A new bill proposal for the state of South Carolina could very well change the legal landscape in the state for years. The bill proposes the construction of a new casino resort in a county in SC, and the project could potentially lead to the creation of more than 4,600 jobs and generate $75 million per year.

A newly proposed bill in the state of South Carolina could pave the way for the state's first casino resort, potentially bringing thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue to economically struggling regions. The legislation, known as the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act, seeks to legalize gaming in one of three counties - Dillon, Orangeburg, or Marlboro - where a major casino project could take shape.

Santee casino proposal

One of the most prominent proposals under the bill is a $1 billion casino resort in Santee, a small town in Orangeburg County. The project, spearheaded by GOP mega donor and real estate developer Wallace Cheves, aims to transform an abandoned shopping complex into a world-class casino and entertainment hub. According to the Santee Development Corporation, the development could generate approximately 4,600 jobs and attract over four million visitors annually, contributing an estimated $75 million in tax revenue each year.

Proponents argue that the casino would provide a much-needed economic boost to rural areas along Interstate 95, where poverty rates remain high. In 2023, data from Data USA indicated that 41.9% of Orangeburg County children were living below the poverty line. State Representative Chris Murphy highlighted the potential impact of the project, stating, "You would draw a lot of people that right now don't have economic opportunities, don't have job opportunities in their own counties, but it would be a central point for them. I have all the confidence in the world that this would be a game-changer for this area."

Legislative hurdles

Despite the economic promise, the path to legalization remains challenging. South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country, with limited opportunities beyond the state lottery. To move forward, the bill would require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, followed by approval from South Carolina voters in a statewide referendum.

The state legislature has historically resisted gambling expansion due to strong opposition from social and religious groups. A similar effort, House Bill 4176, introduced in December by Representatives Todd Rutherford and Hamilton Grant sought to make slot machines, sports betting, live dealer table games, and parimutuel wagering legal. However, that bill has seen no progress since mid-January.

Catawba casino battle

South Carolina's complex history with gambling includes the struggles of the Catawba Indian Nation, the state's only federally-recognized tribe. The tribe fought for decades to open a casino within state borders but faced repeated political opposition. Eventually, they secured federal approval to open the Two Kings Casino right across the border (in North Carolina), a project that was partly financed by Wallace Cheves. However, relations between the Catawba and Cheves have since soured.

The introduction of the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act signals renewed debate over gambling in South Carolina. If passed, the bill could mark a historic shift in the state's stance on gaming, with significant economic implications. However, with opposition deeply rooted in South Carolina's political and cultural landscape, the battle for legalization is far from certain.

As of now, the proposed casino in Santee - and the broader vision for gaming in the state - remains a topic of heated discussion among lawmakers, business leaders, and residents alike. The fate of the bill will likely depend on whether proponents can convince both legislators and voters that the economic benefits outweigh the social concerns tied to gambling expansion.