South Carolina Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in SC

Find the best online poker rooms in SC and learn about gambling laws in The Palmetto State

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know

  • South Carolina has not legalized live poker and doesn’t regulate online poker at licensed gambling sites.
  • Cruise ships and offshore poker sites are the only way to play cash games and tournaments in South Carolina.
  • Even home poker games are deemed illegal in The Palmetto State.
  • Online poker sites have their perks, such as the $1 million poker tournaments you can join when you play at the best cardrooms.
  • Playing at offshore online poker sites isn’t necessarily illegal, as they operate under the same rules as the cruise ships – in short, they are a legal gray zone for South Carolina online poker fans to utilize.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in South Carolina

  • Ignition – Best SC online poker room overall
  • Everygame – Best poker rakeback deals
  • Bovada – Top native mobile poker app for South Carolina gamblers

Reviews of the Top Three Online Poker Rooms in South Carolina

Ignition Poker

Ignition 1

Ignition Poker is a big-name brand offering South Carolinians access to top online poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, as well as Sit ‘n Gos, bounties, and fast-fold cash games.

Want more bang for your buck? You certainly get it with big-money tourneys like the Gumball 3,000 and its quarter-of-a-million-dollar guaranteed prizepool. The Golden Spade Open, meanwhile, offers a huge guarantee worth $1M.

Make your way over to Ignition Poker today to benefit from a 100% match deposit bonus when you open an account. You may claim up to $1,000 when you deposit with a card or bank transfer. However, you can claim a deposit match worth $1,500 if you fund your account with cryptocurrency.

As for regular promotions, Ignition offers freerolls with $2,500 prizepools, as well as a sweet loyalty program for all customers. Would you like to know more? Check out what Ignition has to offer in our review.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker stands out as a top-tier platform for poker enthusiasts in South Carolina, solidifying its reputation in the online gaming community since its inception in 2004. This renowned site is well-stocked with a plethora of fan favorites, from the ever-popular Texas Hold’em and Omaha to the more specialized varieties like Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud.

Remarkably accessible for players of all financial means, Everygame accommodates casual gameplay with stakes as nominal as $0.01/$0.02, while also providing an array of high-limit tables for those seeking higher adrenaline levels.

A standout feature of Everygame is the lucrative Monthly Millions tournament, a beacon for players aiming for substantial winnings with its guaranteed $1 million prize pool. The gaming excitement extends with an assortment of dynamic formats, including engaging knockout challenges, bounty tournaments, and the classic Sit ‘n Go sessions.

Everygame Poker invites newcomers to an enriching experience with a potential $1,000 boost in bonus funds. First-time registrants are treated to a 200% match on their initial deposit. The platform ensures smooth transactions, accepting an extensive range of payment methods from traditional options like American Express, MasterCard, and VISA to modern digital currencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum, catering to a broad spectrum of preferences.

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker has been offering high-end internet poker services to South Carolina since 2004 (when it was known as Bodog). The poker room still offers some of the best games around, including a full complement of Hold’em and Omaha.

You can also play fast-fold cash games and move tables after every hand. As for big-money games, we recommend the Monthly Millions for a shot at a $1M guarantee. $1 million GTD prize pot.

Bovada welcomes all its newest members with a 100% match on their first deposit. If you follow suit, you’ll be eligible to receive up to $500 when you deposit with the PWB500 bonus code. To help you along the way, Bovada Poker accepts a wealth of payment methods, including VISA, MasterCard, and AMEX. Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are also accepted, although you must convert to US dollars before you hit the tables.

Online Poker Laws & Regulations in South Carolina – Is It Legal?

Is poker legal in South Carolina? That’s the big question.

Officially, while there is nothing wrong with playing the state lottery, poker enthusiasts are left out in the cold when it comes to live poker in SC. Apart from cruise ships (which operate daily) laden with slot machines and poker tables, there are no establishments that offer gambling in South Carolina.

Legally, only charitable bingo and lottery games are permitted. Officially, if the South Carolinian authorities haven’t expressly legalized a form of gaming, then it is technically considered illegal.

However, the way that cruise ships operate gives us some indication of how South Carolina’s gambling laws (South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 16-19-40) can be interpreted when it comes to online gambling.

Because playing “offshore” isn’t illegal under South Carolina’s gambling laws, internet poker sites do cater to Hold’em and Omaha players in the state. This South Carolina online poker loophole is one that many SC residents make use of. As such, you’ll find many trusted and reputable poker rooms offering these services right here on this page.

