Published on: February 2, 2026, at 04:13h.
Updated on: February 1, 2026, at 12:17h.
- Prospects for South Carolina casino legislation appear bleak for 2026
- Governor McMaster maintains his stance against gambling expansion initiatives
The proposal to permit commercial casinos in South Carolina seems unlikely to progress in 2026. This outcome doesn’t come as a shock to those following the state’s gambling initiatives closely.
Recently, House Bill 4176, a bill with a partisan backing of 16 Democrats versus 3 Republicans, was sent back to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Although it passed the committee last year, the casino proposal aimed at establishing a Las Vegas-style casino along a rural stretch of Interstate 95 was retracted by Committee Chair Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville).
Bannister modified the bill to ensure that a significant portion of tax revenue from the casino would support conservation initiatives, a key focus for Governor Henry McMaster (R). However, the governor remained unconvinced.
Governor’s Firm Stance Against Casinos
Since taking office in 2017, McMaster has consistently resisted the idea of casinos, and his position has not wavered.
“I have always opposed gambling. I believe the majority of our citizens also do not support casino gambling, and neither do I,” stated the governor.
Despite the amendment to HB4176, Bannister acknowledged McMaster’s intention to veto the bill, suggesting that its chances are now significantly diminished. This sustained resistance from the governor influenced Representative Gil Gatch (R-Summerville) to withdraw his support for the gaming initiative.
McMaster ascended to the governor’s office in 2017 following Nikki Haley’s departure to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He was elected to a full term in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, making him the longest-serving governor in South Carolina’s history.
Bannister is optimistic about potential pathways to introduce casinos in South Carolina, although he recognizes that substantial progress is unlikely until January 2027, when McMaster’s term concludes.
“There exists a potential route for success at some point in the future,” Bannister remarked to the Post and Courier. “However, given the present situation, that route is not visible.”
Support from Faith Leaders
In the Bible Belt, efforts to expand gambling face significant opposition from faith-based groups. Last April, a coalition of religious leaders and pastors convened at the South Carolina State House to express their objections to casinos.
“We united in prayer, engaged with lawmakers, and held a press conference to illuminate concerns affecting families throughout South Carolina. These issues include moral dilemmas surrounding the potential legalization of casinos and the need to safeguard our communities,” remarked Chad Connelly, founder and CEO of Faith Wins.
“Opposing casinos in South Carolina was a top priority for us this year,” stated Steve Pettit, president of the conservative Palmetto Family Alliance. “I’m grateful to the many South Carolinians who reached out to their representatives to advocate against casino legalization.”