When it comes to gambling, South Carolina is widely regarded as one of the strictest states in the country, as you can tell if you read up on US state gambling laws. There are no commercial or land-based casinos in this state, unlike many of its neighbors. Instead, it’s put its efforts into promoting cruise gambling casino resorts in South Carolina so that visitors can make the most of their time when they are in international waters.
South Carolina gambling laws permit other forms of gambling, such as charity bingo and the state lottery, while casino cruise resorts allow gamblers to play slots and table games at offshore sites, such as online casinos for real money. If a nonprofit is in charge of it, bingo for charity is acceptable.
There may not be any SC land-based casinos, but players can look to its neighbor, North Carolina, for two of the B&M casinos in South Carolina.
In 2008, the Big M Casino Ship made its debut in South Carolina. Casino gambling is currently illegal in the state, so the facility is housed on two ships in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Little River. Customers can board from within their home states and gamble without leaving the country.
There is no other place to gamble besides these types of South Carolina casinos, which offer every type of game imaginable. There are two different kinds of gambling cruises that guests can select from. Over 170 slot machines and table games (blackjack, craps, and roulette) are available on both decks of these Vegas-style cruise ships, making them suitable for gamblers of all skill levels. There are also Casino poker, poker cash, and poker tournaments available.
Experience all of this and more while taking in stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina. Tourists should be aware, though, that the ships operate only in federal waters and cannot dock in South Carolina. Furthermore, casino ships do not accept customers 24 hours a day. It’s important to check the cruise schedule before leaving on a trip.
Everyone can have a good time while dining on board. The restaurants provide a large variety of food, including Boar’s Head subs and wraps, as well as beverages like coffee, tea, water, and soda. The wait staff can also assist you in acquiring alcoholic beverages. There is currently no buffet available.
They will gladly bring food down to the main deck and set up a special dining area for those in your party who cannot climb stairs or who have other special needs, ensuring that no one feels left out. If you have any dietary restrictions or other needs, please let the wait staff know before you are seated, and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Tourists can relax and enjoy the show without missing a moment of the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean scenery, which can be seen from every deck. If you’re looking for a place to cool off in the water, you may want to look elsewhere, as there are no pools or pool-centric amenities.
Residents and vacationers alike can enjoy a thrilling evening on the Atlantic thanks to this South Carolina casino cruise. There is no on-board hotel, but there is plenty of accommodation within a short drive of the port. There are a variety of hotels within a short driving distance, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the Days Inn by Wyndham Little River, and the Sleep Inn at Harbour View.
Customers generally had good things to say about this South Carolina casino, mentioning the friendly staff, good gaming selection, and excellent food. This one-of-a-kind casino caters to gamblers and those who simply want to visit for the breathtaking scenery and live performances by local entertainers.
The Carnival Ecstasy, launched in 1991, is the line’s second-oldest vessel and one of the top South Carolina Casinos. Although some minor signs of wear and tear are starting to appear due to the passage of time, the crew more than makes up for any physical flaws with excellent service.
In 2017, the ship underwent renovations that included the addition of several popular eateries and bars found on other Carnival vessels. These included Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana, Cantina, Alchemy Bar, and Cherry on Top.
The “big city lights” motif is carried throughout the ship and makes for an approachable grand atrium on Carnival Ecstasy. The cheerful decor encourages cruisers to participate in a wide variety of on-board events, from late-night dance parties to game shows, karaoke, and bingo, something you don’t see very often at South Carolina casinos.
The ship also provides some fun amenities aimed at families. Fun for all ages, Carnival WaterWorks features twisting water slides and a splash pad, while Hasbro: The Game Show invites audience members onto the stage to compete in giant versions of classic board games.
Adults can relax with spa treatments, a drink, or a concert without worrying about their kids while in a supervised child care center. Spending time together as a family can involve anything from games to a leisurely meal at one of the many available restaurants, such as Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast or Swirls.
Lots of bars and nightlife await adults on Ecstasy after dark, as do Punchliner Comedy Shows and Playlist Productions’ large-scale evening performances. The Alchemy Bar is a unique experience, serving “prescription” cocktails that are themselves a show. Bar hopping can be done as you have a choice, like at the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the Redfrog Rum Bar.
You will have access to an extensive selection of 135 slot machines when you go on a cruise with this South Carolina casino, in addition to the fifteen tables that are available to you if you would like a change of pace while you are perusing the offerings on the casino floor, which are very similar in games to what the top online live dealer casinos offer.
There are also 5 poker tables available, with your minimum bet for slot games starting at $0.01. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas, and the casino is open 24/7; however, you have to be over 21 if you are betting with cash. You can double-check the gambling age by state if you would like to find out more.
