Best Online Casinos in South Carolina: Legal Sites for Real Money Rewards
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Online casinos aren't legal in South Carolina. This means residents can't access traditional platforms for real-money gambling within state lines, whether they’re in Charleston or Columbia. However, South Carolinians can legally use sweepstakes casinos, which offer real cash prizes without violating gambling laws.
Platforms like Stake.us and Funzire use a sweepstakes model that sets them apart from standard online casinos. Players use virtual currencies: Gold Coins for entertainment and Sweep Coins, which can be redeemed for real money.
These coins are often awarded for free through daily logins, and no purchase is necessary — a legal distinction that allows these sites to operate in The Palmetto State.
Some players come across offshore casino sites like Bovada or Ignition Casino. These platforms accept deposits from South Carolina residents and allow gameplay. However, they operate in a legal gray area without state oversight. Unregulated sites often lead to issues like delayed payments, lack of support and frozen accounts — risks that outweigh the benefits.
The sweepstakes model provides the casino experience — including slots, table games and even live dealers on some platforms — without legal uncertainty.
These sites are built specifically for U.S. users, with banking systems that are compatible with local institutions and customer service that understands your location.support actually understands what state you're calling from.
Sweepsio’s review team recommends avoiding these sites because they are unregulated and offer no reliable player protections. Offshore platforms operate in a legal gray area, and if issues occur with your account or withdrawals, you won’t have access to support from New Hampshire authorities.
List of the top online casinos in South Carolina
The best online casinos for South Carolina players include free-to-play sites like Stake.us, Funrize, High 5 Casino, McLuck Casino and Crown Coins Casino. These let you play real casino games and win actual cash prizes without stepping into murky legal territory.
- Stake.us
- Funrize
- High 5 Casino
- McLuck Casino
- Crown Coins Casino
No Deposit Bonus
250,000 GC + 25 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:SWEEPBONUSTop Features- Exclusive Stake Originals Games
- Crypto-Powered Fast Redemptions
- VIP Loyalty System
First Purchase Discount-Daily Login Reward10,000 GC + 1 Stake CashMin Redemption$100Payout TimeUp to 1 DayPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
125,000 TC + 300 PE
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Tiered VIP system
- Multiple support methods
- Responsive live chat
First Purchase Discount875,000 TC + 5,000 PE for $24.99Daily Login Reward0 TC + 20 Promotional EntriesMin Redemption10,000 Promotional EntriesPayout TimeUp to 10 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
250 GC + 600 Diamonds + 5 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Mobile App
- VIP Program
- Live Dealer Games
First Purchase Discount10 Game Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins for $2Daily Login RewardNo GC + 0.5 free Sweeps CoinsMin Redemption50Payout TimeUp to 10 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
7,500 GC + 2.5 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Diverse Game Library
- Daily Rewards
- Easy Registration
First Purchase Discount50,000 GC + 25 SC for $9.99Daily Login Reward1,500 GC + up to 2.50 SCMin Redemption75Payout TimeUp to 7 DaysPayment Methods Available
- Top Rated
No Deposit Bonus
100,000 Crown Coins + FREE 2 Sweeps Coins
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Legal in 42 states
- 7 promos
- Fast support
First Purchase Discount800,000 CC + 40 SC for $15.99Daily Login RewardUp to 132,000 CC + 2.8 SC in 7 daysMin Redemption50Payout TimeUp to 10 DaysPayment Methods Available
1. Stake.us
The crypto sweepstakes casino uses Gold Coins for entertainment and Stake Cash for prize redemption, with cryptocurrency as the only available cash-out method. The bonus Stake Cash comes with a 3x wagering requirement, which is higher than what many competitors offer.
Payouts can take up to 36 hours, based on our experience, and the $100 minimum redemption threshold is above the industry average.
The platform offers over 1,100 slots from providers such as Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming, along with virtual poker and poker tournaments and 18 Stake Originals, including popular titles like Plinko and Crash.
