Online Poker South Carolina
Like its nearest neighbors Georgia and North Carolina, South Carolina has adopted a very conservative stance towards real money gambling expansion. In fact, the Palmetto State is so traditional that just the mention of state regulated real cash Texas Hold’em poker and other Internet gambling games would probably be enough to set its officials into a tizzy.
South Carolina casinos and gambling information including poker tournaments, slots info, pari-mutuel (dogs & horses), texas hold'em, and more. Find contact information and view pictures of casinos in South Carolina. Online Poker in South Carolina. In a state as conservative as South Carolina, online poker players were thrilled to be able to access real money cash games and tournaments when sites like Poker Stars and Party Poker.
No, the prospects of legit iGaming and real money Internet poker ever being regulated under SC law are pretty dim. Now, that doesn’t mean Internet gambling and betting games like Texas Hold’em poker online will never reach the citizens of Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. It’s just that several factors will have to line up perfectly before any progress is made with regard to lawful online gambling on real money poker websites.
As of today, it is our opinion that South Carolina is currently one of the five U.S states least likely to regulate online poker and other legal Internet betting games in the foreseeable future.
Finding a real money US poker site can be a challenge if you’re in The Palmetto State. Lucky for you, we’ve found the best poker websites for South Carolina gamblers.
The South Carolina Gambling Poll of 2013
Quick Jump
- 5 The Facts
Unfortunately, Republican Governor Nikki Haley is morally opposed to the idea. So much so, that her personal objections supersede her willingness to create 10,000 new jobs via the construction of a brick and mortar casino. That’s a shame, especially considering that since the end of 2013, South Carolina’s unemployment rate has been higher than the national average [2].
Can Players from South Carolina Play Online Poker?
Yes! Despite the state’s vehement stance against regulated gambling, SC residents should have no trouble creating an account and depositing funds onto any of the US poker rooms on our homepage in order to enjoy some exciting Internet poker gambling for real cash. However, players should be warned that South Carolina’s leniency towards online poker betting may change at some point in the future. Our guidelines will be updated to reflect any noteworthy changes.
Latest South Carolina Poker News
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All eyes are on Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), a 16-term member of Congress who authored the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, a bill that was unsuccessful in gaining passage.…
Loretta Lynch may not be in a position to stop efforts to ban online poker at the federal level, but the attorney general nominee has at least made it clear that she’s…
South Carolina’s voters will weigh in on whether they deem gambling as an acceptable means for raising revenue.…
Is Online Poker Legal in South Carolina?
There is no state legislature that specifically addresses the legality of online gambling and playing games like Texas Hold’em poker. So, while iGaming will probably never be regulated by the State, it may never be directly outlawed either. With that said, South Carolina’s gambling statues are among the strictest we’ve come across.
Currently, due to the state’s outdated gambling statues, the legality of real money online poker and betting on Internet websites resides in a murky gray area, and can be interpreted a number of different ways. Of course, it’s always best to seek professional advice regarding sensitive legal matters, and we encourage you to do so before playing any gambling games online.
In the meantime, we have taken the liberty to dissect SC’s existing gambling laws, as listed below:
- South Carolina’s gambling statues do not provide a definition of gambling. However, they do explicitly state that any game involving cards of dice (such as Texas Hold’em poker or craps), or any gaming table, in so long as the game takes place at any tavern, inn, store for the retailing of spirituous liquors or in any house used as a place of gaming is unlawful, regardless of whether any wagering takes place. The penalties for participating in unlawful games and betting are imprisonment for a period of not over thirty days and a fine of not over one hundred dollars.
- The owner of the tavern, inn, retail store, public place or house used as a place of gaming is subject to much harsher penalties, including twelve months in prison and a two thousand dollar fine. Section 16-19-40.
- In keeping with its Bible belt traditions, South Carolina’s gambling laws ban any game from being played on the Sabbath (Sunday). The penalty for breaking the law is fifty dollars. Section 16-19-70.
- Betting on elections is considered a misdemeanor. Upon being convicted, guilty parties shall be fined a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars and be imprisoned not exceeding one month. Section 16-19-90.
- Merely keeping a gaming table for playing Texas Hold’em Poker or any other betting game at one’s home is worthy of a $200 – $500 fine.
- All sums of money staked, betted or pending on the event of any game can be seized by state officials. Section 16-19-80
- There is no mention of the words, Internet, computer or online anywhere in South Carolina’s gambling laws.
As clearly evident, SC, at least in theory, takes the issue of gambling very seriously. However, it also seems as though the statues haven’t been updated in decades, and are probably not a reflection of the SC State’s current stance.
To read more about South Carolina’s gambling laws [3], refer to the “References” section.
- U. S. Poker Site
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The Facts
The History of Gambling in South Carolina
Accounts of gambling in the Palmetto State date back to the late 1700s. During the state’s early days, its inhabitants would actively gamble on the results of dog fights, wrestling, boxing, horse races and other competitive sports. Laws were enforced to prevent such activities in the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the mid 20th century that law enforcements agencies really began to crack down on gambling activities, particularly games like Texas Hold’em and other variants of poker.
