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Do you like to play poker? Are you unsure if it is legal to do so in South Carolina? If so, you’re not alone. Many residents are curious about the state’s gambling laws, specifically those involving poker.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s poker laws. We’ll answer all your questions, including whether or not it is legal to play poker in the Palmetto State. So, if you’re ready to learn more, keep reading!
Where to Play Online Poker in South Carolina
Online poker is a popular game that many people enjoy playing. South Carolina is a great state to play online poker in because many options are available. Various online poker sites offer multiple games and stakes, so players of all skill levels can find a match that suits their needs.
Additionally, many of these sites offer bonuses and promotions to help players maximize their winnings. With so many great choices available, anyone looking to play online poker in South Carolina will have no trouble finding a site that meets their needs.
BetOnline Poker
Ignition Poker
Everygame Poker
Is Online Gambling Illegal in South Carolina?
Online gambling is a popular pastime for many people, but it’s essential to know the law before you start placing bets. In South Carolina, gambling is defined as “a wagering contract in which the parties agree that one will win and the other will lose something of value based on an uncertain event.” This includes games of chance like casino games, sports betting, and lottery tickets.
Online gambling falls under this definition, which is technically illegal in South Carolina. However, no specific laws make online gambling a crime, so the enforcement of this law is pretty lax. There have been no reported cases of anyone being prosecuted for online gambling in South Carolina.
So if you’re looking to gamble online, you can do so without fear of legal repercussions. Just use a reputable site in the United States, never bet more than you can afford to lose, and always check the South Carolina Gambling Control Division
South Carolina Poker and Gambling Laws
South Carolina has a wide variety of gambling laws that cover everything from poker to casino games. South Carolina is one of the few states with a specific law forbidding poker. Any form of gambling is illegal in South Carolina unless the state authorizes it. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as bingo and the state lottery.
South Carolina does have several legal casinos. However, these are all tribal casinos located on Native American lands. The state also has several racetracks where betting is legal. Overall, South Carolina has pretty strict gambling laws, but some options are still available for those who want to gamble.
A Detailed Look at South Carolina Gambling Laws
South Carolina is one of the more conservative states when it comes to gambling, and this might even be putting it mildly, as you will see as we have a look at their laws on gambling and gaming in general.
Let’s start with their law against playing games on Sunday:
“Whosoever shall keep or suffer to be kept any gaming table or permit an game or games to be played in his house on the Sabbath day, on conviction thereof before any court having jurisdiction, shall be fined in the sum of fifty dollars…”
So if you read this as your not being able to play any game on Sunday, regardless of whether it is being wagered on, you are correct. It is hard to imagine the authorities breaking down your door for playing checkers with your family on Sunday, but doing so would clearly be against the law.
So what about the other days of the week? Well let’s look at the section called “unlawful games and betting”:
“If a person shall play at any tavern, inn, store for the retailing of spirituous liquors or in any house used as a place of gaming, barn, kitchen, stable, or other outhouse, street, highway, open wood, race field, or open place at (a) a game of cards or dice, (b) any gaming table, commonly called A, B, C, D, E, O, or any gaming table known or distinguished by any other letters or by any other figures, (c) roley poley table, (d) rouge et noir, (e) any faro bank, (f) any other table or bank of the same or like kind under any denomination whatsoever, or (g) any machine or device licensed pursuant to Section 12-21-2720 and used for gambling purposes, except the games of billiards, bowls, backgammon, chess, draughts, or whilst when there is no betting on any such game of billiards, bowls, backgammon, chess draughts, or whilst or shall bet on the sides of hands of such as do game, upon being convicted thereof, before any magistrate, shall be imprisoned for a period not exceeding twelve months and forfeit a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, for each and every offense…”
So this is surely a mouthful, the good news is that you can play games such as billiards or chess so long as you do not bet on the outcome. The bad news is that any game involving cards or dice is illegal to play regardless of whether there are wagers on the game or not, at least in the listed venues.
This may be hard to believe but this is exactly what the law says in South Carolina. The intention may not have been to write it this broadly but they did manage to do that.
South Carolina Gambling Law Resource
Short History of Gambling in South Carolina
Gambling has been a part of South Carolina’s history since the early days of European settlement. Gambling was common on riverboats and frontier towns, and it was not unusual for games of chance to be played at social gatherings. In the early 19th century, lotteries were popular in the state, and many citizens participated in games of chance to win a cash prize. However, gambling was not always confined to recreation; during the Civil War, Union and Confederate soldiers often gambled for money and goods.
Gambling continued to be popular in the state after the war, and by the early 1900s, several large casinos were operating in South Carolina. However, gambling was dealt a blow in the 1920s when Prohibition was enacted. As a result, many of the state’s casinos were forced to close their doors, and gambling activity declined significantly. It wasn’t until the 1970s that gambling came back in South Carolina.
The Future of Gambling in South Carolina
Gambling has been a popular pastime in South Carolina for many years. The state lottery is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 2002. However, recent changes in the law have made it possible for casinos to open in South Carolina. As a result, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of gambling in the state.
Some people believe casinos will eventually become the dominant form of gambling in South Carolina. After all, they offer a wide variety of games and activities and are open 24 hours a day. In addition, casinos are typically located in resort areas, attracting tourists from all over the country. However, others believe that the lottery will continue to be the most popular form of gambling in South Carolina. Lotteries are easy to play and offer large jackpots, which is why they have been so popular for many years.
Only time will tell what the future of gambling in South Carolina will be. However, one thing is sure: Gambling will continue to be a popular pastime for many people in the state.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina poker laws are pretty straightforward. If you’re playing for money, it’s considered gambling, and it’s illegal. However, it’s not considered gambling if you’re playing for fun with friends or family. So as long as you’re not playing for money, you should be fine. Just be sure to check with your local authorities to be 100% sure. Thanks for reading, and good luck at the tables!
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