Sign up with code SWEEPBONUS and you will receive 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 Stake Cash. Ongoing promotions include daily races and a 6-tier VIP program ranging from Bronze to Obsidian, designed to keep regular users engaged.
While the platform is legal in South Carolina, it does not offer a dedicated app and is only accessible via the mobile website.
2. Funrize
Funrize Casino is a social sweeps casino using Tournament Coins (TC) for casual play and Promotional Entries (PE) to redeem real prizes.
Funrize’s no deposit bonus grants 125,000 TC and 300 PE upon signup, and the Funrize Wheel — available every 24 hours — offers up to 220,000 TC and 400 PE.
Purchases can be made using Visa, Mastercard, Discover or Apple Pay. Gift card redemptions have a reasonable $25 minimum, and winnings are processed within 10 days via PayPal and bank transfers, apart from gift cards.
The platform features 700 games from 17 providers, including titles like Sweet Bonanza 1000, Snoop Dogg Dollars, fishing-themed slots and various Plinko variants.
The iOS app provides a smooth experience, but no Android app is currently available.
3. High 5 Casino
At High 5 Casino, you can play 1,700 games, including exclusive titles you won't find elsewhere and live dealer options with actual humans dealing cards.
Redemptions start at 50 SC for gift cards or 100 SC for standard payouts, processing within 10 days through PayPal, Skrill, or bank transfers.
The 1x playthrough requirement beats most competitors, and mail-in requests net you 3 free Sweeps Coins if you're patient enough to handwrite everything.
The welcome package delivers 5 Sweeps Coins, 250 Game Coins and 600 Diamonds, while the daily login bonus adds 0.5 SC every single day.
Both iOS ("High 5 Casino Vegas Slots") and Android ("High 5 Casino: Real Slot Games") apps are available, making mobile play straightforward.
Operating since 2022 from Delaware, High 5 Entertainment runs things transparently and is backed by the prominent in-house provider High 5 Games.
4. McLuck Casino
The free-to-play platform offers 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins (SC) upon signup, with daily login bonuses increasing up to 2.5 SC for accessing your account. The VIP program includes eight tiers, with top-level rewards offering up to 1,000,000 Gold Coins and 500 Sweeps Coins.
McLuck social casino includes over 1,000 slots from 21 providers, featuring titles such as Buffalo King Megaways and Madame Destiny Megaways. It also features 16 live dealer games, such as blackjack and baccarat and 8 Slingo titles.
Redemptions via gift cards start at just $10, while bank transfers require a $75 minimum. You need to wait up to 7 business days to receive your cash prize. Both iOS and Android apps are available and offer a smoother experience than mobile browsers.
McLuck applies a 1x wagering requirement on bonus coins, allowing users to redeem winnings with minimal restrictions. The platform is operated by B-Two Operations Limited, based in the Isle of Man, which manages multiple sweepstakes sites like Jackpota and Mega Bonanza.
5. Crown Coins Casino
Crown Coins Casino features 434 games, primarily focused on slots, including 21 jackpot titles and exclusives like Buffalo Hold and Win Extreme 10,000. The site’s sign up bonus offers 100,000 Crown Coins (Gold Coins) and 2 Sweeps Coins (SC) as a welcome bonus. After the first week, daily logins provide 1 SC every 24 hours.
Top providers include Pragmatic Play, Playtech and Relax Gaming. Redemptions start at 50 SC and can be processed via Skrill, bank transfer or gift cards, though payouts may take up to 10 business days.
The iOS app is available under the name CrownCoins Casino, while Android users must use a mobile browser. Purchase options range from $1.99 to $99.99, and payments can be made using credit/debit cards, Apple Pay or Skrill.
The VIP program offers perks such as 24-hour redemption times and dedicated account hosts.
South Carolina online casinos you shouldn't trust
Offshore online casinos like Bovada, Ignition Casino and BetUS have zero license to operate in the state, since online casino gambling remains illegal in South Carolina.
