South Carolina Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
South Carolina is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, Low Country cuisine, and for being historically conservative. Those views have influenced its gambling legislation for hundreds of years.
With only a few legal forms of betting, the Palmetto State appears to be a gambling dead zone.
However, there is a significant loophole, leaving plenty of options for residents, and we are here to help you navigate the landscape.
In this guide to gambling in South Carolina, we will cover the intricacies of the law, including precisely what and where you can play.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in South Carolina? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18/21+
Land-Based Casinos
Not Legal
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Not Legal
Online Sportsbooks
Grey Area
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Online Gambling in South Carolina
Everything You Need to Start Playing at Online Casinos
Online Gambling in South Carolina
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina has outlawed all forms of gambling besides charitable Bingo and the lottery.
- There are no state-regulated online casinos.
- The law doesn’t specifically prohibit online gambling at offshore sites.
South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the US. You won’t find any land-based casinos, racinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks in the Palmetto State. All forms of gambling, with the exception of the lottery and charitable Bingo, are illegal.
With that said, the law doesn’t actually address online gambling. This loophole allows South Carolinians to play at offshore sites where they can access all the games the state doesn’t provide.
Take an in-depth look at South Carolina’s gambling legislation.
Best Online Casinos in South Carolina 2024
Below are the best real-money online casinos for South Carolina players. They all have an incredible selection of games, lucrative bonuses, and a top-notch user experience.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Top South Carolina Online Casinos By Category
Depending on what you’re looking for, some online casinos might be a better fit than others. Let’s take a look at the main features of our top two picks.
Best Site for Casino Games & Live Dealers
DuckyLuck is a first-rate online casino for table games. It has multiple variations of roulette, blackjack, and poker, plus some harder-to-find titles like Dragon Roulette, Card Clash, and craps.
FreshDeck Studios provides live dealer games at DuckyLuck, which includes tables for blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. They have a wide range of betting limits and impressive HD streaming that will make you feel like you’re in the casino.
✅ A diverse selection of table games
✅ Outstanding live dealer studios
✅ Rewards program with tons of perks
Top Features
- +400 Real Money Games
- High RTP Slot Games
- 95 – 98% Payout Average
- Quick & Reliable Payouts
Best Online Casino for Slots
If you like to spin the reels, head over to Red Dog Casino, where you’ll find a quality selection of slots from leading software providers. This site also has progressives with massive jackpots and a dizzying array of bonuses with free spins.
Best of all, every month, Red Dog puts out an RTP report that details every game’s win rate and biggest payout. It’s a level of transparency that’s not always easy to find.
✅ Great catalog of slots, including progressives
✅ Monthly RTP report
✅ Bonuses with free spins and a rewards program
Top Features
- +900 Real Money Games
- Wide Variety of Bonuses
- 95 – 98% Payout Average
- Quick & Reliable Payouts
Best Sports Betting Site
Bovada provides many sports betting opportunities, covering major American leagues, college events, soccer, boxing, and more.
They’ve been in the game for over 20 years, exclusively catering to US residents—making them a great sports betting choice for the long haul.
Enjoy a wide array of deposit methods, including cryptocurrency, credit cards, and MatchPay. Withdrawing is just as efficient, usually completed within 1-24 hours.
They have a high 15.9% fee for credit card deposits, making crypto and other deposit methods the wiser choice.
✅ Transfer funds from Venmo, Apple Pay, Paypal, and many others
✅ Regulated by a trusted Canadian gaming commission
✅ Soft odds compared to other sportsbooks
Top Features
- 20+ year reputation
- Dual sportsbook and casino offering
- Great underdog pricing
- 24/7 online support
How We Choose the Best Online Casinos
We look for specific criteria when selecting the best online casinos for players in South Carolina. The following standards are how we see if a site measures up.
Online Casino Reputation
We read reviews from multiple sources to determine how a casino is received.Fast & Reliable Payments
We deposit and withdraw at each gambling site to assess how smooth, reliable, and quick the process is.Site Security & Safety
We check for a license and SSL encryption to ensure your personal information is secure.Games Variety & Quality
We look for a diverse selection of games from recognizable software providers.Quality Bonuses
We read the terms and conditions of the bonuses to check that they are reasonable and fair.
Top Real Money Online Casino Games
Although the gambling laws are incredibly restrictive in South Carolina, residents can access a world of games online. Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Online Slots
Online slots are one of the most popular gambling games, and South Carolinians can spin the reels of thousands of titles at offshore sites.
