South Carolina’s relationship with gambling has been tumultuous, with a history marked by stringent regulations and dramatic industry overhauls. Tracing back to the 90s, the state witnessed a boom in video poker machines at local venues; however, a heart-wrenching tragedy shifted public opinion, causing a crackdown that all but eradicated the industry.
Today, South Carolina’s legal gambling outlets are sparse, primarily limited to the Big M Casino cruise ships. When it comes to B&M sportsbooks in South Carolina, the state’s Constitution explicitly forbids it, and attempts to reform this have been few and unsuccessful.
Hence, residents looking to place wagers on sports within state boundaries are left without options, reflecting South Carolina’s historically conservative stance on gambling.
Despite the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s gambling history, South Carolina land-based sportsbooks are noticeably absent from the scene. As the brick-and-mortar sports betting landscape in the Palmetto State remains undeveloped, South Carolinians are left seeking alternatives.
In this review, we’ll guide you through the available avenues and highlight the best options for residents eager to place their bets on their favorite sports and teams. Given the current landscape in South Carolina, we turn our attention towards neighboring North Carolina, which has recently opened its doors to sports betting, offering promising opportunities for South Carolinians.
Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Phone: +1 828-497-7777
Caesars Sportsbook is operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in Reno, Nevada. Originally known as Eldorado Resorts, the company rebranded to Caesars Entertainment on July 20, 2020, after acquiring Caesars Entertainment Corporation. The enterprise’s extensive history in the gaming and hospitality sector solidifies its standing as a prominent name in sports betting.
Located directly on the casino floor, Caesars Sportsbook offers both ticket windows and user-friendly self-serve kiosks for bettors. The space features advanced viewing areas with HD and 4K TVs, complemented by a prominent 90-foot game wall. It’s a dedicated spot for sports fans to engage with their favorite games and enjoy the atmosphere.
Caesars Sportsbook caters to enthusiasts with a broad spectrum of betting opportunities. For those keen on major American leagues, the platform covers everything from football and baseball to basketball and hockey. Globally, it embraces events in tennis, golf, boxing, and motorsports.
With diverse bet types, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/unders (totals), prop bets, and futures, Caesars ensures a thorough sports betting experience for both beginners and seasoned aficionados.
Caesars isn’t just about placing bets. Guests can indulge in its luxurious hotel rooms, try their luck with an array of slots and table games in the casino, and capitalize on ongoing casino promotions.
For entertainment, there’s a roster of stellar shows, a variety of dining options from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries, vibrant nightlife experiences, and shopping outlets for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
Address: 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906, USA
Phone: +1 828-422-7777
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino is another jewel in the crown of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., a titan in the casino and hospitality industry with origins tracing back to Eldorado Resorts. Rooted in Reno, Nevada, the company embarked on a new era when it took on its present identity in 2020 after acquiring Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
The Caesars Sportsbook offers a comprehensive betting experience with a 32-foot high-definition screen, designated viewing areas, and accessible kiosks. Additionally, there’s a bar for refreshments and specific sections for video poker. Bettors can easily place real-time wagers on significant sporting events through both staffed windows and kiosks.
The sportsbook at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino presents a diverse assortment of betting opportunities. Patrons can wager on prominent American sports events, encompassing basketball, baseball, football, and ice hockey, as well as international sensations like golf and boxing.
Among the betting styles available, enthusiasts will find futures bets, prop bets, point spreads, and teasers, catering to both novices and seasoned bettors alike.
At Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, beyond the sportsbook, visitors can explore a range of facilities. The establishment boasts a hotel for accommodations, multiple dining venues, and a bustling casino floor. Additionally, there’s a golf course for enthusiasts, and regular casino promotions offer added engagement.
Address: 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA
Phone: +1 704-750-7777
Launched in September 2022, the Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook is a venture by the Catawba Indian Nation. Their headquarters lie just 15 miles south of Charlotte. Delaware North oversees the management of the sportsbook’s operations.
Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook presents a diverse range of betting options. Central to their offerings are point spread bets, based on team score margins, and money line wagers on game outcomes.
More complex bets include totals on combined scores, parlays involving multiple predictions, round robins with various parlay combinations, and future bets for predicting long-term outcomes. This sportsbook ensures bettors have ample avenues for their strategies and predictions.
Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook is more than just a sports betting hub. Its location boasts a variety of amenities to elevate the visitor experience. Adjacent to the sportsbook, patrons can indulge in the vibrant casino atmosphere or savor diverse culinary delights at the dining venues.
Special promos & events frequently add to the excitement. For those traveling from afar or looking for an extended stay, area hotels provide convenient lodging options. Group travelers will appreciate the bus group services, while enthusiasts can join the Lucky North® Club for exclusive benefits.
The Palmetto state has yet to establish legal offline South Carolina sportsbooks within its borders. For sports enthusiasts in the Palmetto State, their primary option is to explore South Carolina online sportsbooks for placing their bets.
In South Carolina, both pari-mutuel and exchange betting are expressly prohibited. The state doesn’t host any race tracks or off-track betting facilities for placing wagers on races. Despite holding annual horse racing events, betting on these races is not permitted.
South Carolina residents seeking to engage in South Carolina sports betting can refer to our meticulously curated list, highlighting the safest online sportsbooks that promise not only a great user experience but also enhanced security features.
At present, South Carolina casinos have yet to be legalized. Those in the state who are keen on such activities often find themselves looking beyond their borders to satisfy their wagering desires.
Fortunately, just next door in North Carolina, there are a number of reputable casino resorts that offer sports betting. If you’re up for a brief trip, considering our list of recommended North Carolina casino resorts with sports betting can give you a premium betting experience.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to stay within state lines, why not try these online casinos for real money in SCa? They might offer a different yet equally thrilling gaming experience.
Here is a list of betting locations in North Carolina:
Embarking on cruise ships and riverboat journeys is a delightful escape for many in South Carolina. However, for those passionate about South Carolina sports betting, these ventures might seem a tad lacking.
The good news? South Carolina betting apps are here to bridge that gap. So, even when you’re sailing or drifting along the state’s beautiful waterways, you can still indulge in some thrilling sports betting action right at your fingertips.
| Cruise | Cruise |
| Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise | Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise |
| Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise | Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger |
| Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise | Hilton Head: Sunset or Daytime Dolphin Watching Cruise |
| Charleston: Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise Tour | Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise |
| North Myrtle Beach: Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat | Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise |
| Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch | Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah |
While in-person sports betting venues might be absent in South Carolina, online South Carolina sportsbooks make up for it with a plethora of options. Virtually any sport you can think of is available at these online sportsbooks.
In South Carolina, while the venues might be limited, the diversity in bet types online certainly isn’t. From simple straight bets to more complex parlays, there’s an option for every type of bettor.
Additionally, for those looking to get started without an initial investment, various online platforms offer promotions such as SC no-deposit bonuses.
Here’s a list of bet types these platforms commonly offer:
South Carolina is home to a vibrant sports culture, featuring a mix of college teams that enjoy strong fan support. While the state doesn’t have any major professional sports franchises, it more than compensates with passionate college sports enthusiasts. Here’s a list of some prominent college teams in South Carolina:
| Team | Sport | League |
| Clemson Tigers | Football | NCAA Division I |
| South Carolina Gamecocks | Football | NCAA Division I |
| Clemson Tigers | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| South Carolina Gamecocks | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Baseball | NCAA Division I |
| South Carolina Gamecocks | Baseball | NCAA Division I |
| Clemson Tigers | Soccer | NCAA Division I |
| College of Charleston Cougars | Baseball | NCAA Division I |
| Furman Paladins | Football | NCAA Division I |
| Winthrop Eagles | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Wofford Terriers | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Citadel Bulldogs | Football | NCAA Division I |
| South Carolina State Bulldogs | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Presbyterian Blue Hose | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Francis Marion Patriots | Baseball | NCAA Division II |
South Carolina’s journey through the gambling landscape has been both intriguing and tumultuous. The late 90s saw the state emerge as a budding center for video poker, with over 34,000 machines lighting up local gas stations and convenience stores.
Yet, an unfortunate incident involving a video poker player turned the tide of public sentiment. The resulting backlash was swift and led to the Supreme Court of South Carolina taking a firm stand against these machines by 2000.