The Carnival Ecstasy is a smaller ship than some of today’s megaships, but it makes up for its size in service. Passengers have said that even though the ship may not be the most modern of its fleet, it is still lots of fun with excellent food and great value for money. The staff also personalizes your service, going the extra mile.
The former Carnival Destiny underwent a massive $155 million, 49-day transformation in 2012, emerging as the now-named Carnival Sunshine. Carnival did more than just repaint the ship; they also installed new elevators, air conditioners, generators, and washing machines.
The Sunshine isn’t in the Dream class, but it has many of the same features as the Magic and Breeze, making it one of the busiest Carnival ships: stand-up comedy acts that last 20 minutes, production shows that last 30 minutes, and sushi, burgers, and burritos served at fast food joints.
There are several places to eat and drink, including a burger joint run by the wild-haired Food Network star Guy Fieri, a Mexicali burrito stand where you can have your burrito made to order, and a couple of Caribbean-themed bars called RedFrog and BlueIguana that serve exotic cocktails (rum and tequila, respectively).
In contrast to these shrines to junk food, the ship also features two Asian restaurants: Ji Ji, a truly outstanding restaurant offering pan-Asian cuisine, and Bonsai Sushi, a fee-based, sit-down Japanese restaurant.
Even the decor is drastically different from the old Carnival ships, with Partner Design of Hamburg replacing the gaudy color palettes of former designer Joe Farcus. The color scheme is soft and muted all over the ship, from the public areas to the cabins. The main dining rooms, the Piano Bar, Ocean Plaza, and the corridor on Deck 5, where Fahrenheit 555 is located, are all smoke-free zones.
The overarching impression you’ll be left with is one of a quiet revolution in which style triumphed over tacky decor. You might not even realize you’re on a Carnival ship once you’ve visited the Library Bar, Java Blue, Havana Bar, Fahrenheit 555, or Ji Ji.
You can choose from a wide variety of over 200 slot machines when you visit this South Carolina casino while at sea, and the ship also has 17 table games should you feel like switching things up while you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the gaming action.
Unfortunately, there are no poker tables, but you can still play all the most popular casino and slot games, such as roulette, blackjack, and craps. There is also no sports betting available, but there is electronic 3-card poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette, similar to those found in all our real-money casino apps. The South Carolina casino is open 24/7, except for Christmas and Easter.
Carnival’s regular customers still flock to the ship when the weather is nice. They are the low-key, sociable, budget-conscious cruisers having a good time with a group. The ship’s unwavering dedication to maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere remains intact.
This luxury yacht provides its guests with the opportunity to experience casino action in the style of Las Vegas, and the best part is that this amenity is available 365 days a year. Because there are so many different promotions, everyone can find something that appeals to them. So, brush up on your sea legs and make your way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where cruises depart.
The ship is not a cruise liner, so its amenities are very different from what Carnival cruises offer. However, it does make for a perfect day trip for those not wanting to stray too far from home but still yearning to experience the open seas. You can walk around the 7000-square-foot ship freely and take in the sights, depending on the weather.
Similar to Ship I, there are no bars or nightlife as such, but diners at the Big M Buffet will be treated to live music by local performers as they choose from a large variety of delicious starters, main meals, and desserts. Coffee, teas, juices, water, and alcoholic beverages can be ordered from any of the friendly staff.
The casino floor has 248 popular slots that include titles like Colossal Wizards, Forbidden Dragons, and many more. There’s roulette, single- and double-deck blackjack, craps, sic bo, and keno as well, totaling 13 table games. Poker players can also enjoy No Limit Holdem, Fortune Pai Gow, and Crazy 4 Poker. There is no sports betting available onboard.
Port Authority offers parking before you board the South Carolina casino, and customers said that not only was the online reservation quick and simple to make, the staff were incredibly friendly, drinks were reasonably priced, machines were frequently cleaned, and many walked away with a small or medium win on their very first visit. The casino is not open 24/7, however, so be sure to check the times before you go.
As you may have guessed, there are no South Carolina land-based casinos for locals or tourists, only cruise ship or riverboat ones. This means you can either choose to play at South Carolina online casinos or drive to North Carolina and play at the only two Indian casinos, which happen to also be the only two land-based casinos around.
A new casino and hotel, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, has recently opened up just on the outskirts of the town of Murphy. It features a comprehensive assortment of slot machines in addition to all of the most popular traditional casino games. If you want to go outside and explore nature, there are plenty of beautiful local attractions and national parks for you to check out.
The Brasstown Valley Golf Course is a great place to tee off for golf enthusiasts. Or, you could visit the picturesque Cherokee County, known for its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, quaint small towns, and historical sites that showcase the region’s rich cultural history. You can relax and let the Motorcoach take care of the driving.