Online Poker
Those in South Carolina can play real money online poker at casinos licensed outside of the state. Offshore sites tend to offer multiple variations of the game.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular casino table game. Residents of the Palmetto State can play just about any variation online, including the elusive single-deck, Spanish 21, and Perfect Pairs.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are the perfect alternative to taking a cruise or drive to another state. Participate in a real-time game online through the power of HD streaming.
Other Online Casino Games for South Carolina
You might not be able to play Keno or craps in South Carolina, but you can play them online. Check out the other games available to you.
South Carolina Online Casino Bonuses
A major advantage to playing at online casinos is the promotions. The following two are the top bonuses for South Carolinians online.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Casino Bonuses at South Carolina Sites
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Welcome Bonus
Newcomers to DuckyLuck can claim a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins bonus plus 150 free spins on select slots.
The rollover requirements are just 30x, and the max cashout is 10x the deposit.
Get this bonus by depositing at least $25 and clicking “claim this promotion.”
$8,000 Welcome Package
You can get a juicy 225% match up to $8,000 Welcome Package at Red Dog Casino.
The rollover requirements are 40x, and the max payout for this offer is 30x the bonus.
Just deposit a minimum of $20 and enter code PATIO at the cashier to claim this offer.
South Carolina Casino Apps
There are no online casinos based in Since South Carolina, so you won’t find any apps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t play your favorite gambling games on the go.
Many offshore sites are optimized to work right in your browser, so all you have to do is log in. The quality is just as good as it is on your computer.
You can play everything from blackjack to slots or even bet on a sportsbook from your phone.
Facts About Online Casinos for South Carolina Players
- The only online casinos you can access from South Carolina are offshore sites.
- There are a number of offshore sites that accept players from South Carolina.
- You can find a greater variety of casino games online than you can in South Carolina’s casino cruises.
- Crypto is one of the most efficient and secure banking methods at offshore sites.
- It’s essential to do your research before gambling at an offshore site.
- Many offshore sites won’t let you deposit or withdraw using a US bank account.
South Carolina Gambling Laws Summary
When it comes to gambling, South Carolina has some of the most draconian laws in the country. All forms of gambling are outlawed, with the exception of charitable Bingo and the state education lottery.
The law doesn’t address online gambling, so residents can still technically play at offshore sites. Below is a summary of the gambling laws.
| South Carolina Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in South Carolina | Land-based casinos are illegal according to South Carolina’s code of laws, but there are two casino cruises that skirt the law by taking passengers into Federal Waters. |
| Online Gambling | There are no online casinos in South Carolina, but residents can access offshore sites. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-based | Online and land-based sports betting are illegal in South Carolina. |
| State Lottery | South Carolina has a state lottery that offers games like MegaMillions, Powerball, and scratch-offs. |
| Charitable Gambling | Bingo is the only form of charitable gambling permitted by South Carolina law. |
| Poker | Poker is illegal in South Carolina. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing does occur in South Carolina, but residents are not allowed to wager. Dog racing is illegal. |
| Fantasy Sports | The law does not address DFS, so it’s technically not illegal, but DFS sites don’t accept entries from South Carolina. |
| Social Gambling | Games at home are legal if there is no money wagered, no rake collected, and everyone has an equal chance of winning. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Lottery winnings in excess of $500 are subject to the state income tax and federal tax of 24% in excess of $5,000. Please visit our exclusive gambling taxes article for more information. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
South Carolina Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
South Carolina’s stance on gambling is quite clear. The conservative state has firmly rejected almost all forms. It’s a good idea to educate yourself if you plan on doing any gambling in SC, so we are going to take a deep dive into the laws.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos are illegal in South Carolina. You won’t find any brick-and-mortar establishments or even electronic games in taverns. The only option is to take one of the two cruises with casino games that South Carolina permits to dock in its ports.
The Big “M” is a cruise ship that travels three miles out into Federal Waters outside of the state’s jurisdiction and returns after a few hours. This ship offers slot machines and table games.
The other ship, Carnival Sunshine, leaves from South Carolina and travels to the Caribbean.
Horse & Dog Tracks
South Carolina has two tracks that host horse races, including the Aiken Spring Steeplechase and the Carolina Cup. However, betting on them is illegal.
A bill was introduced in 2023 and went as far as to have a hearing but stalled in the Senate. It’s up for another vote in 2024, but in the meantime, those who wish to participate have to place their wagers on offshore sites.
Dog racing is illegal in South Carolina.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is legal if it’s provided by a non-profit organization that is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. It’s the only form of charitable gambling that is permitted.