Today, Big M Casino’s cruise ships are the sole remnants of that once-thriving scene. But what about the digital age? Let’s delve into the current status of various online gambling sectors in South Carolina.
The atmosphere for poker enthusiasts is quite restrictive in South Carolina. Live poker sessions are limited to casino cruises, which means residents keen on a game typically head north to establishments like Harrah’s Cherokee.
While the state hasn’t formally greenlit South Carolina poker sites, the federal stance, as defined by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, means local enterprises can’t launch poker platforms. Playing on international platforms remains a gray area, necessitating legal advice for those keen to deal in.
After the decline of the video poker era, casino cruise ships by Big M Casino became the sole legal entities offering live gambling. These ships host various games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette.
Online casinos, like digital casino platforms in South Carolina, haven’t been legalized. A notable portion of South Carolina’s populace is against internet gambling, which means launching local online casino platforms remains a distant dream. While offshore casino sites offer a solution, their legality in South Carolina remains ambiguous.
The state constitution of South Carolina stands clear in its prohibition of SC sportsbooks. Efforts to alter this, like the 2017 House Bill No. 3102, haven’t seen much success.
As of now, both online and offline South Carolina sports betting are unregulated in South Carolina, meaning residents have no legal avenues within the state to enjoy a SC sportsbook.
While 2016 witnessed the introduction of a DFS bill, it never saw the light of the day. Despite this legislative hiccup, major DFS platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings are still accessible to residents. The Attorney General’s Office has yet to make a definitive stance on the matter.
The South Carolina Education Lottery, established in 2000, remains the official state lottery. Players have access to local and national draws, encompassing fan favorites like Mega Millions and Powerball. However, there’s a catch – the lottery does not permit online ticket sales, so you’ll have to visit a local retailer to purchase your ticket.
Charitable South Carolina bingo has legal approval within the state. Managed under the Department of Revenue Bingo Licensing and Enforcement Unit, the state does not offer commercial bingo establishments or sanctioned online platforms. Those wishing to play on global bingo sites must tread carefully given the uncertain legal landscape.
South Carolina, rich in history and culture, has its share of indigenous tribes. While Indian gaming casinos are currently absent in the state, the tribal heritage remains evident and plays an integral role in the state’s identity. Here are the recognized tribes in South Carolina:
Aside from federally recognized tribes, there are state-recognized and non-recognized tribes. State-recognized tribes have received recognition at the state level but not at the federal level.
In South Carolina, concern for individuals grappling with gambling addiction has led to the establishment of various helplines and services dedicated to support and recovery. The state recognizes the complexities of such an addiction, which can have profound personal, financial, and social repercussions.
The S.C. Gambling Helpline at 1-877-452-5155 is a prominent resource, offering immediate assistance to those in need. Further, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) provides a comprehensive overview of services related to gambling addiction in South Carolina.
Contacts for Assistance:
Those facing gambling addiction in South Carolina have a community ready to assist, ensuring that help is accessible and recovery is possible.
Always remember, regardless of where or how you gamble, it’s paramount to wager responsibly on South Carolina sportsbooks and recognize when it’s time to seek help or take a break.
South Carolina currently prohibits wagering on all South Carolina sportsbooks. However, legislators are now deliberating on its legalization. A bill suggesting the permission of online sports betting is under review in a South Carolina state House committee, with a proposed tax rate of 10%, though this percentage may be adjusted.
In South Carolina, the legal age for participating in charitable gambling and the lottery is 18, but to enjoy casino gaming on casino cruises, one must be at least 21. Remember, US gambling laws by state can differ significantly.
The legal framework for gambling in South Carolina is notably stringent. However, it doesn’t explicitly prohibit offshore alternatives. These offshore South Carolina sportsbooks readily welcome South Carolina residents with open arms.
Regarding daily fantasy sports, South Carolina exists in a legal gray area. This implies that while DFS isn’t explicitly illegal, it isn’t regulated or taxed by any gaming commission either. Nonetheless, DFS platforms do allow participants from South Carolina to enter contests.
The repeal of PASPA in 2018 did not have a significant impact on South Carolina’s gambling scene. The state has not yet legalized South Carolina sports betting, and there is no indication that it will do so in the near future.
As of today, South Carolina sports betting is not legal. However, there is some support for legalization in the state legislature.
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