Online casinos are growing in popularity across the United States, but what are your options if you live in South Carolina?
This guide covers everything you need to know about online casinos in the state, including what is legal, the best sweepstakes and social casinos, and how to play for real prizes.
We also highlight key South Carolina gambling laws and what to expect in the future.
Whether you are new to online gaming or looking for a better platform, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Are online casinos legal in South Carolina?
No, real-money online casinos are not legal in South Carolina as of 2025. The state has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country. Traditional casino gambling, sports betting, and online casinos are all prohibited under state law.
No commercial casinos or tribal casinos are operating within state borders. The only form of casino-style gambling that is permitted is aboard offshore casino cruises, which operate in international waters once they leave port.
However, South Carolina residents still have legal ways to enjoy casino-style games online through sweepstakes casinos and social casinos. These platforms follow federal sweepstakes laws and are accessible from most U.S. states, including South Carolina.
Legal alternatives to real-money casinos in South Carolina
Although traditional online casinos are off-limits, players in South Carolina can legally use sweepstakes and social casinos. These platforms do not require real-money gambling and instead use virtual currencies. Some of these currencies can be redeemed for real prizes, including cash.
1. Sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos operate using a dual-currency system. You receive one type of virtual coin for entertainment play and another (usually called Sweeps Coins or SC) that can be redeemed for cash or other prizes.
Key features:
- No purchase necessary to play or win
- Operates under U.S. sweepstakes law
- Games include slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker
- Offers welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
Popular sweepstakes casinos available in South Carolina include:
WOW Vegas
WOW Vegas stands out as one of the most complete sweepstakes casinos in the US, offering over 1,800 games from providers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Betsoft.
Players get a generous welcome package of 1.75 million WOW Coins and 35 free Sweeps Coins with purchase, plus regular promotions like daily spins, tournaments, and giveaways.
The platform’s WOW Jackpot feature and live dealer games add depth beyond standard slots and bingo. Banking is flexible with over 10 purchase methods and fast redemptions via Skrill, Trustly, or Prizeout.
While it lacks RNG table games and a mobile app, the mobile site is polished and easy to use. WOW Vegas is ideal for players looking for a high-quality, prize-friendly social casino with top-tier content.
McLuck Casino
McLuck is one of the top-performing sweepstakes casinos in 2025, offering 1,000+ games from 30+ providers and standout features like live dealer games from both Playtech and ICONIC21.
It’s in-house “McJackpot” progressive network adds a second jackpot layer to every spin, and players can redeem prizes with as little as 10 SC via gift cards. The mobile experience is exceptional thanks to fully rated iOS and Android apps, which offer smoother performance than the browser version.
Bonuses are solid, especially the 50k GC + 25 SC first-purchase deal and a generous referral program. While it lacks RNG table games and scratch cards, its variety in slots, Slingo, and live content more than makes up for it. McLuck is a go-to pick for players who want high-quality gameplay with fast redemptions and a premium mobile experience.
Stake.us
Stake.us is a top-tier sweepstakes casino offering 1,800+ games, including exclusive Stake Originals, scratchcards, table games, and live dealers from brands like Evolution and Pragmatic Play.
Players can start with 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 Stake Cash using the SWEEPSKINGS promo code, one of the most generous no-purchase bonuses in the industry. The entire platform is crypto-based, supporting over 10 cryptocurrencies for purchases and redemptions, with instant withdrawal times. A major standout is the polished user interface and the Apple-native apps, though Android users are left waiting.
Stake’s VIP program is packed with perks like rakeback and weekly rewards, and tournaments run nearly every day. If you’re looking for a sweepstakes casino that feels like a real-money experience, Stake.us sets the bar high.
Fortune Coins
Fortune Coins stands out for its generous no-deposit bonus of 650,000 Gold Coins and 1,400 Fortune Coins, making it one of the best starting offers in the sweepstakes casino space.
It features over 1,200 games from respected developers like Relax Gaming, Hacksaw, and Pragmatic Play, with standout options like jackpot slots, fish games, and instant win titles. The casino supports all the basic payment methods and allows prize redemptions from just 5,000 FC, though players must pass KYC checks first. While game variety is excellent, table game fans may be disappointed with the lack of blackjack or baccarat, and RTPs on many slots hover below industry averages.
Its mobile browser version runs smoother than desktop, and social media giveaways and tournaments add extra excitement for regular players. Fortune Coins is ideal for bonus hunters and casual gamers who want a wide game selection and easy access to prizes.
High 5 Casino
High 5 Casino delivers a premium social casino experience with over 1,750 games, daily bonuses, and one of the most unique reward systems in the space. Its three-currency model — Game Coins, Sweeps Coins, and Diamonds — adds depth to gameplay, especially with the Diamonds enabling bonus boosts in selected games.
New players get 5 SC, 250 GC, and 600 Diamonds with no deposit required. High 5 excels in slot variety and live dealer options, but lacks fish games and crypto support. Redemptions start at 50 SC for gift cards or 100 SC for cash, though processing can take up to 10 days.
The native iOS and Android apps run smoothly, and the UX across devices is polished.
Players looking for a feature-rich sweepstakes casino with ongoing free play, VIP perks, and exclusive game mechanics will find a lot to like here.
Golden Hearts Games
Golden Hearts Games stands out for its charitable model and generous no-purchase bonus. New players receive 250,000 Gold Coins and 3.5 Sweeps Coins for free, with no need to download an app or make a payment.