We also encourage you to find out more about all the US gambling laws by state.

How to Play Online Poker in South Carolina

If you’re set to embark on your online poker journey within South Carolina, figuring out your starting point is key. Whether you’re using a mobile device or a desktop, here’s a straightforward guide to getting started.

1. Choose an Online Poker Site

For players in South Carolina, Ignition Poker ranks as a highly recommended platform. If you’re interested in exploring other viable poker sites that accommodate players in SC, consider perusing the detailed reviews and comparisons available higher up on this page.

2. Create an Online Poker Account

Initiate the process by clicking the ‘Join Now’ button on the Ignition Poker site. You’ll be prompted to fill in various essential details such as your name, address, and email address in the registration form. After providing all necessary information, submit the form. Next, verify your account by clicking on the confirmation link that will be sent directly to your email.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose Bonus

After setting up your account, log in and proceed to the cashier section. Here, you’ll select your payment method of choice and specify the amount you wish to deposit, following the instructions provided.

Ignition Poker provides several enticing bonuses, some of which might be applied automatically upon your first deposit. Others may require a bonus code, so be sure to check for any relevant codes on this page to ensure you don’t miss out on extra funds.

4. Play Poker for Real Money

Upon completing your deposit, head to the game lobby. You’ll be presented with numerous gaming options, ranging from regular cash games to exciting tournaments and Sit ‘n Gos. It’s wise to review the various game rules, including the minimum and maximum buy-ins and stakes, before you join a table.

For those new to online poker, it might be beneficial to start with a freeroll tournament or gain some practice at play-money tables. This approach helps you acclimate to the platform and refine your strategies, setting the stage for a more confident real-money play.

When Will South Carolina Legalize Online Poker?

According to recent surveys, 68% of South Carolina residents are opposed to legalizing gambling outside of the games you can already play. Therefore, we anticipate very little change when it comes to regulating online poker or online gaming in the state. Playing poker will continue to be something that happens at offshore sites or cruise ships for the time being.

You can also check out our guide to the best South Carolina real-money online casinos and the top South Carolina online sportsbooks.

How to Choose the Right South Carolina Poker Site for Your Play Style

We’ve put together a list of recommended cardrooms for you here. Here are our top-rated sites to play for online poker games, promotions, freerolls, and mobile betting:

What Varieties of Poker Are Available Online in South Carolina?

South Carolina poker enthusiasts can find a wealth of games at all our reputable and trusted sites. Playing online poker requires nothing more than a deposit and a computer or mobile device.

While dozens of variants are usually supported at our poker sites, some games stand out more than others. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to see at our recommended online poker sites today:

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the go-to game for all poker pros. It also has a huge fan base amongst budding amateurs in South Carolina. The world-famous game is notable for featuring flop, turn, and river community cards, multiple betting rounds, and for offering two hole cards to get things moving. This variant can be played with fixed limit, pot limit, and no limit rules.

Omaha/Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha fans can have it both ways at our trusted poker rooms. South Carolinians can enjoy playing the High variant at the best poker sites. Alternatively, go for Hi-Lo where the pot may be split between two different winning hands.

The major difference between Omaha and Texas Hold’em is in the number of hole cards. In Hold’em, you receive two hole cards but you don’t always have to use them. In Omaha, you must use two of your hole cards to make the best five-card poker hand.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud is one of the many traditional poker games around. It can be found alongside Five-Card Stud at many of our reviewed poker sites. Seven-Card Stud uses a combination of face-up and face-down cards (a total of seven interspersed with betting rounds) and requires you to form a five-card hand to land a win. Some of the top poker sites also offer Razz, a form of Seven-Card Stud where the best low hand wins.

Windfall Poker

Windfall Poker is a type of Jackpot SNG that is commonly found at BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag Poker. You pay a set buy-in, then compete in 3-handed SNGs where the prize is won by one player only.

The prizepool in a Windfall Poker SNG is determined completely at random, so it’s really up to the computer what you can win. Some of the larger Windfall Jackpots can reach $1M.

Boost Poker

Boost Poker is a great way to increase your hand volume when playing games. Win cash prizes at the tables, then move seats when the hand is over.

The benefit of Boost Poker in particular is that it can be played in both cash game and tournament formats. Plus, you can multi-table to increase your volume and game time even more. What better way to clear some rakeback than playing this fast-and-furious poker variant?

