A bill filed in Columbia, South Carolina, could allow brick-and-mortar casinos in both Dillon and Marlboro counties. If the bill, known as the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act, becomes law, Marlboro, Dillon and Orangeburg counties would be permitted to build casino resorts in the region.
South Carolina Would Receive An Economic Boost
However, not all residents are on board with the proposal. One local in particular is Pastor Charles Alford, who told WBTV News 13 during an exclusive interview that Marlboro County doesn’t need a casino-resort.
“I look at how the lottery itself, how it hurts people,” he said. “Some people play the lottery before they will pay their money for their light bill, for groceries. Now, for a casino to come in, I think it would do more harm than good.”
Marlboro County Economic Development Executive Director Tonny McNeil cited studies recently, showing that an estimated 1.5 million people pass through the intersections of Highway 15-401 and Highway 38 in Bennettsville over the course of a full year.
“We’re very excited about it, and when we look at the economy and the stability of the economy, you have to offer different types of jobs for different skill levels,” McNeil said. “We have always said that what we want, ultimately, is for every single person that wants a job to have one, so this gives us that opportunity.”
Officials have multiple potential building sites in mind for a casino-resort in Marlboro County, but they did not reveal any further details yet.
It should be noted that the Palmetto State has yet to legalize online casinos.
Sports Betting Could Soon Be Coming To The Palmetto State
This news comes a week after Sen. Thomas Davis introduced Senate Bill 444, which would legalize and regulate sports betting under the oversight of a newly created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.
SB 444 would call for a nine-member commission to regulate the state’s sports betting operators. The governor, senate president, and house speaker would appoint the members.
The commission is authorized to exercise jurisdiction over licensing administration, fee collections, and handling of operational expenses regarding sports betting. The bill allows for up to eight sportsbooks in South Carolina.
Each prospective licensed sportsbook would pay a $100,000 application fee and, after approval, a $1 million license fee. Licenses granted under SB 444 expire after five years.
Applicants are required to demonstrate active operations in at least five regulated markets in the U.S. to be eligible. Operators also need to provide letters of reference from regulators.
In addition, SB 444 supporters also filed another equal measure, House Bill 3625, in December 2024. The legislature’s House Ways and Means Committee is reportedly considering the proposal.