The site features over 200 games, including slots, scratch cards, bingo, and video poker, though it lacks live dealer options. The clean, user-friendly layout works seamlessly on desktop and mobile browsers. You can play with virtual Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins, which are redeemable for real prizes once wagered.
Purchases are optional, and the $9.99 first package offers excellent value with 12,500 SC. While customer support is email-based and there’s no live chat, the help center is thorough.
It’s not the most advanced platform, but for players seeking casual games, easy navigation, and a feel-good angle, since a portion of proceeds supports charitable causes, Golden Hearts delivers.
2. Social casinos
Social casinos offer free games strictly for entertainment. Players use virtual coins and cannot win real-money prizes. These platforms are legal in all U.S. states and are often accessed via Facebook, mobile apps, or desktop browsers.
Top social casinos include:
- Slotomania
- DoubleDown Casino
- House of Fun
Best sweepstakes casinos in South Carolina
Below are some of the most trusted sweepstakes casinos that are legal and available in South Carolina.
Each has been tested by our team at Sporting Post to ensure fair gameplay, ease of use, and redeemable prize options.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Top Games | Prize Redemption |
| WOW Vegas | 5 SC + 1.5M Gold Coins | Vegas-style slots, keno | Cash, gift cards |
| McLuck Casino | 7.5 SC + 2M Gold Coins | Slots, fishing games, roulette | Cash prizes |
| Stake.us | 260K Gold Coins + 5 SC | Crypto-themed slots, blackjack | Cash, crypto (via SC) |
| Fortune Coins | 140K Gold Coins + 500 FC | Classic slots, table games | Cash via PayPal |
| High 5 Casino | 250 Free Coins | Exclusive slot titles | Gift cards (in events) |
| Golden Hearts | $10 donation credit | Bingo, charity-based rewards | Gift card donations |
How do sweepstakes casinos work?
Sweepstakes casinos do not require a real-money deposit to play. Instead, they offer a free-play model based on virtual currencies.
Gold Coins (GC)
Used for standard play. You can earn them through login bonuses, social sharing, or by purchasing coin packages.
Sweeps Coins (SC) or equivalent
These are the prize-eligible coins. You can earn them for free or receive them as a bonus when purchasing Gold Coins. SCs can be redeemed for cash or other real prizes after meeting the minimum threshold and verification requirements.
Here is a basic comparison:
| Feature | Gold Coins | Sweeps Coins (or equivalent) |
| Used for | Entertainment only | Redeemable sweepstakes entries |
| Can be purchased | Yes | No direct purchase |
| Can be redeemed | No | Yes (for cash/gift cards) |
| Legal in SC | Yes | Yes |
Can I win real money at these sites?
Yes, but only through the sweepstakes model. If you use platforms like Stake.us or McLuck, you can redeem SC or other prize-eligible coins for real-world rewards once you’ve met the minimum redemption requirements.
Common prize options include:
- Cash transfers via PayPal or ACH
- Gift cards to major retailers
- Donations to verified charities (Golden Hearts Games)
Always check each casino’s redemption terms and processing times before committing to gameplay.
Pros and cons of Legal South Carolina online casinos (sweepstakes)
Pros:
- 100% legal under U.S. law
- No real-money deposit required
- Redeemable prizes including cash and gift cards
- Available on desktop and mobile
- Wide variety of casino-style games
Cons:
- No real-money betting or high stakes
- Redemption limits may apply
- Some sites have slower verification processes
- Fewer table game options than traditional casinos
South Carolina gambling laws: what to know
Gambling is heavily restricted in South Carolina. Here is a quick summary:
| Type of Gambling | Legal in South Carolina? |
| Retail casinos | No |
| Online casinos | No |
| Online sports betting | No |
| Horse racing betting | No |
| Lottery | Yes (SC Education Lottery) |
| Charitable raffles | Yes (regulated) |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Yes (federally compliant) |
| Daily fantasy sports | Unregulated (gray area) |
South Carolina lawmakers have introduced bills in the past to expand gambling, but none have passed. For now, sweepstakes casinos remain the best legal online option for casino players in the state.
Future outlook for online casinos in South Carolina
There is currently no active legislation to legalize online casinos or sports betting in South Carolina. However, neighboring states such as North Carolina are moving forward with gambling expansions. This may eventually increase pressure on South Carolina to revisit its outdated laws.
Until then, players in the state can safely enjoy sweepstakes and social casino gaming for free and for prizes.
Where to find the best online casino South Carolina options
At Sporting Post, we maintain a curated guide to the top online casino South Carolina platforms, with a focus on legal sweepstakes and social casinos. These sites are fully compliant with state laws, offer secure gameplay, and let players win real prizes through the sweepstakes model.
We personally review each site, analyzing welcome bonuses, game selection, prize eligibility, and redemption policies. Whether you’re playing casually or aiming to redeem prizes, our South Carolina online casino guide helps you find the platform that fits your goals.
Visit Sporting Post for Comparison
Real-money online casinos are not legal in South Carolina, but that does not mean you are out of options. Sweepstakes casinos provide a legal and exciting alternative with free-to-play games and redeemable prizes.
If you are looking to play slots, table games, or bingo from home, sweepstakes platforms like WOW Vegas, Stake.us, and McLuck are worth checking out.
For a full comparison of the top-rated casinos available in your state, visit Sporting Post and explore our expert picks for the best online casino South Carolina platforms.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
