South Carolina Online Casinos
South Carolina has some of the strictest online casino laws in the US. You won’t find any regulated sites operating in Palmetto State.
With that said, the law doesn’t actually address offshore online casinos where residents can access poker, slots, bingo, and other games.
We will show you the best online casinos in South Carolina and cover the intricacies of the law, including precisely what and where you can play.
| 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 749 | SLOTS 646 | 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 |
Table of Contents
Start playing at online casinos in South Carolina
Top South Carolina Online Casinos
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.
DuckyLuck – Best for Casino Games
DuckyLuck is a great option for South Carolinians. It offers over 700 games with different variations of bingo, slots, and live dealers.
It provides a much larger selection than what you’ll find on the state’s casino cruises, making it our number one pick for players in the Palmetto State.
We also liked the live games this casino offers. Players from SC can choose from various blackjack and roulette tables, with betting limits to suit both low and high rollers.
Bovada Casino – Best for Poker & Crypto
Bovada provides South Carolinians access to over 600 games, such as slots, bingo, live dealer tables, and a poker room.
According to Google Trends, poker is the most popular game in South Carolina, making Bovada’s card room ideal for residents of the state.
They’ve been in the game for over 20 years, serving SC residents, and also offer a wide array of deposit methods, including cryptocurrency, credit cards, and MatchPay.
Are Online Casinos Legal in South Carolina?
- There are no state-regulated online casinos in SC.
- Many offshore sites are open to players from South Carolina.
- You can find a greater variety of casino games online than on South Carolina’s casino cruises.
How We Pick Online Casinos for South Carolina Players
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.
Availability
These casinos are chosen for South Carolinians, where bingo and poker lead in popularity.
Safety & Security
Our top casino picks for South Carolinians are sites with a history of good reputation.
Each casino has been thoroughly tested for safety by our review team.
Payment Options
The sites we recommend for South Carolinians offer various payment methods, including bank transfers, checks, and cryptocurrency.
Game Variety
We consider the variety and number of games each casino offers to South Carolinians. Additionally, we evaluate software providers, live dealer options, and more.
Customer Support
We recommend SC online casinos with 24/7 support that is knowledgeable and quick to reply.
South Carolina Casino Games
Although the casino laws are restrictive in South Carolina, residents can access a world of games online at offshore sites.
Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Online Poker
Those in South Carolina can play real money online poker at casinos licensed outside of the state.
Offshore sites offer Sit & Go tournaments and multiple variations of the game, such as Caribbean Stud, Texas Hold’Em, and Five-Card Draw.
Bingo
Bingo is popular in South Carolina, but local options are limited.
Residents must use offshore sites to play games such as CyberBingo, 90-ball Bingo, 30-ball Bingo, and more.
Online Slots
South Carolinians can play slots only at casinos regulated offshore.
They can access different themes, wilds, free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds.
Bets range from $0.10 to hundreds.
Blackjack
In South Carolina, offshore casinos offer blackjack with $1 minimum bets and great odds.
You’ll find common game variants like European, Perfect Pairs, and Spanish Blackjack.
South Carolina Casino Apps
There are no online casinos based in South Carolina, so you won’t find any apps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t play your favorite 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.
South Carolina Casino Laws
South Carolina has some of the most draconian laws regarding casinos in the country.
The law doesn’t address online casinos, 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. You won’t find any brick-and-mortar establishments or even electronic games. 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 all casino games at offshore sites. |
| Poker | Poker is illegal in South Carolina. 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. |
| Social Gambling | In accordance with South Carolina’s unyielding laws, casino 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. |
| Taxes on Casino Winnings | Winnings in excess of $500 are subject to the state income tax and federal tax of 24%. |
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.
Comparing Casino Options for South Carolina Players
The following table compares the different options South Carolinians have to play casino games.
| Key Factors | Online Real Money Casinos | Land-Based Casinos | Online Social Casinos |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Regulated | ⓧ | ⓧ | ⓧ |
| Real Money Play | ✓ | ⓧ | ⓧ |
| Free Play | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Bonuses & Promos | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Play from Anywhere | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Licensed | ✓ | ⓧ | ⓧ |
| Private | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
What’s the Best Type of Casino for South Carolina Players?
Due to South Carolina’s strict laws, offshore real-money online casinos are the best option.
With no land-based casinos or state-regulated sites, offshore sites offer tons of casino games and the convenience of playing from home.
A Brief History of South Carolina Gambling
The South Carolina government’s aversion to gambling dates back to 1802 when the Code of Laws banned most games anywhere in the state.
That included cards, dice, and games at home.
Nothing changed until 1976, when South Carolina’s Bingo Act was passed, making 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.
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 Play Initiatives
The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services offers help to those with 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:
The Future of Online Casinos in South Carolina
While the state hasn’t made progress on legalizing casinos or poker rooms, the rise of online gaming in the U.S. could lead to changes down the road.
South Carolina is pretty set in its ways. However, because the law does not address playing at offshore sites, its residents still have many options.
For now, they can access their favorite casino games at a number of online sites licensed elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have inquiries about online casinos 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.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of South Carolina?
Playing at online casinos licensed out of the state is safe if you choose trusted sites. No one has been pursued for playing at offshore sites.
