South Carolina
Your Quick Guide to Gambling in South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the most restrictive gambling states in America. There are no commercial casinos, no sports betting, and no iGaming. The South Carolina Education Lottery is your only state regulated gambling option. Many residents drive to neighboring states for casino experiences.
Every Way to Gamble in South Carolina
The full picture; from the casino floor to your smartphone.
Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery draw games and scratch-offs. Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4. All revenue funds K-12 education.
Prediction Markets
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Sweepstakes Casinos
Online slots and table games with virtual coins redeemable for cash. Legal under promotional law, not gambling law.
Land-Based Casinos
No commercial casinos in South Carolina. Video poker was banned statewide in 2000.
Online Casino
iGaming is illegal. No online poker, blackjack, slots, or other online casino games.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is completely banned. Not available retail or online.
Horse Racing
No legal horse racing or pari-mutuel betting in the state.
Is Gambling Legal in South Carolina?
Gambling is highly restricted in South Carolina. Only the South Carolina Education Lottery is legal for commercial gambling. No commercial casinos, no sports betting, no iGaming, and no video poker (banned since 2000). Sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal gray area—they run under promotional law rather than gambling law. Many South Carolinians near borders drive to neighboring states for casino gambling.
South Carolina is among America's most restrictive gambling states. The state has consciously chosen to limit gambling to the Education Lottery, which dedicates all revenue to funding K-12 education and scholarships. This reflects the state's prioritization of education funding over gaming expansion.
The Video Poker Ban and Its Legacy
Video poker was once widespread throughout South Carolina in bars and restaurants before a statewide ban took effect in 2000. Thousands of machines were removed. Since then, no video gaming has been legal in the state. This ban reflects South Carolina's restrictive stance on gambling beyond the lottery.
Sweepstakes Casinos: A Legal Gray Area
Sweepstakes casinos are technically legal because they operate under promotional law rather than gambling law. Players use virtual coins earned for free or purchased at discount, with the option to redeem winnings for cash. This legal distinction allows them to operate where traditional iGaming cannot.
Gambling Options in Nearby States
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Read Full BioFAQs
No. South Carolina bans commercial casino gambling and has no tribal casinos. If you want a casino experience, you must cross into North Carolina (Harrah's Cherokee), Georgia, or another neighboring state.
No. Sports betting is completely banned in South Carolina—both retail and online.
Video poker was widespread until a statewide ban took effect in 2000. Thousands of machines disappeared from bars and restaurants. It has been illegal ever since.
iGaming is banned. However, sweepstakes casinos operate under promotional law and are legal. The South Carolina Education Lottery does not offer online play.
All South Carolina Education Lottery proceeds fund K-12 education and college scholarships.
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