A number of recent events have brought the legality of gambling in South Carolina back into the spotlight.
In our area, a gambling bust in Dillon County on Tuesday ended with 11 people arrested and the seizure of a video poker machine, weapons, illegal drugs, and cash.
But these gambling raids happen across the state. Last month, two people were arrested in Greenville County because of what deputies call an “illegal poker operation.” Deputies found seven video poker machines at the couple’s home.
In August of this year, 18 people were arrested in a gambling ring bust in Pickens County.
But perhaps the case that has gotten the most attention across the entire state is one that happened in Mt. Pleasant three years ago.
For years now, five friends from Mt. Pleasant have fought the legal system, after breaking a South Carolina law. They did that by playing the popular poker game, ‘Texas Hold ‘Em” at one of their houses.
But just last week, a hand was dealt in the poker players’ favor. A judge overturned their convictions from earlier this year, which said they were guilty of gambling. Judge Markely Dennis, Jr. used a 16-page opinion letter to argue that the ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ is a game of skill, rather than a game of chance. And because of that argument, Dennis ruled that poker-playing is legal in South Carolina.
This is likely not the end of the battle. An attorney for the town of Mt. Pleasant says there will probably be an appeal in the case, and it could eventually end up in the State Supreme Court.
But all of this talk concerning illegal gambling raises the question: How is the SC Education Lottery legal, if gambling is not?
A simple answer: In 2000, the people of South Carolina made it that way. With the support of then-governor, Jim Hodges, about 55% of voters decided to allow an exception to the SC law. That exception allowed for a state-run lottery to be the only legal gambling allowed in the Palmetto State.
A number of viewers have told us what they think about whether gambling should be legalized in South Carolina. To get in on the debate, or just see what other people have to say about, check out our News13 Facebook Fan Page.
To see the full SC law regarding gambling and lotteries, click here.
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