There is a state-run education lottery that offers several games, such as scratch-offs, Powerball, and Pick 4. Its primary purpose is to raise funds for education programs in South Carolina.
Social Gaming at Home
In accordance with South Carolina’s unyielding laws, gambling games may not be played in the privacy of your own home if there is any money involved. There can’t be wagers or a fee, and everyone must have an equal chance of winning.
Also, it’s illegal to play games on the “Sabbath” day in South Carolina. We aren’t exactly sure the police will knock down your door for a family game of Monopoly on a Sunday, but it’s worth mentioning.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is illegal in South Carolina, so there are no poker rooms or standalone clubs.
The casino cruises offer poker, but if you plan to keep your feet on dry land, your best bet is to play at an offshore site.
You can always host a friendly game at home, but remember, wagering money is illegal.
Online Sports Betting and Land-Based
Online and land-based sports betting are illegal in South Carolina. Bills have been introduced four times to legalize sports betting, but they have yet to make it out of the committee.
Although its neighbor, North Carolina, recently opened up to the idea, the Palmetto State has remained opposed.
Until something changes, residents can place wagers on offshore sportsbooks or drive to the nearest state with legal sports betting, like North Carolina or Tennessee.
Casinos in South Carolina
Unfortunately, there are no land-based casinos in South Carolina. There is one casino cruise that leaves and returns the same day, while the other is a vacation cruise that goes to the Caribbean. The map below shows where they dock.
South Carolina Casino Cruises
- The Big “M”
- Carnival Sunshine
South Carolina Casino Summary
- Total Casinos: 2 cruises
- Bingo Halls: 9
South Carolina Gambling vs. Neighboring States
With South Carolina being one of the harshest places in the US for gambling, a few of the states surrounding it have better options by default. Take a look at how they compare.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Yes | 18 – 21 | Not Legal | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| North Carolina | Yes | 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Georgia | Yes | 21 | Not Legal | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Tennessee | Yes | 18 | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Some of the neighboring states are a little more relaxed about gambling. Georgia is on par with South Carolina’s laws, but the other two have a few more options. Although Tennessee has zero land-based casinos, it did legalize retail and online sports betting.
North Carolina has a few land-based casinos but no sports betting yet.
A Brief History of South Carolina Gambling
The South Carolina government’s aversion to gambling dates back to 1802 when Section 16-19-40 of the Code of Laws banned most forms of gambling anywhere in the state.
That included cards, dice, and games at home. Nothing changed until 1976 when South Carolina’s Bingo Act was passed and made charitable bingo by licensed organizations legal.
It’s not that there wasn’t a market for gambling. Video poker machines began popping up everywhere in the 1980s, and they were quite popular. By the time South Carolina declared them unconstitutional in 1999, there were 34,000 throughout the state.
The government may have realized something needed to change because, in 2000, South Carolina decided to implement a state-run lottery. The same year, the House voted to ban casino cruises but was defeated by the Senate.
Between then and now, there haven’t been many attempts to alter the gambling landscape in South Carolina except for the effort to pass a bill to legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
While it narrowly progressed through the House in 2023, it ultimately stalled. Residents are hopeful it will pass the Senate when they reconvene in January 2024.
South Carolina Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services offers help to those with a gambling addiction. They can put you in touch with a counselor for individualized assessment and treatment plans and also have a registry of qualified treatment providers.
Some other resources are:
For more information, visit our Responsible Gambling page.
Summary: South Carolina’s Gambling Journey
South Carolina might not be on the top of your list of places to visit for gambling. The state outlaws all forms of gambling except charitable Bingo, the lottery, and casino cruises.
The bill to legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse races is in limbo but may potentially pass in 2024. Besides that, there haven’t been many strides made to introduce land-based casinos, poker rooms, or other forms of gambling.
South Carolina is pretty set in its ways. However, due to the law not addressing gambling at offshore sites, its residents still have a lot of options.
For now, they can access their favorite gambling games at a number of online casinos licensed elsewhere.
South Carolina Gambling FAQ
If you still have inquiries about gambling in South Carolina, check out some of the most frequently asked questions below.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in South Carolina?
There are no tribal casinos or commercial casinos in South Carolina. The only casinos are on two cruises that dock in the state’s ports.
Are there real money online casinos in South Carolina with no deposit bonuses?
Despite no-deposit bonuses becoming few and far between, some online casinos still offer them.
Who regulates online casinos in South Carolina?
There are no state-regulated online casinos in South Carolina, but offshore sites are commonly regulated by other countries like Malta and Curaçao.