In the 1970s and 1980s, establishments began installing video slot machines. Owners cleverly circumvented the law by paying winners out directly with real cash, as opposed to the machines. A 1991 Supreme Court ruling deemed that businesses that conducted gambling affairs in this manner did not break the law.
However, by 2000 the Supreme Court found all video gambling machines unconstitutional. Shortly thereafter, nearly 33,000 gambling machines such as video poker machines were removed or disabled.
Ironically, that same year, South Carolina voters elected to support a statewide lottery. The first lottery ticket was sold a year later, and the lottery remains a staple of South Carolina’s lawful betting and gambling culture to this day.
In 2011, law enforcement agencies seized over $2 million from two companies accused of transferring funds to online real cash poker players. The companies in question were also accused of money laundering, fraud and for violating the UIGEA.
Regulated Gambling Options in South Carolina
There aren’t many. South Carolina does not permit any form of poker games or gambling outside of the legal state lottery and charitable bingo. Indian and commercial casinos are prohibited, as is any form of pari-mutuel betting.
Playing poker in a home, even if no real money or rake is involved, is considered illegal. Horseracing, casino nights and slot machines are also banned.
The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in South Carolina
Considering that South Carolina’s powers have just begun to play with the idea of legalized gambling, it’s safe to assume that online wagering and Internet poker will not be regulated by the state any time soon, especially if anti-gambling proponent Nikki Haley remains in a position of power.
If you’re a poker player in South Carolina, you’ll have a solid choice of quality online poker rooms from which to choose.
Other South Carolina Gambling News
In early 2012, a proposal to open a resort casino in Hardeeville, SC, was brought before state legislators. Fearing that a casino would negatively impact tourism to Hilton Head, most state officials opposed the idea.
Leading the anti-casino charge was Governor Nikki Haley, who ever since her election in 2010 made it very clear that she will not support the construction of a casino. Without her approval, it’s very unlikely that the resort will be permitted until at least early 2015 [4].
In other news, the state’s only federally recognized Indian tribe, the Catawba, has been fighting to open a gambling facility within its York County reservation. However, to date, they’ve had little luck securing approval from government officials.
Fun Fact
In a surprise turn of events, South Carolinian officials approved a bill that would allow local governments to regulate casino cruise ships. The bill was passed in 2005, and since that time, thousands of South Carolina’s residents have set sail from one of the state’s many docks to play Las Vegas-style real money gambling games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Craps [5].
The Bottom Line
South Carolina’s repressive gambling laws are beginning to come under fire. In 2012, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that poker (Texas Hold’em, etc.) was a game of skill [6]. Furthermore, the video gaming machines that were banned in 2000 are making a comeback, this time as sweepstakes machines. Given enough pressure, state officials may be forced to lighten their anti-gambling position, maybe even enough to finally approve an Indian or commercial casino that would be able to offer games like legal real cash poker and other casino games.
While this still doesn’t mean iGaming and playing poker on Internet websites will be regulated by the state any time soon, it does provide citizens with a spark of hope – but only a spark. The reality is that until the Federal government steps in and passes a bill that regulates online poker betting throughout the United States, it’s unlikely that South Carolina will even address the matter.
References
[1] ↑SC Gambling Poll in the Field
[2] ↑Bureau of Labor Statistic – South Carolina
[3] ↑South Carolina Gambling Laws
[4] ↑Deck still stacked against Hardeeville casino project
[5] ↑South Carolina Bill Narrowly Approved
[6] ↑South Carolina Supreme Court Opinion No. 27197 – Filed November 21, 2012
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When it comes to playing poker in South Carolina, your options are limited to home games or driving to a neighboring state. But what you may not know is there is another option! The best online poker rooms for South Carolina residents give players the chance to hit the virtual felt and win real money. Whether you’re looking for exciting tournament action, inviting cash games, or sit and gos of all shapes and sizes, you’ve got options.
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Why We Love These South Carolina Poker Sites
- Attractive Bonuses and Rewards
- User-Friendly Tables and Lobbies
- Exciting Tournament Action
- Smooth Animations
Attractive Bonuses and Rewards
The number one thing people look for when figuring out where to play online poker in South Carolina is a big bonus. Guess what? We don’t blame you! One of the more unique perks of playing online is the ability to cash in on bigger and better bonuses.
During our review process, we look for the best real money online poker bonuses available. Bear in mind, this doesn’t always mean the biggest dollar amount. The best bonuses are large (yes), but they’re also easy to clear, simple to understand, and available to all.
User-Friendly Tables and Lobbies
Could you imagine playing at a live poker table where it was hard to figure out how to bet? It would be impossible to focus on winning! We think the same is true when it comes to online poker. The best South Carolina poker sites have user-friendly tables, easy to navigate lobbies, and give you the freedom to focus on strategy.