These sites exist outside state jurisdiction, leaving you completely unprotected when things go south — and based on player reports, they frequently do.
Below are the major concerns and risks when playing on such unregulated online casinos.
| Casino Name | Major Issues | Player Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada |
- Withdrawals delayed for months, often never processed - Accounts suspended after large wins - Support disconnects and refuses escalation - Bonus systems require excessive wagering - Games contribute little to bonus clearance - Platform lacks betting variety and has low limits |
- Winnings lost due to account closures - Deposits locked by unreachable wagering goals - No regulatory body for dispute resolution - Funds trapped by bonus traps and game restrictions |
| Ignition Casino |
- Check withdrawals rarely honored - Verification demands include videos, IDs, and repeated forms - Technical issues erase winnings - Bonuses expire without consent - Site crashes during play and deposit phases - Crypto payouts forced without player choice - Support provides false timelines and blames users |
- Regulatory protection absent due to license termination - Account balances lost during unexplained freezes |
| BetUS |
- Crypto payouts fail, requiring unresolved phone verification - Withdrawal instructions intentionally unclear - Bonus terms modified post-deposit - Bet outcomes reversed after completion - Verification codes never sent - Withdrawals blocked by shifting conditions |
- Account balances erased without warning - Repeated payout denials imply systemic abuse - No explanation or support resolution channels |
Is online gambling legal in South Carolina?
No, online casinos are flat-out illegal in South Carolina. The state prohibits all forms of online gambling except the state lottery and daily fantasy sports, with strict laws carrying serious penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations.
Recent legislative attempts through House Bill 5277 and House Bill 3395 tried opening the door to sports betting and online gambling, but both failed to pass. The conservative legislature shows no signs of changing course anytime soon.
Can you play in South Carolina online casinos for real money?
Traditional online casinos accepting real money deposits remain illegal in South Carolina, but sweepstakes casinos offer a legitimate alternative for winning actual cash prizes.
These platforms operate differently — you play with virtual currencies that convert to real money when you redeem them, sidestepping traditional gambling laws through their no-purchase-necessary model.
Payment methods at sweepstakes casinos typically include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Skrill, Apple Pay and cryptocurrencies.
You're purchasing virtual currency packages (Gold Coins, Tournament Coins, etc.) for entertainment, while receiving free Sweeps Coins as promotional bonuses. Those Sweeps Coins translate to real money prizes when you cash out.
Redemption options vary by platform but commonly include bank transfers, PayPal, Skrill, gift cards and cryptocurrency withdrawals. Minimum redemption thresholds range from $10 to $100 depending on the casino and withdrawal method.
How do you pay taxes on sweepstakes earnings?
You pay taxes on sweepstakes earnings by reporting all winnings as taxable income on both your federal and South Carolina state tax returns.
At the federal level, you must report your winnings as “Other Income” on IRS Form 1040, Schedule 1. There is no minimum threshold—every dollar must be reported. If your winnings exceed $600, the casino will issue a Form 1099-MISC. If you win more than $5,000, the casino will automatically withhold 24% for federal taxes.
In South Carolina, sweepstakes winnings are taxed as regular income. You must include them on your state return and pay the applicable rate based on your total income bracket.
What online casino games can you play in South Carolina?
Players living in The Palmetto State can enjoy online casino-style games, such as slots, live dealers, virtual table games and specialty titles like Plinko and Aviator. Such games are available at promotional social casinos, offering chances to win real money with Sweeps Coins.
SlotsSlots
Sweepstakes casinos in South Carolina offer thousands of slot titles where you compete for real money rewards. You can spin games like Sweet Bonanza 1000 from Pragmatic Play, Zeus vs Hades Gods of War with its 15,000x maximum multiplier, or Hacksaw Gaming's Chaos Crew 2 featuring 20,000x win potential.
