Published: October 31, 2024, 10:15h.
Last updated on: October 31, 2024, 10:22h.
Gamblers in Myrtle Beach who visit the Big M Casino boat can expect fare hikes soon, as local officials are considering raising the entry fee per passenger.
The Horry County Council is slated to approve Ordinance 120-2024 at their meeting on November 12. This ordinance will allow gambling vessels to dock in the county limits and sail into international waters for gambling purposes.
The current ordinance allowing casino boats in Horry County will expire on Feb. 5, 2025. While the extension of the gaming vessel ordinance benefits the Big M Casino, it is likely to come with increased costs.
Boat Surcharge
As per the current Horry County gaming boat ordinance under South Carolina’s Gambling Cruise Act, the Big M Casino pays $7 per customer boarding the boat. If the new ordinance is adopted, this rate will increase to $10 from Feb. 5, 2025, to March 31, 2025.
Starting April 1, 2025, the fare will rise to $15. This rate will be in effect for five years before increasing to $18 on Jan. 1, 2030.
Ordinance 120-2024 states, “Every gambling vessel subject to these regulations must make full payment to the Horry County Treasurer for the surcharge created and accumulated in the preceding month by the 20th day of each month. The vessel must also provide quarterly verification of the total surcharge due by presenting a signed copy of its IRS Form 720 to the Internal Revenue Service.”
Big M Casino has not yet responded to Casino.org’s inquiry regarding the proposed 61% price increase over the next five years.
Big M is the sole active casino cruise operator in South Carolina. Big M Casino Ship II operates six days a week, offering day cruises from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and evening cruises from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with boarding fees ranging from $20 to $30.
Only Gambling Option
South Carolina has limited options for gambling, with the state lottery being the only legal form of gambling available.
Since moving to Myrtle Beach from Fort Myers Beach, Florida, in 2005, Big M Casino has been catering to South Carolinians seeking gaming thrills. The Big M Casino Ship II offers 250 slot machines and eight live dealer table games with blackjack, roulette, Let It Ride, and Three-Card Poker.
Smoking is prohibited inside the casino, but there is an outdoor smoking patio available. The cruise also offers various food options and alcoholic beverages.
The Big M Casino is located in Little River, two miles south of the North Carolina border, along the Intracoastal Waterway.