South Carolina Discussing The Introduction Of Its First Retail Casino
South Carolina lawmakers are once again discussing the introduction of the first retail casino in the Centennial State.
Proponents hope that a change to previous proposals will win over opponents.
House Bill 4176 would allow the creation of a single casino, along I-95, with 35% of the tax revenues raised being given to the Conservation Bank and used to protect state land.
Despite the change, the proposals continue to come under fire from local religious leaders.
The state’s only recognized tribe, the Catawba Indian Nation, also opposes the bill, having previously tried and failed to secure permission to build a casino in the area.
The bill could be heard as soon as this week.
South Carolina Gambling
South Carolina has very conservative gambling laws. The only legally regulated forms of gambling in the state are the state lottery and charitable bingo games.
The Big M Casino boat does depart from the Little River, taking gamblers out to sea where they can legally gamble, but that’s as close as South Carolinians can get to casino gaming.
The Catawba Indian Nation have previously tried to negotiate the opening of a casino within the state, but they were rebuffed.
In 2021, the tribe agreed to build a casino in Kings Mountain, just over the border in North Carolina.
Casino Regulations
State Rep. Bruce Bannister hopes he has found the solution.
The House Ways and Means Committee chair will introduce an amendment to HB 4176 which will assign 35% of the tax raised to the Conservation Bank.
Bannister said that most voters are on the fence about regulation, but noted: “Most of the members are sort of lukewarm, but if it helps something they care about, like conservation, they would be more favorable.”
The Conservation Bank works to protect farmland by buying easements to existing land. Easements enable existing farmers to continue working the land while preventing its sale or development.
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It is seen as providing protection against the rigours of increasing populations and urban development.
Bannister said: “Having that farm security that we can grow our own food and having those lands in South Carolina conserved would be a huge deal.”
The bill, which could be discussed in the coming days, would see the formation of a state gaming commission, which would discuss the possibility of opening a casino along I-95.
A single casino would be allowed, under the terms of the bill, and it would be developed in one of the areas considered to be an area of extreme poverty – Orangeburg, Dillon, or Marlboro. Estimates suggest the building of the casino would bring in $200m in investment and raise around $35m a year in tax revenue.
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However, the bill does not have an easy passage. Gov. Henry McMaster, who would have the power to veto the bill if he saw fit, has previously said there are better ways to fund conservation, and his opinion seemingly hasn’t changed.
Spokesman Brandon Charochak said: “The governor’s position has not changed. He’s always been opposed to gambling in South Carolina, whether that is casinos or sports betting.”
The Head of the Palmetto Family Council, Steve Pettit, also voiced his concerns over the plans, stating: “This is not a fiscal issue, this is a moral issue. Scripture warns against unjust gain.”
