Online casinos aren’t legal in South Carolina, but players can still enjoy casino-style games through social casinos, which offer free gameplay with the chance to win cash prizes.
Legal Gambling Age in South Carolina: | 21+ |
Latest Online Gambling Bill: | No active online gambling bills as of 2025 |
Who Will Regulate Online Casinos in SC: | South Carolina Education Lottery Commission (if legalized) |
Expected Real Money Casinos: | BetMGM, Caesars Palace, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, BetRivers, Fanatics, Horseshoe |
Number of Social Casinos in South Carolina: | 20+ |
Number of Land-Based South Carolina Casinos: | 2 |
Online casinos aren’t legal in South Carolina. While a South Carolina tribe operates a casino just across the border in North Carolina, there are no similar casinos or agreements within the state itself.
Several bills have attempted to legalize online gambling in South Carolina, but none have gained real traction. Strict state laws and strong opposition from lawmakers and public groups have made it difficult for any proposals to move forward.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key players in the debate:
We strongly advise against using offshore sites, as they are unregulated and come with serious risks, including:
South Carolina doesn’t allow regular land-based casinos, and games like blackjack, roulette, and craps are banned. The only way to play legally is by boarding a casino cruise that leaves state waters.
Casino | Town/City | Opening Hours |
Big "M" Casino Cruise I | Little River | Day cruises, typically 11:00– 16:30 (check schedule) |
Big "M" Casino Cruise II | Little River | Evening cruises, typically 18:30–23:30 (check schedule) |
Even though gambling is limited in South Carolina, it’s still important to stay in control and know where to get help if things go too far. Here are some helpful resources if you or someone you know is struggling:
DAODAS (SC’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services)
Website: www.daodas.sc.gov
Helpline: 1-844-SC-GAMBL (1-844-724-6255)
National Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Gamblers Anonymous – SC
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Real-money online gambling isn’t legal in South Carolina. The state has strict laws against it, so your only legal option is to play at social or sweepstakes casinos. These platforms use virtual currency and sometimes offer the chance to win real prizes.
In South Carolina, you need to be 18 to play the lottery, bingo, or enter raffles. If you’re going on a casino cruise, you have to be 21 to join in on the games. The age rules can depend on what you’re playing, so it’s good to double-check before you start.
Yes, South Carolina taxes any money you win from gambling, even from cruises, the lottery, or games played out of state. You have to list it as income on your state taxes. Big wins might have federal taxes taken out immediately, and even if you don’t get a tax form, you still need to report it.