South Carolina Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Palmetto State
Here, you can find plenty of South Carolina online casinos which offer a variety of entertainment such as slots, table games and live dealer games.
It’s possible for residents of the Palmetto State to play at online casinos that operate outside its borders. No one has ever been prosecuted for playing at offshore sites.
This guide takes you through the latest regulations and shows you where to gamble safely in SC.
Summary of South Carolina Gambling Laws
South Carolina is notoriously anti-gambling. You won’t find any land-based casinos in the state. There are no sportsbooks, and it’s impossible to bet at one of the state’s horsetracks.
The only options for residents of the state are offshore. Specifically, casino cruises that sail three miles off the shore before opening and betting sites that operate outside state borders.
Social gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports also exist in a grey area.
| Gambling | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Grey Area |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore Only |
| Legal Age Online | 18 |
| Land-Based Casinos | No |
| Legal Age Land-Based | N/A |
| Online Sports Betting | Offshore Only |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | No |
Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina?
You won’t find much in the way of officially licensed gambling in South Carolina. Here’s how it breaks down for each form of betting in the Palmetto State.
| Gambling | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Any sort of land-based casino is illegal in South Carolina. |
| Poker | SC is one of the rare states that officially prohibits any game that involves money and “cards and dice” at home. |
| Horse Racing Betting | No horse racing wagering is allowed in the Palmetto State, although residents can participate in offshore sportsbooks. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is illegal in SC |
| Lottery | The South Carolina Education Lottery is a relatively new institution.In 2023, they gave $1.6 billion in prize winnings to players. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports exists in a grey area in South Carolina as current laws don’t cover it. |
| Sports Betting | Land-based and online sports betting is prohibited in the Palmetto State, but it’s possible to wager offshore. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable gaming is legal in the state, and bingo is popular as a fund-raising program. |
| Social Gaming | Social gaming is allowed as long as cash is not being wagered. |
| Online Gambling | Online gambling is not officially legal in SC. It’s possible, however, to play at casinos and sportsbooks located outside of the state. |
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Where to Gamble in South Carolina
There aren’t many choices for gambling in South Carolina, but you can find some if you know where to look.
Online gaming will be the best option for residents of the Palmetto State, as in-person wagering is prohibited.
Here is how the landscape looks like for bettors in SC.
Land-Based Casinos in South Carolina
There are no land-based casinos in the state, and that form of gambling is prohibited.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Sadly, there are two high-profile horse racing tracks in South Carolina, but no in-person betting is allowed.
Residents can visit the Aiken Spring Steeplechase and, most notably, the Springdale Race Course, which hosts the Carolina Cup. But they can only bet online through offshore sportsbooks.
The only option is online through offshore sportsbooks.
Online Sports Betting
There are no state-regulated online sportsbooks in Carolina. However, Daily Fantasy Sports operates in a grey area and is available to players.
State representatives like Todd Rutherford have attempted to legalize sports betting four times, but these bills have failed to pass.
There are also offshore sportsbooks.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is the only form of charitable gambling available in South Carolina. Proceeds go to the state’s education fund.
There are nine bingo halls across the Palmetto State.
Social Gaming at Home
SC is one of the few states where you are technically not even allowed to play at home with friends.
Most states allow players to wager money at home as long as no one charges a fee to play.
South Carolina laws state that no one can play games that involve cards or dice for money.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
There are no physical rooms or clubs in South Carolina. Poker is not legal according to the law.
There are private games in SC, but there have been several high-profile raids where game facilitators have been charged.
The safer option is to play on offshore sites where no one has ever been prosecuted for playing.
Casino Cruises
Casino cruises are the lone bright spot for bettors in the Palmetto state.
Several sail out of coastal cities in SC. The ships must be three miles offshore before they are permitted to offer gambling.
Real Money Online Casino South Carolina – Games You Can Play
If you’re looking for casino-style games in SC, your only real option is playing at online casinos.
Here are some of the options you’ll find.
Online Slots
There are no physical slots available in South Carolina, but plenty of online options exist.
The best gambling sites have hundreds of online slots, including old-school favorites fruit machines and some new high-tech games with colorful graphics.
These go from 3, 5, and 6 reels, and there are titles with progressive jackpots offering huge prizes.
Online Poker
There’s no in-person poker in South Carolina (a shame, considering some famous poker players come from the state).
However, you will find plenty of options in offshore casinos.
Online poker sites offer a selection of games that would rival the most famous brick-and-mortar casinos.
Gamblers in the Palmetto State will find a variety of opportunities to play, including multiple tournaments and cash games running daily.
Blackjack
The only option to play blackjack is online, where you’ll find many different variants, including classic, European, single, and double deck.
Most games also pay 3:2.
Once again, there is no in-person blackjack in SC.
Live Dealer Games
Several offshore sites offer live dealer games, which are live-streamed from a high-end studio that resembles a casino.
You will find roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack, and other options to interact with the dealer and other players in real time.
It’s the closest you’ll get to Vegas-style gambling in South Carolina.
Other Available Games at South Carolina Online Casinos
While South Carolina may be a desert when it comes to in-person games, there are plenty of options in online casinos.
Here’s a look at other popular games on the offshore sites available to SC residents.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for South Carolina Players
There are a vast number of different sign-up bonuses available at online casinos, but based on our research, these are the best two for South Carolinians.
