South Carolina Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of South Carolina. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in South Carolina. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in South Carolina in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in South Carolina is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALSouth Carolina prohibits all forms of online casino gambling and online poker under its state gambling laws. The South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16, Chapter 19 criminalizes unauthorized gambling, including internet-based gambling activities.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software for unauthorized gambling is illegal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or facilitation of online gambling services is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations can result in felony charges with fines and imprisonment under SC Code § 16-19-40.
Minimum Age
18 years old for lottery; 21 for casino gambling.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in South Carolina has not yet been verified. In February 2026, bills to legalize sports betting and casinos faced early setbacks in the legislative session.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in South Carolina as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes have been made to South Carolina's strict gambling laws.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
ILLEGALSports betting is not legal in South Carolina. No significant changes since 2022.
In-Person Betting
Illegal. South Carolina has not legalized sports betting. The state has a constitutional prohibition on gambling, and amending it requires a two-thirds legislative vote and voter referendum. South Carolina has no casinos, no lottery, and minimal gambling infrastructure.
Online/Mobile Betting
No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in South Carolina.
Penalties
South Carolina Code § 16-19-40: gambling is a misdemeanor (up to 30 days, $100 fine for first offense). Operating a gambling house is a more serious offense.
Minimum Betting Age
N/A — not legal