The rise of US online poker has been remarkable in recent years, but there can be confusion in each state as to what you can and can’t do. South Carolina has strict gambling laws. Title 16, Section 16-19-50 of the state’s Code of Conduct says:
“Any person who shall set up, keep, or use any (a) gaming table, or any gaming table known or distinguished by any other letters or by any figures, (b) roley-poley table, (c) table to play at rouge et noir, (d) faro bank (e) any other gaming table or bank of the like kind or of any other kind for the purpose of gaming, or (f) any machine or device licensed pursuant to Section 12-21-2720 and used for gambling purposes except the games of billiards, bowls, chess, draughts, and backgammon, upon being convicted thereof, upon indictment, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars and not less than two hundred dollars.”
Offenders could also do some jail time if proven guilty. It hasn’t always been that way in The Palmetto State. South Carolina had over 30,000 video poker machines during the late 1980s. However, state legislation tried to regulate the industry by limiting how much a player could win. Gambling saw rapid growth in the state during the 1990s.
But the South Carolina Supreme Court tried to ban the machines, given that the state does not generate tax revenues from them. As a result, video poker became illegal in 1999 by declaring all video poker machines unconstitutional. All devices were shut down by June 2000.
Representative Todd Rutherford tried to loosen the strict South Carolina gambling rules by introducing Bill H.3102 in 2017. If ratified, this law will explore the search for an area within the state where land-based casinos could be built. However, the proposal wasn’t progressing and did not even reach a floor vote.
The state lottery and regulated bingo games are the only legal land-based gambling in South Carolina. There are also gambling cruises like the Big M Casino that the state allows. Aside from three-card poker and video poker, this 186-foot boat also offers blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots. Players on this casino cruise must be at least 21 years old to play, and identification is required.
But while gambling is largely illegal in South Carolina, online poker is not restricted, given that its operations are not within the state’s jurisdiction. What this means is that residents won’t find any local casinos to go to, but there is a loophole that still allows them to play US online poker – going through an offshore sportsbook or casino.
US online poker is a convenient way to enjoy the game while staying at home. It also allows South Carolina residents to compete against the best poker players worldwide. The massive player pools and limitless online tournaments will give them the right situation for their mastery and stack size. But before registering with an online poker website, it pays to check for certain security characteristics.
First, go for an online casino that is regulated by a known gaming commission like the Malta Gaming Authority, Panama Gaming Commission, and Curacao Licensing Authority, to name a few. Second, it also helps to find an online poker platform that has top-notch SSL encryption to keep your personal and financial data away from hackers.
Third, the casino must have 24/7 customer support that will come in handy when issues arise. Fourth, go for an online poker website with many active players to upgrade the competition level. Finally, online poker players in South Carolina must choose an online casino that offers generous bonuses and promotions, especially for first-time deposits, to get the most out of their money.