MARLBORO COUNTY — A bill filed in Columbia could allow brick-and-mortar casinos in both Dillon and Marlboro counties. If the bill, known as the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act, becomes law, Marlboro, Dillon and Orangeburg counties would be permitted to build casino resorts in the region.
Marlboro County Economic Development Executive Director Tonny McNeil cited studies recently, showing that an estimated 1.5 million people pass through the intersections of Highway 15-401 and Highway 38 in Bennettsville over the course of a full year.
Officials have multiple potential building sites in mind for a casino-resort in Marlboro County, but they have not revealed any further details yet.
It should be noted that the Palmetto State has yet to legalize online casinos.
This news comes a week after Sen. Thomas Davis introduced Senate Bill 444, which would legalize and regulate sports betting under the oversight of a newly created South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission.
SB 444 would call for a nine-member commission to regulate the state’s sports betting operators. The governor, senate president, and house speaker would appoint the members.
The commission is authorized to exercise jurisdiction over licensing administration, fee collections, and handling of operational expenses regarding sports betting. The bill allows for up to eight sportsbooks in South Carolina.
Each prospective licensed sportsbook would pay a $100,000 application fee and, after approval, a $1 million license fee. Licenses granted under SB 444 expire after five years.
Applicants are required to demonstrate active operations in at least five regulated markets in the U.S. to be eligible. Operators also need to provide letters of reference from regulators.
In addition, SB 444 supporters also filed another equal measure, House Bill 3625, in December 2024. The legislature’s House Ways and Means Committee is reportedly considering the proposal.