Casinos & Video Poker

[Jerseyman4]

Do you think gambling should be brought back to the state? In addition to the state lottery, a percentage of gambling revenues could be used to fund education and other services that are under-funded.

I am aware in Little River, there are boats that allow gambling off SC/USA territorial waters but it is under controversy of possibly being shut down. I wonder if that has anything to do with the state not collecting any gambling-related revenue from the boats? Could it also be a religious moral issue?

[waccamatt]

Yes, if someone wants to open a casino, and it is regulated properly, we should have casinos in South Carolina. I hate video poker, but if people want to play it they should be allowed to. As far as the religious and moral issue: we don't live in a theocracy and hopefully never will, so that should be a moot point. If gambling is against someone's religion then they shouldn't gamble. They shouldn't have the right to make decisions for other people, though.

[StevenRocks]

South Carolina could make a lot of money from gambling, but it does tend to bring a slightly seedy undercurrent in.

In Viginia, we have para-mutual (sp?) betting, and the OTB facilities tend to be well-run and tasteful, but slightly seedy.

[803metlife]

I think casinos should be allowed in s.c, but we shouldn't depend on casino's to help our economy like certain parts of Lousianna and Missp did. I wonder the real reason s.c. doesn't allows gambling or alcohol sales on sundays. I've went to Charleston on a sunday once and they do sell alcohol out of the stores on sunday. Can someone please fill me in on this.

[waccamatt]

I think casinos should be allowed in s.c, but we shouldn't depend on casino's to help our economy like certain parts of Lousianna and Missp did. I wonder the real reason s.c. doesn't allows gambling or alcohol sales on sundays. I've went to Charleston on a sunday once and they do sell alcohol out of the stores on sunday. Can someone please fill me in on this.

Counties with a certain amount of accomodations tax revenue can sell alcohol on Sundays. In the rest of the state cities and counties can vote on removal of the blue laws, but alcohol still can't be sold in stores, just in bars and restaurants. Sunday alcohol sales have been legal in Richland County for years, but many other counties still have blue laws. Likewise, in Richland County there are no restrictions when retail stores can open on Sundays.

[Spartan]

^ Indeed. That is why the Richland half of Columbiana Mall is open on Sunday morning and the Lexington half doesnt open until the afternoon.

As for video poker? I think it is a absolute waste. Those things are rigged, and they make gas stations smell bad. Well ok, its not them so much as their patrons, but still...

Casino's are a defferent beast. They attract a different crowd, and I am not so much opposed to having them. My only concern is that they will take over. I don't want Myrtle Beach to become the next Atlantic City (which it undoubtedly will if that happens).