catawba Tribe faces legal setbacks in their attempt to establish video gaming on tribal property within South Carolina.
• 2009: Legal proceedings against five individuals accused of illegal gambling for playing poker in a private home result in their acquittal.
• 2012: The State Supreme Court of South Carolina rules against the legality of social gambling.
• 2015: Legislative efforts to introduce commercial casinos and broaden gambling options in the state fail to materialize.
• 2017: A public opinion poll indicates nearly 70% of South Carolina residents support legalizing gambling if the revenue generated is allocated towards road repair and infrastructure.
• 2021: Democrats propose bills aiming to legalize all forms of gambling, but these initiatives do not progress beyond the committee stage. Additionally, in July 2021, a study commences to explore the potential advantages of establishing a horse betting industry in South Carolina.

Legalization of Sports Betting in South Carolina

• 2016: The state Legislature rejects a bill related to daily fantasy sports, leaving platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel operating in a legal gray area within South Carolina.
• 2019: Efforts from both the House and Senate to legalize various forms of gambling, including casinos, dice games, and sports betting, fail to prompt substantive discussions or legislative progress.
• 2021: HB 3395 is introduced, aiming to amend South Carolina's constitution to legalize sports betting, horse betting, and casino gaming. However, the bill receives only one reading and subsequently stalls after referral to the Committee on Judiciary.
• 2022: HB 5277 is introduced, proposing the legalization of sports betting, including mobile sports betting, and gains bipartisan support. Despite this support, the bill fails to advance beyond the committee stage.
• 2023: HB 3749 is introduced and presented in the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Revenue Policy. The bill is anticipated to undergo additional hearings before potentially proceeding to a full committee vote, representing a recent effort to advance discussions on legalizing certain forms of gambling, including sports betting, within South Carolina.

Legalization of Online Gambling in South Carolina

Online gambling remains prohibited in South Carolina. The state has maintained stringent regulations against all forms of online gambling, including online casinos, poker, sports betting, and other gaming activities. Despite occasional legislative proposals and discussions surrounding the potential expansion of gambling laws, including online gaming, no laws have been enacted to legalize online gambling within the state. South Carolina's stance on online gambling remains steadfast, reflecting a commitment to upholding some of the strictest gambling regulations in the United States.