Top South Carolina Online Casinos List For December, 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for South Carolina online casinos! If you’re eager to start playing all your favorite slots and table games from the comfort of your home, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to know about online casinos in South Carolina, including legal considerations, popular platforms, strategies and tips, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the online casino scene, we’ve got you covered. Now, let’s dive in and discover the best options for your online gaming adventures in the Palmetto State!

Are Online Casinos Legal in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s gambling laws are among the strictest in the United States. The state prohibits all forms of internet gambling, including sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, and online casino play. Online and mobile casinos that offer real-money wagering on casino games are not allowed to operate in the state or accept players from within South Carolina’s borders.

In addition, South Carolina is one of only eight U.S. states that do not offer any commercial or tribal casinos (the others being Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont). As of December 2024, the only legal forms of gambling in South Carolina are state lottery games and charitable gaming.

Fortunately, South Carolina casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck and still have a few different ways to get in on the action. South Carolina’s Big “M” Casino offers two luxury yachts that set sail out of Little River and travel into international waters, allowing all passengers to legally gamble on slot machines, roulette, and card table games.

Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are also completely legal in the Palmetto State. These free-to-play platforms offer a wide selection of casino-style games, do not require an initial deposit or payment of any kind, and often give players a chance to win cash, gift cards, merchandise, and other exciting prizes. We will cover social and sweepstakes casinos in further detail in the next section.

Different Types of South Carolina Casinos

To help simplify things, we have divided South Carolina casinos into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and retail casinos. The major similarities and differences between these types of casinos, as well as their current availability in the state of South Carolina, are discussed below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are digital platforms where players can gamble and wager actual money on various casino games through the Internet. These casinos offer a wide range of games, including slots, table games like blackjack and roulette, poker, and more. Players can create accounts, deposit funds, and withdraw winnings using secure online payment methods.

Unfortunately, online casino gambling is not yet legal in the state of South Carolina. There are currently only seven U.S. states that have legalized and currently regulate real-money online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As a result, for the time being, South Carolina residents will need to take a trip north and visit one of those states in order to gain access to these types of platforms.

Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos

Social casinos, also referred to as sweepstakes casinos, are innovative platforms that offer a similar experience to real-money online casinos, as both provide a wide selection of casino games for players to enjoy from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an Internet connection.

However, there is one key distinction. While real-money online casinos involve actual monetary wagers, social and sweepstakes casinos operate using virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins) that can be earned for free through welcome offers, daily login rewards, referral programs, and other bonus opportunities.

Although social casinos and sweepstakes casinos do not offer real-money wagering, they do typically give players a chance to redeem their virtual currency for real cash prizes through sweepstakes-style promotions. Both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in the state of South Carolina and serve as a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos.

Land-Based Casinos

Land-based casinos, also commonly known as brick-and-mortar casinos, are physical establishments where players can gamble on a wide range of casino games. These casinos feature slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and sometimes additional amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Players visit the casino in person to play and wager real money.

As previously mentioned, South Carolina is one of the few U.S. states that is not home to any land-based casinos. It is illegal to conduct any type of commercial gambling operation in South Carolina, and the state’s only federally recognized Native American tribe (the Catawba Indian Nation) does not currently operate any gaming facilities in the Palmetto State.

List Of The Best South Carolina Social Casinos?

All of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are currently available in South Carolina. Here are a few of the top virtual gaming destinations to consider joining today:

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Fortune Coins is one of the top sweepstakes casinos across the United States and Canada. The platform offers over 150 games to all players, including a fantastic selection of virtual slot machines with a wide array of themes, gameplay mechanics, and bonus features. In addition, Fortune Coins has a very user-friendly website, ensuring players will be able to navigate between different categories of games and make prize redemptions with ease.

Hard Rock Social Casino

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: Hard Rock Social Casino Review

Hard Rock Social Casino, also commonly known as Hard Rock Jackpot Casino, has offered a top-tier virtual gaming experience since its initial launch in 2018. The site provides users access to more than 200 casino games from some of the top developers in the industry, including Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, and Everi. Players will also enjoy frequent bonuses and promotions while playing for a chance to win tickets to concerts and sporting events and many other exciting rewards.

MyJackpot.com

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: MyJackpot.com Review

Another great option is MyJackpot.com, which has established itself as one of North America’s most popular social casinos. The website provides an excellent selection of slots and progressive jackpots as well as one of the best customer rewards programs in the industry. MyJackpot.com is also very well known for its excellent customer service and the generous welcome offer provided to all new players on the site.

Pulsz Casino

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Full Review: Pulsz Casino Review

Last but not least, Pulsz Casino offers an online casino gaming experience like no other. The platform gives players access to over 500 Vegas-style casino games, including countless slots and a solid selection of table games. Additionally, Pulsz Casino offers daily login rewards, social media contests, and weekly giveaways to help players accumulate virtual currency and increase their chances of winning real cash prizes and digital gift cards.

South Carolina Retail Casinos List

In South Carolina, retail casinos, also known as land-based casinos or brick-and-mortar casinos, are not available due to the state’s strict gambling laws. Neither tribal casinos nor commercial casinos operate within South Carolina’s jurisdiction. However, there is an exception in the form of The Big “M” Casino.

