Gamblers who visit South Carolina expecting a high-quality casino will be sorely let down. Gamblers have just Big M Casino’s boat choices to look forward to. South Carolina has a state lottery, legalized horse racing betting, and sanctioned gambling for good causes. However, it is only a misdemeanor to participate in illegal forms of gambling like as casinos, internet gambling, poker, dog racing, and social gaming.
South Carolina has one of the lowest ratios of any state that allows gaming. Off-track betting, pari-mutuel facilities, and racetracks are all unavailable. Possession of a gaming table or gadget is a criminal offense. Even alternatives from other states are limited. The closest casino to residents is Harrah’s Cherokee, which is a three to four hour journey away in Western North Carolina.
The fact that South Carolina has experimented with gambling in various ways just adds to the strangeness of the situation. In the past, it was considered a progressive state. Every year, it brought in billions of dollars thanks to its hundreds of VLTs and video poker machines. Surprisingly, the South Carolina Supreme Court deemed the machines unlawful and ordered them taken down in June of 2000.
A baby allegedly suffocated while its mother was playing video poker, and this led to the decision. As a result of what happened, people generally dislike robots now. Regardless, South Carolina is the only state to have dabbled in gambling before turning tail and running.
Curiosities about the State
South Carolina’s beaches, historic areas, and golf courses continue to draw visitors even while the state’s casino industry is struggling. Located on the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile crescent of sandy beaches. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into a world-renowned vacation spot, complete with opulent resorts that rise above the city. Similarly, Hilton Head Island, located not far from the shore, welcomes more than 2 million people every year.
It would take 21 of South Carolina’s triangular states to fill up Alaska. South Carolina was the eighth of the original 13 colonies to enter the Union. It takes its nickname, “Palmetto State,” from the official state tree, the palmetto.
Casinos in South Carolina
The Catawba Indian Reservation has one place where bingo may be played for charitable events.
Blackjack, Craps, Three Card Poker, and Let It Ride are just some of the table games available at the Big M Casino. Slot machines, roulette, and other games of chance are also available. Two ships, complete with a buffet and a bar, set sail from the Little River shoreline, where the casino is located. They set sail from the harbor and go three miles out into international seas. Passengers must be at least 21 years old to gamble aboard the ship and must produce a government-issued picture ID upon check-in.
When no actual money or important assets are at stake, social gambling is legal, but the available games are restricted. When it comes to online gambling, DoubleDown Casino is your best bet. South Carolinians can play popular social games like Zynga Poker, Big Fish, and Slots.
Gambling is risky business, and locals and tourists alike should exercise prudence. Any violation of South Carolina’s stringent gambling regulations can result in hefty fines, jail time, or both.