Although there are no bars or nightlife, you can still enjoy some great dining options, such as Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Moe’s Southwest Grill, or The Landing Cafe. And what more do you need to relax other than golfing or visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Visitors will be able to place bets on a variety of sporting events, including those played at the collegiate and professional levels and those held at off-track horse racing facilities. Caesars Rewards is a loyalty program open to players, and its members are eligible for special discounts and perks. When booking directly with the hotel, you’ll earn five times as many Tier Credits for every dollar spent on room rates and resort fees.
There are over 1000 slot machines, 70 table games, and 15 poker tables, all open all day, every day. Sports betting covers all mainstream sports, including baseball, boxing, MMA, hockey, soccer, racing, golf, tennis, cricket, and darts. You will also find many of the table games played on South Carolina betting apps, like electronic blackjack.
It’s not hard to find a nice romantic getaway, and this hotel is proof of that. Each room in the hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator, as well as access to the internet (for a fee). In addition to the excellent gambling options, the hotel also provides a concierge service and room service. Other amenities include a pool, fitness center, and conference facilities.
The hotel is the largest in the state of North Carolina and welcomes pets, providing pet-friendly PetStay Rooms for families with up to two canine members. Enjoy the spa or one of the many other services. Visitors can play one of the best new courses in the country with special privileges. Hiking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and some of the best trout fishing in the United States are just a few of the year-round activities available.
Buy stuff from select online stores and get reward points. Spend money on products from the 1-800-Flowers family of brands and earn Reward Credits. Spend money at select neighborhood eateries and get rewarded for it.
Although the other Harrah’s caters to more of a fast-food feel, this hotel has that and more. From a Dunkin’ Donuts Express to the BRIO Tuscan Grille, there is something to suit all tastes. There is also a poolside bar, Essence Lounge, and Cherokee for the party people, as well as live concerts and show entertainment.
Apart from visiting the best South Carolina poker betting sites or the top SC online sportsbooks if sports wagering is more your thing, you can also visit these B&M South Carolina casinos, even if they are on cruises. There are also North Carolina Indian Casinos you can play at if you are up for the drive. Here are the details.
| Casino Name | Address | City | State | Phone Number |
| Big M Casino Ship I | 4491 Mineola Avenue, 29566 | Little River, Charleston | South Carolina | (843) 249-9811 |
| Carnival Ecstasy Charleston Casino | Charleston Port, 29401 | Charleston | South Carolina | (800) 438-6744 |
| Carnival Sunshine Casino | Charleston Port, 29401 | Charleston | South Carolina | (800) 438-6744 |
| Big M Casino Ship II | 4491 Mineola Avenue, #8743, 29566 | Little River | South Carolina | (843) 249-9811 |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel | 777 Casino Pkwy., 28906 | Murphy | North Carolina | (828) 422-7777 |
| Harrah’s Cherokee | 777 Casino Drive, 28719 | Cherokee | North Carolina | (828) 497-7777 |
Since all SC casinos are on the water, it makes sense that the biggest ones are cruise ships. Each South Carolina casino mentioned here forms part of at least an 850-foot liner, equipped with bars, restaurants, cabins, slides, and play areas for kids. Remember, it is always advised to practice responsible gambling when on vacation.
| Casino Name | Gaming Space |
| Big M Casino Ship II | 7.000 square-feet |
| Charleston Sunshine Casino | 2.000 square-feet |
| Charleston Ecstasy Casino | 2.000 square- feet |
Due to the fact that there are only riverboat or cruise ship casinos in South Carolina, the number of games available on board differs substantially from land-based casinos in the neighboring state of North Carolina. The most popular casinos are really franchises that are located here.
| Casino Name | Number of Games |
| Harrah’s Cherokee | 4000+ |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 1100+ |
| Big M Ship II | 250+ |
| Carnival Sunshine | 220+ |
Whether you want to watch the sunset on the water or prefer a scenic walk, you have the choice to sail on a cruise ship or travel to North Carolina and visit a hotel. No matter what you choose, these are all legal casinos within the state, and you may even be able to use your points to get rewards or discounts on stays at NC casino resorts.
| Casino Name | Number of Rooms |
| Carnival Ecstasy Casino | 1028 |
| Carnival Sunshine Casino | 1501 |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 324 |
| Harrah’s Cherokee | 1108 |
South Carolina may lack a land-based casino infrastructure, but its cruise ship casinos make up for it by providing every conceivable form of gambling. Video slots and table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette are available to locals.
