A heated debate over legalizing South Carolina’s first commercial Lucky Cola casino resurfaced on Jan. 13, as lawmakers weighed a proposal that supporters hope to revive by tying gambling revenue to environmental conservation.
The state has historically taken a conservative stance on gambling, with the only main options being the state lottery and bingo.
The renewed focus comes as House leaders consider an amendment that would dedicate 35% of casino revenue to land conservation. Supporters believe the amendment could sway rural, environmentally focused lawmakers who have long opposed casino expansion.
Tuesday night’s hearing focused on a proposed casino along I-95, which is one of the country’s busiest and longest highways.
What Would HB 4176 Do?
House Bill 4176 (HB 4176), titled the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act,” proposes allowing casinos in economically deprived counties given a Tier IV designation by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Under the criteria, Orangeburg, Marlboro, and Dillon counties would qualify.
An eligible county would need to request a casino license through an ordinance and enter a development agreement with a partner. While the bill is branded around I-95, the casino site can be anywhere in the eligible county. Initially, the state would issue only one license, with no additional licenses allowed for a decade.
Applicants would have to commit at least $200 million in investment and also complete an economic impact study. The bill would impose a 15% tax on casino revenue. Proponents estimate that it could yield between $22.35 million and $39.3 million annually for the state.
HB 4176 would also create the South Carolina Gaming Commission to license, regulate, and oversee the casino. The bill received its first reading in the House Ways and Means Committee in June and has now returned for renewed debate ahead of possible amendments.
Varied Opinions on the I-95 Proposal
Tuesday’s public hearing gave local lawmakers, business owners, and opponents a chance to share their views on HB 4176.
Lawmakers identified Orangeburg as the likeliest location for a casino, and its Chamber of Commerce President, James McQuilla, spoke about the significant boost the project would bring to the area. He sees schools, restaurants, and the local economy all benefiting.
McQuilla also believes crime will drop as more job opportunities become available to locals.
The Catawba Nation appeared at the hearing and highlighted the bill’s lack of any mention of the tribe. The Catawba Nation is South Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe.
It has spent decades attempting to develop a casino in the state before ultimately pivoting to bingo operations and, later, a full-scale casino project in neighboring North Carolina.
Some people at the hearing opposed casinos completely, especially those from a strong religious background. Their concern is the possible rise in addiction levels and overall harm to society. One person went so far as saying that gambling facilities are “built to profit from loss and disguise addiction as opportunity.”
Gov. Henry McMaster is also on the opposing side. He believes that gambling is bad for the region’s culture and that “there are better ways to make money.” The bill could still become law without his signature if it secures a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers.
Conservation Amendment Emerges as Political Pivot
Lawmakers ended the two-hour hearing without taking a vote. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Bruce Bannister proposed an amendment that would give 35% of the casino’s revenue to the S.C. Conservation Bank to protect farmland and forests from development.
By linking casino revenue to environmental preservation, supporters hope to reframe the proposal as a rural development and land-use measure rather than a pure gambling expansion.
The amendment could be formally introduced as early as next week if HB 4176 advances to the House floor.
Regional Tribal Pressure Adds New Dimension
The debate is also unfolding against a shifting regional backdrop. In December, the Lumbee Tribe secured long-sought federal recognition. This move could eventually clear the way for a tribally operated casino in North Carolina near the South Carolina border.
The prospect of a Lumbee-backed casino adds new competitive pressure for South Carolina lawmakers, particularly along the I-95 corridor, where officials already worry about losing economic activity and tax revenue to neighboring states.
Stay updated with GI
Follow Gambling Insider for independent news, analysis and industry expertise.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
Ads by: