South Carolina's leaders start discussing gambling legalization in the state

“This could take a while, and it’s not going to happen overnight or next week but it’s going to happen,” said Former Deputy State Treasurer Scott Malyerck, executive director of Palmetto Forum for Gambling Studies.

2019-07-25

United States

Reading time 1:39 min

The independent and non-partisan organization kicked off the first of several meetings with nearly 40 state and local leaders, including former officials, to analyze potential legislation, what the framework of the bill would look like and where potential revenue would end up. Legalizing casino verticals would likely require amending the state constitution.

A group of about 40 state and local leaders met Monday in Vereen Gardens, Little River to discuss the possibility of legalizing casino-style gambling across South Carolina. While some are skeptical of any potential legislation, others said it could be a safe bet.

“When people talk about casino gambling, they talk about Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Little River because it’s a tourism destination," said Former Deputy State Treasurer Scott Malyerck, executive director of Palmetto Forum for Gambling Studies, according to WMBF News.

The independent and non-partisan organization, created in March 2019, hosted the hour-long forum with the goal of gauging realistic interest in potential legislation, what the framework of the bill would look like and where potential revenue would end up. “Our hope is that legislators will put this on a referendum and let the people of South Carolina vote on it,” said the group’s co-chair Jim Rex, a Democrat and former S.C. superintendent of education.

“Most people felt that some of that revenue should be earmarked for the local community and shouldn’t all go to the state. It probably harkens back to your experiences with hospitality taxes down here,” he added.

While interest seems high, organizers were quick to damper expectations and explained how long the road is to full-scale legalization. “This could take a while, and it’s not going to happen overnight or next week but it’s going to happen,” Malyerck said.

Little River is the home to one of the area’s few gambling arenas. Participants there said they would welcome the idea of more wide-ranging access to gaming and gambling. “South Carolina is missing out on a lot," said Pedro Truesdale, a South Carolina native who comes to Little River occasionally for the gambling access.

Palmetto Forum for Gambling Studies said it will continue hosting forums like Monday’s throughout the state. Right now, the only ways to legally gamble in South Carolina are by playing the Education Lottery and the “Big M Casino” boats in Little River. Legalizing other forms of gambling would likely require amending the state constitution.