Providers including Novomatic, BGaming, Octoplay and Kalamba Games deliver everything from classic 3-reelers to complex Megaways mechanics with cascading wins.
Progressive jackpots build massive prize pools — McLuck's McJACKPOT network recently paid out 315,547 SC to a player spinning at just 0.20 SC per spin.
Live Dealer GamesLive Dealer Games
Fans of blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker tournaments through video streams, bringing authentic casino action to your screen for real money prizes.
Stake.us offers Teen Patti alongside poker events, while McLuck features Gravity Blackjack and Gravity Roulette with unique betting mechanics.
High 5 Casino provides Limitless Blackjack where unlimited players compete against the same dealer hand.
Table GamesTable Games
Electronic versions of casino classics let you play for real money rewards without live dealers. Funrize doesn't offer traditional table games, but sites like Stake.us provide American Roulette, European Blackjack and Classic Baccarat.
Crown Coins features French Roulette and 3 Card Poker among its 71 table game options. These digital versions process faster than live dealer games while maintaining authentic gameplay mechanics and betting options.
Specialty GamesSpecialty Games
Beyond traditional casino offerings, you'll find exotic games paying real money prizes. Stake Originals include Crash and Plinko — provably fair games with transparent odds.
Funrize offers 7 fishing games where you shoot for multipliers and instant wins. High 5 Casino features 31 Slingo titles combining slots with bingo mechanics. At McLuck, you will find exclusive Gold Coin games unavailable elsewhere. Instant win scratch cards at Stake.us deliver immediate real money results without waiting for spins or hands to complete.
What are the best local casinos in South Carolina?
Brick-and-mortar casinos are not legal in The Palmetto State, so residents have a single casino cruise option: The Big "M" Casino. Apart from it, there are no land-based or tribal casinos available in South Carolina.
The Big "M" Casino
Operating from Little River, The Big "M" Casino runs two luxury yachts offering genuine casino gambling once you hit international waters.
George Freeland owns these vessels that cruise 7 days a week with both day and night departures.
You'll find slot machines and table games including blackjack, craps and roulette onboard, all paying real cash prizes.
The full-service buffet keeps you fed during the scenic cruise along the coast. Since the gambling happens beyond state jurisdiction, it's completely legal for South Carolina residents.
- Address: 4495 Mineola Ave, Little River
- Phone: (843) 249-9811 to book your cruise
Responsible gambling in South Carolina
The National Council on Problem Gambling runs a 24-hour confidential helpline for South Carolina residents at 1-800-GAMBLER, connecting you with trained counselors who understand gambling addiction.
Their website at ncpgambling.org offers self-assessment tools, treatment locators and educational materials for both players and families affected by problem gambling.
GamTalk provides round-the-clock moderated online forums where you connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Visit gamtalk.org or jump straight into their chat at gamtalk.org/chat for immediate peer support without judgment.
Every legitimate sweepstakes casino also includes self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and reality checks to help you stay in control of your play.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in South Carolina?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in South Carolina. The state's gambling laws under Title 16, Chapter 19 ban most gambling forms, while the Prizes and Gifts Act demands specific disclosures and no-purchase-necessary entry methods for any contest offering prizes. This creates a narrow legal path for sweepstakes casinos to operate legally in the state.
Legitimate sweepstakes casinos give you free Sweeps Coins through daily bonuses, mail-in requests, and promotional offers — without requiring any purchase. You buy Gold Coins purely for entertainment, receiving Sweeps Coins as a free bonus.
This separation between purchased entertainment currency and free prize entries keeps operations technically compliant with South Carolina law.
However, a lawsuit citing a 1710 statute challenges this model, arguing that buying virtual currency to receive contest entries constitutes illegal gambling. The state claims these platforms resemble betting operations since cash prizes ultimately depend on gameplay outcomes.
This ongoing legal challenge creates risk for operators and uncertainty for players, though no sweepstakes casinos have been shut down yet.