As North Carolina continues to benefit from an influx of sports betting and retail casino traffic from its southern neighbors, a new bill in South Carolina could flip the script. South Carolina’s House Bill 4176, introduced in early March, aims to legalize casino gaming in select areas of the state, including two counties along the northern border. The proposal is part of a broader push for economic development along the I-95 corridor.
With support from a bipartisan group of sponsors, HB 4176 would represent a significant departure for South Carolina, which has historically maintained some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country. If passed, the bill would represent a major shift for the Palmetto State. While the state operates a lottery and permits charitable gaming like bingo and raffles, other forms of betting—especially casino and sports wagering—have struggled to gain traction. That could soon change, thanks to mounting economic pressure and the visible success of gambling in neighboring states like North Carolina, which launched online sports betting in March 2024.
If the bill passes, the biggest impact in North Carolina might be on Catawba Two Kings Casino. Currently, it benefits from cross-border gamblers from South Carolina, but could lose those and some local players to the new competition. Ironically, the bulk of Catawba Nation’s lands are in South Carolina, but the tribe was denied the right to build a casino there, forcing it to build Two Kings across the border.
Cross-border visitors are important to casinos
For Tar Heel State residents who live near the southern border, the prospect of full-scale casino resorts just across the border could offer a new entertainment option and a new direction for gambling dollars. Currently, North Carolina benefits from a steady stream of visitors from South Carolina and Georgia crossing the state line to place legal bets. There is no residency requirement to wager, as long as the bettor is physically within the state. With mobile sports betting apps geofencing bets to ensure legal compliance, South Carolinians make quick trips north to get in on the action.
But should HB 4176 pass, North Carolina might see a reversal of that trend. Marlboro County, for instance, is roughly equidistant between Charlotte and Fayetteville, making it an easy destination for NC residents seeking new gaming experiences. South Carolina’s proposed resorts could offer table games, slots, and on-site amenities—possibly creating a new tourism and tax revenue stream for the Palmetto State.
The proposed legislation is still in its early stages. It has 13 sponsors including six Republicans and seven Democrats. After its first reading, it was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Even as public support grows, passing new gambling legislation will require overcoming deep-rooted resistance. It will likely face opposition from religious conservative lawmakers and anti-gambling groups. But if momentum builds, South Carolina’s border counties could become the new frontline in the Carolinas’ evolving gambling landscape—and North Carolina could find itself playing defense for the first time.
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