Best South Carolina Online Casinos 2025
No legislation has passed in South Carolina to allow online gambling, and even land-based options are limited. Fortunately, sweepstakes casinos aren’t subject to the same laws and are safe and available to play. Read this review to explore the world of online casinos and learn from our experts about the state’s legal landscape, top South Carolina sweepstakes casinos, and how to maximize your benefits with the best bonuses and promotions.
Our Top Five Recommended South Carolina Casinos
The South Carolina online sweepstakes casino scene offers a diverse range of gaming experiences, catering to various tastes and providing opportunities to play casino-style games within the state's legal framework. With numerous sweepstakes casinos competing for your attention, how can you identify the best ones?
Play 17,000+ Free Casino Games
Top Legal Games to Play at South Carolina Casinos
There are few legal gambling options available to residents of the Palmetto State. South Carolina has a long history of looking down on gambling operations, and that doesn't seem likely to change in the immediate future.
The state does not permit such online casinos to operate within its borders. If you want to play from the comfort of your own home or anywhere within the state boundaries, South Carolina sweepstakes casinos are your best option.
Sports betting is a different situation entirely. Betting on sports, like gambling at casinos, is illegal within the state, and there are no licensed brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in South Carolina. Daily fantasy wagering is also a gray area, and while authorities do not explicitly condone it, it is neither explicitly prohibited nor punished. Most daily fantasy sites accept players from the state.
The only form of legal gambling permitted in South Carolina is the South Carolina Education Lottery, which includes multi-state Powerball, Pick 3, Pick 4, Palmetto Cash 5, and Cash Pop games. Anyone over 18 years of age in the state is eligible to participate.
Best Casino Games to Win Real Money in South Carolina
The games you'll find at online casinos are just as fun and rewarding as what you'd find on the Las Vegas Strip. Below, we've compiled some of the most popular games South Carolina residents can play on their laptops or mobile devices.
Slots
Blackjack
Roulette
Live Dealer
Crash Games
Card Games
Baccarat
Arcade
Bingo
Casual Games
Craps
Dice Games
Fish Shooting
Game Shows
Instant Games
Instant Tap
Keno
Other
Scratch Cards
Slingo
Table Games
Video Poker
Virtual Sports
Amatic Industries
Barcrest Games
Spinmatic
SmartSoft Gaming
How to Win Real Money on Casino Games in South Carolina
One of the most important concepts to understand in casino games is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage of a game. Simply put, the RTP tells you what kind of return the machine will give you. Statistically, a slot with a 97% RTP will return $0.97 for every dollar wagered. It's essential to remember that this statistic is calculated from thousands and millions of game sessions, and you're not guaranteed to win 97% of what you wager.
You could see a game with a low RTP pay out far more than the indicated RTP or a game with a high RTP could pay out nothing. The uncertainty adds to the excitement — after all, who would seek the fun of gambling if they knew what would happen each game?
South Carolina Online Gambling Overview
South Carolina has stringent gambling laws. You can still play online casino games at sweepstakes casinos in the state, which offer the same fun and entertainment as those found in online casinos elsewhere in the US.
South Carolina Gambling Law
South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the US, as the state doesn't allow any form of gambling within its borders other than lotteries.
Social and sweepstakes casinos are the best options for South Carolina players looking for online casino games. The South Carolina Prizes and Gifts Act permits players to compete for prizes, gifts, or other valuable items instead of cash rewards.
The future of gambling in the Palmetto State doesn't look bright. If anything, it has become more restrictive in recent years. Video poker machines were popular in the 1990s but were ruled unconstitutional in 1999 and shut down a year later.
Recent attempts to introduce bills legalizing sports betting, horse racing, and casino gaming, such as HB3625, have failed, and the prospects for future bills appear dim.
How to Play With South Carolina Casinos
Getting started with online casinos in South Carolina can feel daunting. To help you, we have created a straightforward guide to get you set up and playing in just a matter of minutes.
- Select your preferred site from one of our recommended casinos.
- Click the “Join” or “Sign Up” button on the homepage and complete the required information.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions and verify your account.
- Sign in and make sure you accept any bonus offers.
- Have fun playing your favorite casino games!
Accepted South Carolina Online Casino Banking Methods
Ready to try your luck at an online casino? Purchasing Gold Coin packages and redeeming prizes is quick and easy; we'll guide you through the process.