A History of Online Gambling and Poker Legislation in South Carolina

Online wagering isn’t a reality in South Carolina for the moment, but other gambling sectors have it equally as tough. Here’s a brief look at gambling on the whole in the Palmetto State:

  • 2000: South Carolina’s Supreme Court rules that video poker terminals are illegal and remove them from the state. However, the South Carolina Education Lottery is launched the same year. South Carolina also joins countrywide lotteries, such as the POWERBALL.
  • 2006: The Catawba Tribe tries to negotiate a deal with the state, according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (1988). They are denied. In the same year, 22 players are arrested after playing a high-stakes home poker game. They appeal, and their convictions are overturned.
  • 2009: Home poker games are deemed illegal, according to a Supreme Court ruling. Playing any game is made illegal on Sundays, although this is rarely enforced.
  • 2012: The Supreme Court declares that the previous convictions for the 22 home poker players are legal and should have stood. However, the court decides not to pursue the conviction. Instead, it issues legal advice designed to serve as a warning for any South Carolinians considering playing home poker in the future.
  • 2014: South Carolina puts a stop to charitable raffles.
  • 2015: A bill to legalize casinos is proposed by House Representative Todd Rutherford – it fails.
  • 2016: A DFS bill (SB 1093) is introduced to regulate daily fantasy sports in South Carolina. However, the bill fails to make it through the state Senate.
  • 2017: House Bill No. 3102 fails to get passed, leaving South Carolina without a regulated sports betting industry.

Can You Play Online Poker for Free in South Carolina?

Playing online poker for free is an option in South Carolina. Alongside real-money poker games, you have freerolls. These are free-to-enter tournaments that offer a small prizepool that is determined by the poker room.

Free play poker games offer credits to use on cash games. You can replenish your freeplay credits as soon as you run out. You can’t win or withdraw real money on these tables.

Mobile Online Poker in South Carolina

Playing online poker via your mobile devices is also an option in South Carolina. You can access the best tournaments and real money games via two main platforms. The first is suitable for everyone and involves signing into your poker room using your device’s web browser.

The second way is arguably better, as it involves a more streamlined experience. This involves using a dedicated iOS or Android poker app to play. You can find these on the poker sites themselves or in app stores. Check our poker reviews to find the best poker apps currently available for South Carolinians.

What Online Poker Tournaments Are Available to South Carolina Poker Players?

South Carolina online poker sites don’t just offer ring games. They support all manner of poker tournaments, from guaranteed jackpots to freerolls and multi-table tournaments. Here’s a quick look at the more impressive options that you can find at our recommended SC online poker rooms.

Freerolls

Freerolls offer real-money cash prizes to players, and you can enter these competitions by using free chips. These allow you to compete without risking much of your chip stack and are a much-appreciated addition to the world of online poker.

Freezeout Tournaments

Freezeouts are essentially the big tournaments of the online poker scene. Freezeouts, as their name implies, are knockout competitions and once a South Carolina poker fan has run out of chips, their participation is ended.

Multi-buy Tournaments

Multi-buys offer South Carolinians a way to prolong their participation in a tournament. In a nutshell, multibuys allow you to stock up on chips before the start of the game, which you can use and fall back on during gameplay.

Re-buys

Re-buys do things a little differently than multi-buys. While they also allow you to fall back on other chip stacks, you don’t necessarily have to buy these outright. You have a brief window early on once the game is underway, during which you can re-buy your way back into a tournament.

Guaranteed Tournaments

If you want huge prize pools, look no further than guaranteed tournaments. A GTD prize is determined by the poker operator and doesn’t consider how many players are active. Therefore, they are worth some of the biggest cash prizes found anywhere in the online poker scene.

Online Satellites

Online satellites can offer cash prizes and places in the latter stages of major events and competitions. These tournaments act as qualifiers for main events, and any player without the funds to tackle the final tables will likely find online satellites considerably appealing.

Bounties

Finally, we have bounties. Also known as knockout tournaments among poker enthusiasts, bounties reward you by offering you additional cash payments when you eliminate rival players from the table.

Banking Methods at Online South Carolina Poker Apps

The average South Carolina online poker site will support payment methods which include VISA, MasterCard, American Express, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency. Many of these same payment methods can be used to deposit and withdraw funds.

