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South Carolina’s latest attempt to legalize a commercial casino has stalled once again.
On Wednesday, January 29, House Majority Leader Davey Hiott sent House Bill 4176 back to the House Ways and Means Committee. As a result, the proposal is no longer headed for a floor vote and will now face renewed scrutiny at the committee level.
Lawmakers didn’t vote on the casino bill in the full House
Lawmakers never debated the bill in the full House. Instead, leadership redirected it to the committee that oversees tax and revenue policy, where legislation can remain under review for extended periods.
Supporters have pitched HB 4176 as an economic development measure aimed at South Carolina’s most distressed counties. However, opposition inside state government has remained firm. Most notably, Governor Henry McMaster has repeatedly said he does not support casino expansion, which continues to weigh heavily on the bill’s prospects.
The I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act
HB 4176, known as the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act, proposes the creation of a South Carolina Gaming Commission and outlines a limited process for casino licensing.
Specifically, the bill targets “Tier IV” counties that meet defined economic criteria. Public discussions around the proposal have identified Orangeburg, Marlboro, and Dillon as potential candidates.
Supporters argue the measure keeps casino development tightly restricted. It requires a minimum $200 million investment from any approved developer and sets a 15% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue.
Under the revenue plan, 35% of casino tax proceeds would go to the South Carolina Conservation Bank, while 30% would be directed to the Veterans’ Trust Fund. The remainder would be split between state and local government programs.
The momentum keeps slipping
South Carolina continues to rank among the strictest states in the US when it comes to gambling. The state permits only the lottery and limited nonprofit bingo. It still bans commercial casinos, sports betting, and online gambling.
Because of that history, sending HB 4176 back to committee does not end the effort outright. Still, it significantly slows progress. The bill must now clear Ways and Means again before lawmakers can even consider another House vote.
Source: SigmaPlay
