Gambling laws in South Carolina are some of the strictest in the United States. While other states have embraced online casinos, mobile sports betting, and poker platforms, South Carolina continues to maintain conservative rules regarding most forms of wagering.
In this guide, we break down exactly what is and is not legal, what your options are as a player, and how sweepstakes and social casinos allow South Carolina residents to play casino-style games legally.
Is gambling legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina law prohibits most forms of gambling. Traditional casinos, online casinos, poker, and sports betting are all banned under current state law. The South Carolina Code of Laws explicitly defines and bans most games of chance, including those played with cards or dice, if played for money or anything of value.
That said, there are legal exceptions and alternative gaming options available through sweepstakes models, state lotteries, and charitable raffles. Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos have emerged as a legal gray area that is allowed under federal law when structured properly. These platforms offer games with virtual currencies and redemption models that do not violate South Carolina’s anti-gambling statutes.
South Carolina online gambling laws
Online gambling, including real-money online casinos, is not legal in South Carolina. The state has not passed legislation to regulate or permit online casinos, poker sites, or mobile sportsbooks. Internet-based gambling is considered illegal under South Carolina’s broad definition of unlawful games of chance.
However, sweepstakes casinos and social gaming platforms are an exception. These websites allow users to play slots, table games, and bingo using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Because no purchase is required and winnings can only be redeemed via a sweepstakes process, these platforms are considered compliant with federal sweepstakes law and operate legally in South Carolina.
How to gamble online in South Carolina
While traditional online casinos and sportsbooks are not available, South Carolina players still have legal options to enjoy online gambling-style entertainment. The most popular options are sweepstakes casinos and social casinos.
These platforms offer casino-style games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and more using virtual currencies. Users can earn free coins through daily login bonuses, mail-in sweepstakes entries, and social media promotions. In the case of sweepstakes casinos, players can redeem Sweeps Coins for real cash prizes once they meet the playthrough requirements.
To get started:
- Choose a reputable sweepstakes casino.
- Sign up using a valid South Carolina address.
- Claim a no-purchase welcome bonus.
- Play games using Gold Coins (for fun) or Sweeps Coins (for a chance at real prizes).
- Redeem Sweeps Coins for gift cards or cash via bank transfer if eligible.
Platforms like Stake.us, McLuck, WOW Vegas, and Fortune Coins are all legal options for players in South Carolina.
Is sports betting legal in South Carolina?
As of 2025, sports betting remains illegal in South Carolina. Despite multiple legislative attempts in recent years, no bill has passed to legalize or regulate sports wagering either online or in person. Both daily fantasy sports and traditional sports betting are unregulated and considered unlawful under current state law.
There have been discussions about future legalization efforts, particularly given neighboring states like North Carolina moving forward with mobile sports betting. However, until new laws are passed, South Carolina residents do not have access to any legal sportsbooks.
Are there casinos in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have any land-based commercial or tribal casinos. The only gambling-style venue permitted in the state is the Big M Casino, a cruise ship that departs from Little River and sails into international waters where gambling is legal.
On land, there are no casino resorts, poker rooms, or slot parlors. All traditional casino-style gaming remains banned. Residents seeking casino gambling must either visit cruise ships that travel outside state waters or explore online sweepstakes casinos that comply with state and federal guidelines.
Can you gamble online in South Carolina?
You cannot legally place bets or play at real-money online casinos in South Carolina. However, sweepstakes casinos provide a legal alternative. These platforms use a dual-currency model where users play with Gold Coins for entertainment or Sweeps Coins for the chance to win real prizes.
This model complies with sweepstakes law and is not considered illegal gambling under South Carolina statutes. As long as no purchase is required to play and prizes are awarded via random draws, the platform is allowed to operate in the state.
If you are looking for a safe and legal way to gamble online in South Carolina, we recommend using top-rated sweepstakes casinos. You can check out our full list of legal operators, bonuses, and reviews at Sporting Post.
Does South Carolina have casinos?
No, South Carolina does not have casinos in the traditional sense. There are no tribal casinos, no commercial gaming resorts, and no legal slot machines on land.
The only form of casino-style gambling is available aboard the Big M Casino cruise ship, which offers table games and slots once it reaches international waters. Other than that, residents must look to sweepstakes casinos or travel out of state to find legal brick-and-mortar casinos.
Final thoughts on South Carolina gambling laws
South Carolina has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. However, thanks to the rise of sweepstakes and social casinos, residents can still enjoy casino-style games in a legal way.
If you are wondering where to start, our guide to the best online casino South Carolina platforms highlights legal sites with generous welcome bonuses and fun games. While you won’t find traditional online casinos or sportsbooks just yet, there are still safe and entertaining options available for South Carolina players.
For updates on legislation and new gaming platforms, check back regularly with Sporting Post.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