Most offshore poker sites allow you to deposit with your chosen cryptocurrency. Transfer BTC, ETH, or LTC from your digital wallet in seconds. You won’t pay fees, other than gas fees to the miners and transfer charges to the exchange. However, transaction times are quick, and deposit/withdrawal limits are normally very high.

It is worth noting that while deposits are typically free, some poker rooms may have withdrawal fees for all options. Similarly, the transaction times and limits associated with various banking options may vary from payment method to method, and from site to site. Check our reviews to see which options poker rooms offer.

Finally, you may be required to clear a KYC step before withdrawing. Again, this is an optional feature for some sites, and you’re going to want to read our poker reviews to see what the situation is with any given online poker site.

Rakeback at South Carolina Online Poker Rooms

Rakeback is one of the perks of playing South Carolina online poker. A typical rakeback deal lets you claim some of your fees and tourney charges back as a refund. It’s similar to casino cashback, although fees and always much higher in online poker. Once you’ve released your rakeback, you can withdraw money to your checking account by wire transfer.

Top 3 Brick ‘n Mortar Poker Rooms & Casinos in South Carolina

South Carolina poker is only an option if you choose to set sail aboard floating casinos, so-called “cruises to nowhere.” There is one company that currently operates two cruise ships.

Apart from that, South Carolinians must head out of state to play live poker at land-based casinos. The closest brick-and-mortar poker rooms are based in North Carolina. We’ve covered all the best options for you below.

The Big “M” Casino

The Big “M” Casino is the only legal venue where you can play poker in South Carolina. The company owns two cruise ships, and casino games can only be played once the ships sail out into international waters.

Cruise ship casinos are immensely popular, sail 365 days a year, and offer all manner of poker games, including Hold’em. However, because of the short nature of these cruises to nowhere, major tournaments aren’t necessarily readily available.

Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino

Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino is located 165 miles west of Charlotte. Found in Cherokee, North Carolina, Harrah’s offers hold’em live poker options, Omaha, and more. It is particularly notable for featuring a WSOP poker room with over 30 tables. You can also play in daily hold’em tournaments there. The extensive hotel attached to the venue makes it ideal for South Carolina poker fans who fancy staying for a few days.

Catawba Two Kings Casino

The closest land-based venue to Charlotte, where you can play real-money poker, is found in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Catawba Two Kings is operated by the same tribe that was denied a tribal casino in South Carolina. However, this venue is often overlooked (in favor of Harrah’s) because it doesn’t have its dedicated poker room and is noticeably smaller than its Caesars-run counterpart.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in South Carolina

South Carolina has no plans to open any live poker rooms, casinos, or other gambling facilities. The population seems opposed, and if tribes aren’t permitted to open establishments, there isn’t much hope for commercial entities. Therefore, the average poker player is going to have to rely on cruise ships or cardrooms in neighboring states if they want to play South Carolina poker.

Poker Promotions in South Carolina

Any South Carolina poker sites worth their salt will support poker promotions. Some may require a bonus code (which you can find on the promotions page), some ask you to opt in, and some may be triggered automatically. Here’s a quick look at the most common poker promos you can claim today:

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is a deal that is offered to all new poker players at a site. A deposit bonus can often double your initial sum, but some may also come with other benefits, such as freeroll tokens. The welcome bonus is designed to make your first poker experience at an offshore SC site as pleasant as possible.

Freerolls

Freerolls allow you to play poker without risking your own money. You can use these poker bonuses like free chips. Enter a freeroll tournament, play games, and potentially walk away with real-cash prizes for your efforts.

Rakeback

Rakeback can be found at leading poker sites such as America’s Cardroom and Everygame. Rakeback is the online poker world’s equivalent of cashback, and some deals even allow you to withdraw those sums as real money.

Why Play at South Carolina Poker Rooms Online?

Given the laws and situation surrounding South Carolina online poker, players in the state don’t have too many options. Choosing to play online poker in the state is no different than visiting a cruise ship. Even so, there are other reasons why you might decide to play at online poker sites. We’re going to provide you with five good ones below. These include:

Dedicated Bonuses

Online poker sites offer dedicated bonuses that you won’t find in a brick ‘n mortar cardroom. Typical poker welcome offers can be used on a range of different variants. Just make a deposit and earn matched bonus cash to use on more games! You release bonus funds when you meet the wagering requirements.