At South Carolina sweepstakes casinos, you can only purchase Gold Coin packages. Sometimes, these packages come with free Sweepstakes Coins bundles. When playing online casino games at social casinos, you will use either of these or the casino's equivalent. You can redeem the prizes you win as vouchers, merchandise, or similar.
- Visit your preferred sweepstakes casino.
- Head to the cashier page (usually a button labeled 'Buy Coins' or similar).
- Select your coins package.
- Choose your payment method and complete your purchase.
- Your coins should be credited to your account instantly.
It's important to note that you may not have the same withdrawal and deposit options. The exact number and types of payment methods may also vary by site. However, most South Carolina online casinos offer a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.
Who Can Play at South Carolina Online Casinos?
Real-money casinos are illegal in South Carolina. However, players who meet the minimum age requirement of 18 can play at South Carolina sweepstakes casinos. You may be required to provide a photo ID to prove your eligibility.
What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for South Carolina Casinos?
Real-money casinos require players to be at least 21 years old. However, South Carolina sweepstakes casinos often welcome players who are 18 years old, provided they can verify their identity.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in South Carolina?
Given that real-money online casinos aren't legal in South Carolina, there is currently no established regulatory body to oversee them. Various pieces of legislation have been proposed to create such a body in recent years, but all have failed. The only gambling regulatory agency in the state is the South Carolina Education Lottery Commission.
South Carolina Casino Apps for Players
Mobile casino apps offer a quick way to get in on the action and start playing sooner rather than later. Many casinos provide optimized websites for seamless online gambling experiences. However, some go even further with a streamlined app.
South Carolina Casino Apps for Android
South Carolina Casino Apps for iOS
History of Online Gambling Laws In South Carolina
South Carolina has for many years been strict about online gambling. However, laws have only become more restrictive despite attempts to pass gambling-friendly legislation.
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in South Carolina
1712
The first anti-gambling statute passed in South Carolina, borrowed from English law.
1976
The Bingo Act allows raffles and charitable gambling.
1999
Video poker machines are ruled unconstitutional and banned in the state.
2002
The South Carolina Education Lottery begins.
2023
A bill proposing statewide digital sports betting fails to garner enough support to come to a vote.
2024
HB3625, also known as the "South Carolina Sports Wagering Act," is introduced to permit betting on sports, horse racing, and casino games. Its fate is yet unknown, but it is unlikely to pass.
Legal vs Offshore Casinos in South Carolina: What's the Difference?
Although no regulated real-money online casinos operate in South Carolina, residents can play at various offshore betting sites. As they are unregulated, offshore casinos present several concerns for players, like getting scammed, having their identity stolen, or encountering rigged games.
You are unlikely to encounter legal trouble while playing at these casinos, but you won't benefit from the protection of a regulated system. If you want to play on the safest sites, we recommend those that are legal and undergo regular checks. For South Carolinians, this means social and sweepstakes casinos, such as the ones highlighted on this page.
Land-based Casinos in South Carolina
The land-based casino landscape in South Carolina is relatively desolate. The one option available to residents is Big M Casino, which isn't technically land-based. Instead, it's a casino that operates on two luxury yachts in federal waters, away from the laws of the Palmetto State.
Big M Casino
Big M is the only land-based casino in the state—although calling it 'land-based' is a bit of a stretch. This casino is hosted on one of two luxury yachts that sail 8 miles from Myrtle Beach, allowing players to circumvent South Carolina gaming laws.
There are over 400 slots to enjoy, in addition to table games such as blackjack, Let It Ride, and roulette. Each trip is approximately 5 hours long, and a boarding fee applies, as well as the cost of any games you purchase.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in South Carolina?
Real-money online casinos are not legal in South Carolina. To enjoy online casino games, we recommend safe alternatives, such as South Carolina sweepstakes casinos.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in South Carolina?
Sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal gray area. You can enjoy these and social casinos in South Carolina. However, each site has its own restrictions, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing up.
What are the best online casinos in South Carolina?
You have numerous options for online casino games in South Carolina, and the best one depends on your preferences. Some players prefer sites with extensive gaming libraries, while others look for a variety of bonuses. Luckily, our team of experts has tested them all, and you can find their recommendations here.
Are South Carolina online casinos safe?
Yes, South Carolina online casinos are safe to play at. Sweepstakes casinos don't allow you to play with real money, which provides the thrill of online casino games without the associated risks.
Can I claim bonuses at South Carolina casinos?
Of course! South Carolina casinos offer some of the best bonuses in the country, including Gold Coins, free spins, and more. Some of these bonuses are available for free upon sign-up, while others can be won after creating your account.
