Online Gambling in South Carolina: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online poker is not legal in South Carolina. The state’s gambling laws explicitly prohibit internet-based wagering, including poker platforms, and there are no regulated sites offering real-money poker games. Players seeking access often turn to offshore poker rooms, but these operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and come with risks related to fairness, security, and payouts. With no legislative progress toward legalization, online poker remains firmly off-limits under South Carolina law.

The South Carolina Education Lottery is the only widely available and legal form of gambling in the state. Established in 2002, it offers draw games, instant scratch-offs, and multi-state options like Powerball and Mega Millions. Tickets can be purchased through licensed retailers, and winnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. Proceeds from the lottery directly support education programs, scholarships, and community initiatives across South Carolina, making it the central pillar of the state’s limited gambling framework.

Bingo is a legal form of gambling in South Carolina but is strictly regulated. Only charitable organizations, nonprofit groups, and certain community associations can operate bingo games, and all proceeds must go toward approved charitable purposes. There are limits on prize amounts, frequency of games, and player eligibility, including age restrictions. This tightly controlled approach ensures that bingo remains a community-focused activity rather than a commercial gambling enterprise.

Charity gambling in South Carolina is legal but highly restricted. It includes activities such as raffles, bingo, and small-scale fundraising games, all operated by nonprofit organizations or approved charitable groups. Strict rules govern the frequency of events, prize limits, and how the proceeds must be used—typically for educational, religious, or community-focused purposes. These regulations ensure that charity gambling remains a controlled way to raise funds rather than a commercial or profit-driven activity.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are not explicitly legal in South Carolina. The state’s strict gambling laws do not provide a clear regulatory framework for DFS, and there are no licensed platforms operating within South Carolina. Residents who participate in DFS typically use out-of-state or online platforms, which operate outside of state oversight and carry potential legal and financial risks. As of now, South Carolina has not taken steps to formally legalize or regulate daily fantasy sports.

Social gambling is generally permitted in South Carolina as long as it meets strict criteria. Games played in private settings among friends or family, where no one profits as a business and all participants have a fair chance, are allowed. This includes card games, poker, or other wagering activities in homes or private clubs. However, any organized or commercial version of these games, especially if hosted online or open to the public for profit, remains illegal under state law.

Land-based casinos are illegal in South Carolina. The state does not have any commercial or tribal casinos, and attempts to establish them have consistently been blocked by legislation or voter referendums. The only exceptions are charitable bingo halls and lottery ticket retailers, which operate under strict regulation and are not considered full-scale casinos. As a result, residents seeking casino-style gaming must travel out of state or participate in “cruise to nowhere” gambling ships that operate in international waters.