South Carolina might soon see its first legal casino in three decades, and it could bring big changes to the state’s economy and job market. A new bill is being considered that would allow a casino to be built in Orangeburg, right off the busy I-95 highway. If approved, the casino could open its doors as early as this year.
Big Plans for a Casino in Orangeburg
Wallace Cheves, the founder and president of Santee Development Corporation, bought land off I-95 in Orangeburg a few years ago with one goal—to build a casino. According to Cheves, this casino could create more than 4,900 jobs and bring in $75 to $100 million in tax money every year for South Carolina.
But this billion-dollar project will only become real if the state lawmakers pass a new casino bill. Cheves is ready to start right away if the law is approved. He believes the time is right because more people now support gaming across the country and in South Carolina.
The Casino Bill and Who It Helps
This new bill is being supported by lawmakers from both political parties. One of them is Representative Todd Rutherford from Richland County. He said the bill is focused on helping tier four counties—these are the areas that need help the most and are often struggling financially.
Rutherford believes a casino in one of these counties, especially near I-95, would bring real benefits like jobs and tax revenue. He thinks the casino could make a big difference in the lives of people living in poorer areas of the state.
The Governor’s Concerns About Gambling
Governor Henry McMaster is not in favor of gambling. He’s said many times that he believes gambling is harmful to the culture of South Carolina and doesn’t match the state’s traditional values. He also thinks there are better ways to bring in money and create jobs without relying on casinos.
However, Cheves says he won’t give up easily. He pointed out that it took him 13 years to get a similar casino project approved in North Carolina. Now, he’s ready to invest in South Carolina too.
Push for Freedom and Economic Opportunity
Representative Rutherford says it’s disappointing that the governor doesn’t support the casino bill. He believes people in South Carolina should have the same freedom that others in the country enjoy. Rutherford also feels that many people in the state want the option of legal gambling and that the governor’s views don’t reflect everyone’s opinions.
Even if Governor McMaster refuses to sign the bill, it can still become law. For that to happen, two-thirds of both the House and Senate would need to vote in favor of it.
When Could the Casino Open?
Cheves says if the bill is passed this session and gets the governor’s approval, they could open a temporary casino location in just 120 days. That means South Carolinians might be able to visit a casino later this year.
South Carolina is at a turning point. For the first time in 30 years, a legal casino could be allowed in the state. Supporters say it would bring jobs and money, especially to the areas that need it the most. But opponents like the governor worry about the impact on the state’s culture.
As the bill moves through the statehouse, the future of legal gambling in South Carolina now depends on lawmakers—and possibly the people of the state.
