House Bill 4176 appears stuck in committee, with its path forward uncertain
A proposal to bring casino gambling to South Carolina is already losing momentum early in the 2026 legislative session. House Bill 4176, which would allow a casino to be built along Interstate 95 in Santee, was recently sent back to the House Ways and Means Committee. Since then, no further action has been taken.
The bill seeks to expand gambling beyond the state lottery, which is currently the only legal option in South Carolina. Supporters say the project could boost economic growth in the region. Greenville businessman Wallace Cheves, a key backer, has spent years promoting the idea of a casino development in Santee.
Cheves argues the project could generate more than $100 million a year in tax revenue. An amendment to the bill would direct 35% of the casino’s privilege tax revenue to the state’s Conservation Bank and 30% to the Veterans’ Trust Fund. That change has led some lawmakers to reconsider their earlier opposition.
Despite those adjustments, resistance remains strong. Religious groups, including the Palmetto Family Alliance, have voiced concerns about the social impact of expanded gambling. Critics question whether potential revenue gains are worth the possible harm to families and communities.
State behavioral health officials have also raised alarms. They note that gambling can trigger the same reward systems in the brain as drugs and alcohol, increasing the risk of addiction. Expanded gambling, they say, would likely require additional treatment resources.
Lawmakers are also reviewing a separate proposal that would legalize sports betting, though that measure has yet to advance.