Play Multiple Tables

The major benefit of online poker is that you can play multiple tables at once, as long as your monitor can handle the extra windows. Play a different poker variant for each window, or multi-table several cash games and tournaments at once. You can rack up more hours, more rakeback, and more profit this way when you play poker online.

Poker Tournaments

Poker tournaments aren’t limited to land-based cardrooms. On the contrary, at offshore online poker sites, you can play Sit ‘n Gos, satellites, knockouts, freezeouts, and re-buys. The spread of tournaments is always a lot more generous online than in a live setting unless you’re heading to Las Vegas for the summer festivals. Moreover, some tournaments cater to South Carolinians of all budgets, and some boast prizepools worth millions of dollars.

24-Hour Access

South Carolina’s offshore online poker sites are open around the clock. You won’t need to wait an hour or more as if you were on a cruise ship, and you won’t have to factor in a stopover in a hotel. You can play at any time on any day (even Christmas Day) from the comfort of your own home, with 24/7 services made readily available in online poker rooms.

Anonymity

Given how seriously South Carolina takes its anti-gambling laws, a little anonymity isn’t going to hurt at online poker sites. Our reputable poker rooms operate in a legal gray area, so you can play there from a legal perspective.

Anonymous play is ideal if you want to avoid being read by your opponents. You won’t give away physical tells online when you play poker.

Famous South Carolina Online Poker Players

In the world of South Carolina poker, these poker players have made a name for themselves:

  • John Sitton III: Known as Hank the Million Dollar Man, this Greenville native has won over $1,000,000 and is a regular on the WSOP circuit.
  • Mitchell Wayne Smith: Mitchell is a grinder and low-stakes specialist who is notable for cashing in the 2008 WSOP Main Event.
  • David Hewitt: Hewitt’s 2007 WSOP run is the closest any South Carolina resident has come to winning a bracelet.

South Carolina Online Poker FAQ

Is Online Poker Legal in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina is notably harsh on gambling, theoretically even when playing poker online. However, playing poker at the best online poker sites based offshore isn’t illegal, as they operate in a legal gray zone.

Can You Play Real-Money Poker in South Carolina?

Yes. You can join one of our recommended online poker sites to play cash games or tournaments. All of our top-listed cardrooms let you gamble online for just a few cents. You can even claim a welcome bonus when you register and make a first deposit.

Where Can I Play Live Poker in South Carolina?

To play live poker, South Carolina residents must head across the state line to North Carolina. You will find a gaming table at many top cardrooms across state lines or by visiting a licensed cruise ship.

What’s the Largest Cardroom in South Carolina?

South Carolina is not blessed with physical cardrooms. However, Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina has over 30 tables in its WSOP-branded room, far more than most cruise ships can offer. Head to Harrah’s for tournaments and cash games throughout the week.

Can I Play Online Freerolls in South Carolina?

Absolutely. Some online poker sites offer freerolls to anyone opening a new account. You can also join freerolls as part of the poker site’s regular promotions calendar. Check out some of our top-rated poker rooms, including SportsBetting.ag Poker and Americas Cardroom, for ample freeroll opportunities.

Are There Comp Points at South Carolina Poker Sites?

Yes, many online poker sites offer comp points when you play for real money. Use your comp points to purchase bonuses and gifts or exchange them for real cash that goes straight into your poker account.

Can You Predict the Results of an Online Poker Game?

Online poker games use a standard deck of cards that are shuffled after each hand. It’s impossible to guess accurately what cards will be dealt, plus you can never see your opponents’ cards as they play.

Are There Any Famous Poker Players from South Carolina?

David Hewitt, Mitchell Wayne Smith, and John “Hank” Sitton III are notable poker players from South Carolina. Hugh Henderson and Ben Diebold have also secured large prizes when playing poker in the state.

Is Ignition Legal in South Carolina?

Ignition Poker is not regulated by the South Carolina Gaming Commission. However, it operates offshore and is therefore open for business if you are based in SC. You must still provide some personal details when registering, such as your full name and date of birth.

Can You Play at BetOnline Poker from South Carolina?

Yes. BetOnline is registered offshore, but it accepts players from South Carolina who deposit money and play games. You must be 18 or over to open your poker account at BetOnline.

What’s the Difference Between P2P and Poker Games at Online Casinos?

You play traditional casino table poker games against the computer, and therefore, the house. Games like Caribbean Stud and Three-Card Poker are games of chance with set payouts and stakes. On the flip side, you play P2P poker games like Hold’em against other human opponents.

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