A new piece of legislation seeks to establish the first casino in South Carolina.
House Bill 4176, titled the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act,” is introduced by Republican Chris Murphy of Dorchester. He aims for the bill to significantly benefit the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Orangeburg.
The proposed legislation calls for the creation of a gaming commission in South Carolina that will oversee the licensing of casinos and the regulation of the state’s gaming sector.
Provisions of the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act
The bill proposes several changes, including the establishment of the South Carolina Gaming Commission.
This commission would be tasked with issuing casino licenses specifically in rural and disadvantaged areas along the Interstate 95 (I-95) corridor.
The legislation acknowledges that casino gambling may not be suitable for all communities in South Carolina, but it emphasizes the potential for job creation and economic development in the targeted regions along I-95.
Plans for a Casino in South Carolina
The Santee Development Corporation has proposed to establish the state’s first casino in Orangeburg County, utilizing the site of the old Santee Mall Outlet for its location.
A report from the Rock Hill Herald indicates businessman Wallace Cheves’s intention to build a $1 billion casino in Santee, strategically positioned between Columbia and Charleston.
In a statement from the corporation, it was noted, “It’s time to stop kicking the same can down the road and take a new approach—to think differently and with an open mind. There’s a tangible, transformative and life-changing opportunity for one area, Orangeburg County, and along the I-95 corridor, without any taxpayer risk.”
Concerns from the Catawba Nation
As reported, the Catawba Indian Nation perceives Cheves’s casino proposal as a direct affront to their own efforts in establishing a casino. Chief Brian Harris claims that Cheves is attempting to push a casino into South Carolina while the Catawba deal with delays in their endeavors. The tribe, consisting of approximately 3,300 members, is working on a permanent casino in Kings Mountain, which is expected to open soon.
Chief Harris asserted, “We are pursuing a fairer settlement agreement that would allow casino gaming and thus enhance economic opportunities for our people,” emphasizing their commitment to addressing this longstanding issue.
Prospects for South Carolina’s First Casino
The discussion surrounding the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act” introduces both possibilities and challenges for South Carolina.
While some view this bill as a potential driver of economic improvement in underdeveloped regions, others consider it a potential disruption. The future will reveal whether this legislation can foster economic revival or if it will confront resistance from existing stakeholders.