IGT and other manufacturers of nickel slot machines are responsible for the 770+ slot machines available in the Palmetto State. Of course, you will only find them on the sea, but it’s still worth your time if you’re a slot game fan. Popular titles include:
Over fifty casino poker games may not seem like a lot, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a good selection for fans. You can find games such as:
Granted, there are some of the smaller cruises that don’t offer any poker tables, but those that do even have tournament games to play:
A traditional game, but still a favorite. Many US players really enjoy only two types of roulette games, both of which can be played at any SC legal casino:
Should you play your cards right, your blackjack strategy could offer a return as high as 99.6%. All that SC residents have to do is pick their most preferred game variation, including:
The roll of the dice is always a thrill, as you are relying purely on Lady Luck. These games are for adrenaline seekers, and you will find some great options at your chosen South Carolina casino, such as:
Lottery games are at the heart of most state-controlled gambling, and South Carolina is no different. Here you will find instant scratch-off tickets and lotto draws, and they are only available at the casino itself, not online. They are:
If you love the idea of a slot machine combined with card or table games, you can also try these options:
South Carolina allows and encourages cruise ship gambling. Gamblers in search of table games, slot machines, and even poker tournaments have a few options in the form of South Carolina’s casino resorts. Some locals find it more convenient to gamble on cruise ships than to travel to distant land-based casinos.
| Name | Address |
| Big M Casino Ship I | 4491 Mineola Ave. #8743, Little River, SC 29566, Charleston, USA |
| Carnival Ecstasy Casino | Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401 |
| Carnival Sunshine Casino | Charleston Port, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401 |
| Big M Casino Ship II | 4491 Mineola Ave. #8743, Little River, SC 29566, Charleston, USA |
There have been many failed attempts by different tribes to open Indian casinos in South Carolina because of the state government’s strong political opposition to gambling on its territory. In order to legally offer casino gambling, South Carolina requires all casino resorts to sail at least three miles into international waters. North Carolina, however, only offers gambling in the form of Indian casinos, specifically casinos owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
In 1994, the casino compact with the Cherokee tribe received state approval from the North Carolina government. The tribe then started providing video games to the locals. Through this gambling compact, they were able to open their first casino in 1997.
For Cherokee casinos to offer table games, North Carolina amended its laws. The federally recognized tribe opened Cherokee Valley River Casino because there was less gaming competition in the state. The Cherokee Tribe vehemently opposed the establishment of a third casino, despite numerous tribes trying to build casinos inside state boundaries. The tribe’s two casinos are:
In most cases, a flat 24% tax is applied to your gambling winnings. Gambling winnings over $5,000, however, will be subject to income tax withholding for the sources indicated here: any lottery, wagering pool, or sweepstakes (including rewards awarded to poker tournament winners, for example).
Typically, lottery winnings are subject to income tax. Winners must therefore pay local, state, and occasionally federal taxes. The profits will be taxed in the state the ticket was bought in, which in this case is South Carolina, regardless of where the winner resides.
For every win, you must provide the payer with your Social Security number in addition to completing IRS Form W2-G to declare the entire sum won. Before paying you, the casino would typically deduct 24% from your proceeds as IRS gambling taxes. Not all gains from gambling are reported on IRS Form W2-G.
According to IRS laws, gambling winnings are completely taxed. If you decide to itemize deductions on your tax return, however, gambling losses may be deducted up to the amount of your wins. Keep thorough records of your victories and defeats to support your tax deduction claims. You can show proof of your losses via these documents:
In general, the IRS requires the payer to deduct 24% of your winnings for income taxes if you win more than $5,000 on a wager and the payoff is at least 300 times your original wager. (Specific withholding regulations apply to profits from poker tournaments, keno, bingo, and slot machines.) In a nutshell:
South Carolina does not house any physical casinos. Only cruise ships that are at least three miles from state territory are permitted to offer gambling services.
Gambling addicts can get help through the State of South Carolina’s Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. Individual evaluations and care plans are offered.
Guns and other weapons are not allowed on board gambling cruise ships in the state.
Only three types of gambling are currently permitted in South Carolina: bingo, raffles, and a state lottery. There are also supervised social activities available, like bridge, mahjong, and home poker games. If you wish to play any other types of casino or sports betting games, you will have to go on a riverboat or cruise or try a reputable offshore operator.
For legal wagering such as bingo or lottery, the age is 18. However, riverboat and cruise ship casinos require players to be 21 or older.
There are no B&M casinos in South Carolina, but there are currently four riverboat or cruise ship casinos.
There is a smoking deck available in cruise casinos, but smoking is not permitted inside the casino.
Only the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup International Steeplechases were held at Springdale Course Track in South Carolina. The state did outlaw domestic horse race betting, though.
Bingo is the only game that charitable organizations are able to legally host as a legitimate fundraiser. SC controls the rules for how it is played and the value of the prizes.
You cannot wager on any form of animal racing in South Carolina. However, you may be able to do so at offshore betting sites.
Yes, there are. The sale of lottery tickets online is not permitted.
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