Republican South Carolina gubernatorial candidates recently expressed their opinions on bringing gambling to the state.
The state has seen several attempts to legalize casinos over the last few years. The latest came in January, but that bill now appears to be dead.
Two candidates in a debate expressed opposition to bringing any form of gambling to the Palmetto State. Two others were more open to gambling expansion under certain circumstances.
Ralph Norman Says Casinos Bring Crime
In the debate, US Rep. Ralph Norman said he opposed any expansion of gambling and hinted that other candidates in the race may be receiving funding from gaming interests.
“I will oppose the casinos and you need to find out who’s giving money to the different candidates on this stage who are taking money from the gambling industry,” he said. “I will not do that. It’s a vice, that when you get casino gambling that wants to come in here … you get child trafficking, you get sex trafficking, you get all types of abuse. I will be opposed to that and I will fight it.”
Josh Kimbrell Open To Brick-And-Mortar Gambling
South Carolina Sen. Josh Kimbrell seemed more receptive to some gaming expansion, but he opposes adding online gaming.
“I don’t believe South Carolina should be Atlantic City, and I’ve actually not voted in favor of expanding where everybody can gamble online,” he said. “But you also have to understand that there’s going to be limited opportunities in certain economically disadvantaged areas that might benefit from a resort like Bristol, VA, has.”
Kimbrell was referencing the 2025 bipartisan I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act. It would establish a state gaming commission that could award casino licenses in some of the state’s more impoverished or economically disadvantaged counties.
Alan Wilson Echoes Criminal Sentiment
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said he was against casinos because of concerns about increased crime. He said revenue produced from the industry could be offset by expenditures for law enforcement and other social costs.
“When it comes to brick-and-mortar casinos, I’ve traveled this state,” he said. “I’ve talked extensively with law enforcement leaders, I’ve talked extensively with the faith community. They have grave concerns about brick-and-mortar casinos coming here because we have seen in other states that it brings criminal elements.”
“I think it would be detrimental to our state as a whole to have brick-and-mortar casinos here.”
Nancy Mace Would Allow Ballot Box To Decide
US Rep. Nancy Mace noted that online gambling is already happening on prediction markets. She said she was open to letting voters decide.
“It’s already here,” she said. “I would want to review any legislation (and) regulations. I’d want to know what the Legislature says. We are a republic, and they’re representatives of their constituencies. I’d be open to doing a referendum – what do the people of South Carolina want?
“If it is a 50-50 issue, what would the majority of people … want, whether online or brick-and-mortar, and here are those options versus being one person, one say. I’d want everyone to have a say because it is a controversial issue in some communities where they would never want it.”
Current Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is also running, but she didn’t participate in the debate. Some polls show Evette with a slight lead in the race, while others have Mace slightly ahead or tied with Norman for the lead.
Additionally, South Carolina also has three candidates in the Democratic primary, but it hasn’t elected a governor from that party since 1998. The primary elections for both are set for June 9.