Both bonuses provide a high degree of value for new players with a potentially large cash boost.
South Carolina Online Gambling Laws
There is no way to sugarcoat this one: the Palmetto State is vehemently opposed to most forms of gambling.
There was a time in South Carolina’s history when it was possible to play slot machines in the state, but since 2000, there have been very few options.
Here’s a look at the specific legislation regarding wagering in the state.
Is Online Gambling Legal in South Carolina?
Despite South Carolina’s notorious anti-gambling stance, online casinos are a grey area.
While operating a betting site from the SC is illegal, nothing stops residents from playing at sites regulated outside the state.
No one has ever been prosecuted for playing at offshore casinos. However, the same can’t be said for wagerers playing physical games in the state.
Unlawful Games and Betting
There are no traditional land-based casinos in South Carolina, and it’s doubtful there ever will be.
It might not be surprising, but even it goes one step further.
The law also prohibits playing games that involve cards or dice.
You can’t play at any tavern, inn, liquor store, house, barn, kitchen, stable or other outhouse, street, highway, open wood, race field, or open place.
Keeping Unlawful Gaming Tables
According to Section 16-19-240 of the South Carolina codes, owning gaming tables or slots at home is illegal.
The law actually requires that officers destroy the equipment after it’s been confiscated.
Gambling Cruise Act
Cruise ships with on-board casinos are legal and the one major exception to South Carolina’s anti-gambling stance.
It is permitted because it takes place three miles out at sea, which is considered international waters.
Even so, SC tried to ban the ships in 2000 and 2007. Both attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
For now, cruise ships remain the only option for in-person wagering.
South Carolina Education Lottery Act
The one other form of gambling that’s legal in SC is the lottery.
It was in the South Carolina Education Lottery Act of 2000 that the lottery was finally legalized in the state, with all proceeds going to fund education.
South Carolina Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
It’s not difficult to have more progressive gambling laws than South Carolina. Perhaps the only two worst states for betting are Hawaii and Utah.
Here’s a look at how SC stacks up to its neighbors:
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
| North Carolina | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Pending Legislation | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
| Tennessee | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Georgia | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
South Carolina’s northern neighbor is considerably more progressive when it comes to gambling.
NC is in the process of legalizing online sports betting, and the state is also home to several casinos.
Georgia, like the Palmetto State, is entirely opposed to wagering of any kind. The lottery and Daily Fantasy Sports are the only options for residents.
Finally, Tennessee is the most progressive out of the four states. Legislators have opted to legalize online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports.
Tips to Play at Online Casinos in SC Safely
Player safety is paramount for online casinos in The Keystone State, and they must adhere to the latest licensing requirements to protect gamers from harm.
Below are some tips for staying safe when online gambling in SC:
Look for Respected Sites
Because in-state online casinos are not regulated in South Carolina, it’s important to find sites with licenses from other countries.
Many offshore casinos are regulated in Curaçao, a legitimate gambling jurisdiction.
It’s important to play on sites with a long history of successfully paying out players.
Check Payment Options
Make sure the site you pick has banking options that you can access. Crypto is a popular choice for fast and free deposits and withdrawals.
Set a Budget
Gambling is an inherently risky activity. That doesn’t mean you have to be reckless.
You should never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Get a Good Sign-Up Bonus
Online players sometimes discount the value of a sign-up bonus, which can be an excellent way to build a bankroll when you are just starting.
Beware of In-Person Wagering
No form of in-person gambling is legal in South Carolina, and the state has a history of prosecuting players.
That goes for anyone playing cards or dice for money. Even at home with no rake charged.
It’s best to stick to online betting only.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in SC
Gambling in the Palmetto State is not the easiest, but there are some benefits and negatives.
Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of wagering in South Carolina:
Pros
- You can access cruise ships for in-person gambling.
- Full access to offshore casinos with a wide variety of games and bonuses.
- Daily Fantasy Sports is not illegal.
- Lottery is legal and has generated millions of dollars for education projects in SC.
Cons
- Very restrictive state for gambling.
- No land-based casinos available.
- Home games are technically illegal.
Future of Online Gambling in South Carolina: Our Prediction
SC is one of the few states that has gone backwards when it comes to gambling laws as video poker machines used to be legal but were banned in 2000.
Even players in private games held at home have been prosecuted.
Perhaps online sports betting is the only form of legal gambling that might eventually gain traction in the state.
Tennessee has been very successful with its sports betting programs, and it appears that North Carolina will follow suit.
Several sports betting bills have already been introduced in SC, but none of them have gained any momentum.
Offshore online casinos will likely be the only gambling option for residents in South Carolina in the coming years.
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Answers to Our Readers’ FAQs
Still can’t find what you’re looking for regarding gambling in South Carolina? We’ve compiled some of the common questions about it.
Are there real money online casinos in South Carolina with no deposit bonuses?
Yes, it’s possible to find online casinos in South Carolina that will provide a bonus without making a deposit. Keep in mind they are all offshore casinos that operate outside state borders.
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in South Carolina?
Loterry and other gambling winnings over $500 are treated as income in South Carolina. If you win above $5,000, your earnings are subject to a federal tax of 24%.
Is there any risk of being prosecuted for playing at online casinos that are outside of South Carolina?
No one has ever been prosecuted for playing on online casinos that are operated from outside SC.