Exciting Tournament Action
Chances are that a lot of you here love to play tournaments. There’s just something exciting about winning a ton of money for a smaller-sized investment. Because of this, our review team looks for real money South Carolina poker sites that have stellar tournament action. Generally, the team looks for South Carolina gambling sites with poker that have a healthy mix of daily tournaments, weekly events, and scheduled major series opportunities.
Smooth Animations
If you know much about us, we’re usually less concerned with how a site looks. However, when it comes to poker sites, it becomes more important. When we test online South Carolina poker sites, we look for poker rooms with nice graphics and smooth animations. Why? It can be incredibly tilting if the software is jumpy or glitchy. Again, you don’t want to be distracted from focusing on winning.
How to Stay Safe Playing at South Carolina Poker Sites
- Provide accurate personal information.
- Follow the best safety practices for your password.
- Don’t stray from reputable South Carolina poker sites.
- Stay apprised of any gambling law changes.
- Don’t let anyone else use your poker account.
Provide Accurate Information
When you sign up to play real money online poker in South Carolina, you need to give as accurate information as possible. This may seem like common sense, but it’s a bit more than that. Sometimes, people choose to give incorrect names or addresses that don’t match where they live. While this might serve some ulterior motive, it can cause problems with cashouts and the integrity of your account. No matter what, give accurate information when signing up.
Follow Basic Password Best Practices
- Use a strong password consisting of numbers, characters, and special characters.
- Change your password regularly (every 60 to 120 days).
- Don’t save your password on your computer or around your computer.
- Don’t use words or numbers that can easily be tied to your personal life.
- Refrain from logging into your account from a shared computer or device.
Don’t Stray From Reputable South Carolina Poker Sites
The reason we spend so much time working on our South Carolina poker sites recommendations is because it’s critical to your safety. You can follow all of the safety and security guidelines you want, but if you’re at a sketchy poker room, it can all be for nothing. While we’d love to give every poker room our nod of approval, we have to be critical to keep you safe.
Stay Updated on Any Gambling Law Changes
The gambling and poker legal landscape is one that’s always changing. The general trend across the country is a movement towards more acceptance! That all being said, you’ll want to do your best to stay on top of any changes in gambling and poker laws.
Please Note:You don’t have to head off to law school or scour the web every day. Still, please don’t put your head in the sand. An excellent place to start is our US gambling laws page, where we breakdown gambling laws throughout the United States.
Don’t Let Anyone Else Use Your Poker Account
If you let someone else use your account, you run the risk of getting banned and your money confiscated. Think it doesn’t happen? Think again. A quick Google search shows you that the best real money poker sites in South Carolina put a lot of weight into site integrity. Over the past decade, hundreds of accounts have been frozen and the money confiscated for what many claim is harmless.
South Carolina Online Poker FAQ
Why Is Online Poker Becoming So Popular in South Carolina?
People from the South have loved the game of poker for decades. The state saw a huge jump in poker interest in the early 2000s when an account from Tennessee (Chris Moneymaker) won the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Since then, the growth has continued with no real stop in sight! As we see the technology increase at South Carolina online poker rooms, we expect the growth on the virtual felt to continue.
Can I Join Multiple Real Money Poker Sites in South Carolina?
Yes, you certainly can join and play real money online poker in South Carolina at multiple sites. In fact, for a lot of people, this might be advised! Multiple sites give you the opportunity to cash in on multiple bonuses and tap into multiple player pools. It doesn’t cost you anything extra to join multiple sites, and you can utilize them both at the same time if you’re multi-tabling!
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid When You Play Online Poker in South Carolina for Real Money?
On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to about a week when you win money at South Carolina poker sites to get your payout. The exact time depends on a whole host of factors, including the quality of the site, the cashout method you choose, the amount you’re cashing out, the day you request the cashout, and whether it’s your first cashout or not.
Are South Carolina Poker Sites Trustworthy?
The good news is that most real money SC poker sites are on the up and up. However, this doesn’t mean that 100% of them are. If you want to stay safe, stick with the trustworthy South Carolina online poker sites we’ve recommended in this guide. Our teams are experts in determining the quality and trustworthiness of the available options of USA poker sites.
Can You Make Real Money When You Play Poker Online in South Carolina?
Online Poker Free
Yes! South Carolina online poker websites give players the chance to win real money in cash games, tournaments, and sit and gos. The amount you can make depends on the stakes you play, how good you are, and how much time you play.
Are There Any Land-Based Poker Rooms in South Carolina?
Currently, there are no land-based poker rooms in the state of SC. If you’re looking to play live, you’ll need to hop on a plane or drive to North Carolina or Georgia.
Can You Play Online Poker In South Carolina
Conclusion on Real Money South Carolina Poker Sites
When it comes to poker in SC, your only option is to play online. Thankfully, you’ve got a lot of great options to choose from. If you’re ready to get started, head on over to one of the South Carolina poker sites recommended at the top of the guide. It should only take you a few minutes to get your account set up and funded. You can be dealt into your first pot within minutes!