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Casinos in South Carolina – Our Top Places to Play in SC

Jane Shaw Written By Jane Shaw
Last Updated on 10.06.2025

South Carolina is highly restrictive in terms of gambling, with no land-based or commercial casinos. Instead, gambling is primarily available through casino cruises in international waters. The state does permit charity bingo operated by charitable organizations and the state lottery.

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South Carolina Casino Map – List of Gambling Locations

South Carolina Casino Map

The Best Casino in South Carolina

South Carolina Best Casinos

Big M Casino – Ship II

Website: bigmcasino.com
Phone: N/A
Address: 4491 Mineola Ave #8743, Little River, SC 29566, USA, Little River, 29566
Slots: 248
Table Games: N/A
Poker Tables: N/A
Min Bet: N/A
Max Bet: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A
Dining: Yes
Bars: Yes
Attractions: Yes

The Biggest Casinos in South Carolina

South Carolina Biggest Casino

Carnival Ecstasy Casino

Website: facebook.com
Phone: N/A
Address: Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401
Slots: N/A
Table Games: 15
Poker Tables: 5
Min Bet: N/A
Max Bet: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A
Dining: Yes
Bars: Yes
Attractions: Yes

Carnival Sunshine Casino

Website: facebook.com
Phone: N/A
Address: Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401
Slots: N/A
Table Games: 17
Poker Tables: N/A
Min Bet: N/A
Max Bet: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A
Dining: Yes
Bars: Yes
Attractions: Yes

Are There Indian Casinos in South Carolina?

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.

Racinos

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.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in South Carolina?

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.

Full South Carolina Casino List

While having land-based casinos in South Carolina are still being discussed, here are some available casinos near us.

Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Charleston
Big M Casino – Ship I 4491 Mineola Ave #8743, Little River, SC 29566, USA, Charleston, 29566 Cruise Ships/Riverboats
Carnival Ecstasy Casino Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401 Cruise Ships/Riverboats
Carnival Sunshine Casino Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, 29401 Cruise Ships/Riverboats
Big M Casino – Ship II 4491 Mineola Ave #8743, Little River, SC 29566, USA, Little River, 29566 Cruise Ships/Riverboats

Expected New Casinos

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.

Gambling in South Carolina

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

Casino Games in South Carolina

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

Slot
  • Colossal Wizards
  • Li’l Red
  • Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
  • Forbidden Dragons
  • Queen of the Wild II
  • Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
  • 775+ Slot Machines
  • Slot Providers: IGT, and other makers in the nickel slots sections
Casino Poker
  • Let it Ride
  • Flop Poker
  • Limit Holdem
  • No Limit Holdem
  • 58+ table games
Cash Poker & Tournaments
  • Crazy 4 Poke
  • Fortune Pai Gow
  • Sharp Shooter
  • Razz
  • Limit Holdem
  • NL Holdem
Roulette
  • American Roulette
  • European Roulette
Blackjack
  • Any 2 Card Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • Hand-Held Deck
  • Shoe Game
  • Single Deck
  • Double Deck
Dice Games
  • Craps
  • Sic Bo
  • Hazard
  • Chuck-A-Luck
Lottery Games
  • Keno
  • 75 Ball Bingo
  • 90 Ball Bingo
  • Daily Lotto Draws
  • Mini Lottos
  • Scratchers
  • Types: Lotto drawings and instant scratch-off tickets
  • Not available online
Other Games
  • Electronic Craps
  • Electronic Blackjack
  • Electronic Roulette
  • Electronic 3-Card Poker

Gambling Legal Situation in South Carolina

  1. When was casino gambling legalized in South Carolina? The legality of gambling in South Carolina has been challenging for many until the present. In 2008, the only casino betting forms allowed were gambling cruises.
  2. Online gambling: Online gambling is illegal in South Carolina. If any sites exist within the state, they are unlicensed. However, SC law does not forbid residents from online gambling at offshore websites.
  3. What is the legal gambling age in South Carolina? SC casino gamblers must be 21 years old to book a trip on the state’s gambling cruise.
  4. Can you smoke in South Carolina casinos? Smoking inside the casino is not allowed, but cruise casinos have an available smoking deck.
  5. Horse racing / Off-Track betting: South Carolina hosted horse racing at Springdale Course Track for Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup International Steeplechase only. However, the state banned domestic wagering on horse races.
  6. Dog racing / Off-Track betting: Betting on dog races is not available in South Carolina, but residents can participate in offshore sports betting websites.
  7. South Carolina charitable gaming: Bingo is the only game that is permitted for charitable organizations to host as a qualified fundraiser. SC regulates how it is played and how much is the prize amount.
  8. Other legal restrictions: SC lottery tickets should not get sold online.

Taxation of Winnings

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.

Prize ($) South Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)
Gross amounting to $600 or less (any prize) 0
Gross amounting to $5000 or more (any prize) 25
SC State Tax (any prize) 7

South Carolina Gambling Laws

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.

  • 16-19-40 Section, Chapter 19: 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.
  • 16-19-120 SECTION, Chapter 19: 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.

History

South Carolina has maintained a restrictive stance on gambling, consistently ruling against tribes and groups seeking to establish gaming venues within the state. Despite numerous attempts to challenge these laws, including efforts by the Catawba Tribe and proposals to legalize commercial casinos and sports betting, the state has remained firm.

South Carolina history image
  • 1788: South Carolina banned all forms of gambling upon becoming an official state.
  • 1950s: Bingo games were legalized for charitable purposes, providing a limited form of legal gambling.
  • 1980s: The state saw a brief rise in video poker machines, which were later challenged legally.
  • 2000: The widespread use of video poker machines was prohibited, and the state lottery was approved.
  • 2003: Tribal gambling pacts were rejected by state officials, maintaining the ban on tribal casinos.
  • 2008: Gambling cruises were legalized, allowing casino activities to take place in international waters beyond three miles from the coast.
  • 2009: Social gambling was criminalized, resulting in arrests for home poker games.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

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.

FAQ

Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?

South Carolina's Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services offers help to individuals experiencing gambling addiction problems. Individual assessments and treatment plans are available.

Is it possible to bring your children to the casinos in South Carolina?

Children are not allowed in the gambling area, but there are other available casino locations where they can stay. Adults should always accompany children in the facility.

Do South Carolina casinos allow guns?

South Carolina law generally prohibits carrying firearms into establishments where alcohol is served, which would apply to any casino cruise ships operating in the state waters. It's important to note that specific rules can vary by venue, and casino operators may have their own policies regarding firearms.