Casinos in South Carolina
Updated: October 16, 2025
South Carolina Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations
South Carolina Casino Map
The Best Casino in South Carolina
The Biggest Casinos in South Carolina
| 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 |
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 | |||
| 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 | |||
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
Poker Cash and 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
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.
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.
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.
Can you smoke in South Carolina casinos?
Smoking inside the casino is not allowed, but cruise casinos have an available smoking deck.
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.
Dog racing / Off-Track betting
Betting on dog races is not available in South Carolina, but residents can participate in offshore sports betting websites.
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.
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 $5000. More than that, proceeds are also subject to additional state tax. Additionally there is a federal tax rate of 24% that is levied on casino winnings in the US.
Prize ($)
Gross amounting to $600 or less
(any prize)
South Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)0
Prize ($)
Gross amounting to $5000 or more
(any prize)
South Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)25
Prize ($)
SC State Tax
(any prize)
South Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)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.
-
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.
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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 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.
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1788 South Carolina started banning all forms of gambling after being an official state.
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2000 SC law prohibited the widespread use of video poker machines and approved state lottery.
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2003 Officers rejected tribal gambling pacts.
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2008 The state legalized gambling cruises.
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.
South Carolina Casino Resorts and Trips
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).
Casino Resorts
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
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there casinos in South Carolina?
There's no land-based casino in South Carolina. Only gambling cruise ships are allowed to operate three miles away from the state lands.
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?
Gambling cruise ships in the state are not allowing guns or any weapons on board.
About South Carolina
| Capital | Columbia |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant |
| Size | 82,931 km² |
| Population | 5 million |
| Time Zone | Eastern Daylight Time |
| Abbreviation | SC |