The Big “M” Casino

• Address: 4491 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC 29566
• Phone Number: (843) 249-9811

The Big “M” Casino is the only place for gambling in South Carolina. It is a cruise ship that sails six days a week from Little River, South Carolina (about 20 miles north of Myrtle Beach) and offers passengers access to slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and video poker once they have reached international waters, where casino gambling is permitted.

Residents and visitors of the Palmetto Cruise who are 21 years or older can choose between day and evening cruises, and they will get to enjoy plenty of dining options and a fully-stocked bar while on board. The Big “M” Casino cruise offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals seeking a thrilling gambling experience combined with picturesque ocean views along the South Carolina coast.

Can I Use Offshore Casinos in South Carolina?

Although you may come across some websites that claim to offer online casino gambling to South Carolina residents, it’s important to note that using these platforms (commonly referred to as offshore casinos) within the state’s jurisdiction is not legal.

South Carolina has strict laws that prohibit online gambling, including accessing and participating in real-money wagering through offshore casinos. These laws aim to maintain control over gambling activities and protect residents from potential risks associated with unregulated online gambling platforms.

Engaging in online gambling through offshore casinos can expose individuals to various legal and financial risks. There is no regulatory oversight to ensure fair gameplay, protection of personal information and financial information, or reliable customer support. Additionally, if discovered, individuals could potentially face legal consequences for participating in illegal gambling activities.

To ensure a safe and legal gambling experience, it is advisable to respect South Carolina’s laws and seek alternative options that fall within the boundaries of the state’s regulations. Exploring social casinos, sweepstakes casinos, or considering the Big “M” Casino cruise ship can provide legal avenues for enjoying casino gaming while adhering to South Carolina’s gambling laws.

How To Sign Up & Start Playing Casino Games in South Carolina

What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in South Carolina?

South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. The state has a long history of conservative attitudes toward gambling and has implemented regulations that significantly limit gambling activities within its borders. Provided below is a general overview of the legality of various forms of online and in-person betting in the state of South Carolina.

Sports Betting

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting and giving each state the opportunity to legalize and regulate the activity within their borders. Today, more than 75% of U.S. states have made sports betting legal in some capacity. Unfortunately, South Carolina is not one of those states and continues to outlaw the practice.

Since 2018, South Carolina lawmakers have made several attempts to legalize mobile and retail sports betting in the Palmetto State, including House Bill 5277 in 2022 and House Bill 3749 in 2023. However, all proposals have struggled to gain much traction and ultimately failed to pass through both the state’s House of Representatives and Senate. As a result, for the time being, South Carolina sports fans will need to visit nearby states, such as North Carolina and Tennessee, to get in on the action.

Horse Racing

Unfortunately, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also prohibited in South Carolina. Although the state does host a number of horse racing events each year, on-site betting is not permitted. In addition, South Carolina prohibits the operation of any off-track betting facilities, and advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing are not allowed to accept customers from the state.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is often classified as a game of skill rather than a game of chance and is therefore not considered to be a form of online gambling. As a result, South Carolina and many other U.S. states allow DFS operators to offer paid contests within their borders, despite not having any official legislation in place allowing or regulating the activity. South Carolina residents currently have access to DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and many other popular DFS sites and apps.

South Carolina Education Lottery

The South Carolina Education Lottery is a state-operated lottery system established to generate revenue for educational programs and initiatives in the state. It offers various lottery games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players who are 18 years or older can purchase lottery tickets from authorized retailers across the state, and they will have a chance to win huge cash prizes.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming is also legal in South Carolina in a limited capacity. Certain types of gambling activities, such as bingo games and raffles, that are conducted by charitable organizations for fundraising purposes are allowed as long as they comply with specific regulations and licensing requirements outlined by the state.

Strategies & Tips for South Carolina Casino Players

While success during casino play is largely determined by luck and random chance, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of coming out ahead. Here are some strategies and tips to maximize your casino gaming experience:

• Understand the Games: Take the time to learn the rules, odds, and strategies of the casino games you plan to play. Knowledge and familiarity with the games can help you make informed decisions and improve your overall outcomes.
• Play Games With a Lower House Edge: Some casino games have a lower house edge, which means the odds are more favorable for the player. Examples include blackjack, baccarat, and certain variations of video poker. Prioritize these games to increase your chances of winning.
• Take Advantage of Bonuses & Promotions: Many online casinos offer bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards. Utilize these offers to boost your bankroll and extend your playing time.
• Stay Focused & Control Your Emotions: Maintain a clear mindset while gambling. Avoid making emotional decisions or being influenced by previous outcomes. It’s important to stay focused and make rational choices based on strategy and probability.
• Use Strategy Guides & Resources: For games that involve skill, such as poker or blackjack, study and apply proven strategies. Strategy guides and online resources can help you make optimal decisions and improve your overall gameplay.
• Learn From Other Players: Engage with other casino players, either online or at the Big “M” Casino cruise ship if you have the opportunity. Share experiences, exchange tips, and learn from their insights. It can be a great way to enhance your knowledge and improve your skills.

South Carolina Online Casino FAQ