The current legislative session ends in less than two weeks, giving the bill little time for approvals
Efforts to legalize casino gambling in South Carolina appear unlikely to succeed this legislative session, despite a push from Orangeburg County residents and some state lawmakers. A House Ways and Means subcommittee held a hearing on three gambling-related bills this week, but took no vote, and with the session ending soon, time is running out for any movement.
The proposal attracting the most attention would authorize a casino near Santee, close to Interstate 95. Supporters argue the project could breathe new life into the region’s economy by creating jobs and boosting tourism. Plans for a resort-style casino near Lake Marion already exist, with private developer Wallace Cheves pledging not to seek taxpayer funding for the billion-dollar project.
Representative Jerry Govan emphasized that the casino could transform a struggling rural area, calling it an opportunity that should not be overlooked. Cheves, a major Republican donor, stressed the project would be a privately funded initiative, aiming to revitalize Orangeburg County, where poverty rates are high.
However, strong opposition remains. Faith-based groups like the South Carolina Baptist Convention and Palmetto Family Council, along with other religious organizations, warned legislators that gambling preys on vulnerable populations and could cause social harm. Critics pointed to the potential for addiction and financial ruin among residents.
Adding to the debate, leaders of the Catawba Nation also spoke against the bill, noting the irony that South Carolina lawmakers are now considering a casino near Santee — a location where the tribe previously tried and failed to establish gaming operations decades ago.
Even if the bills were to somehow gain traction next year, they would face an uphill battle. Governor Henry McMaster has reiterated his firm opposition to legalized gambling, signaling he would likely veto any measure that reached his desk. For now, South Carolina’s gambling landscape remains unchanged.
