Will Next Governor of South Carolina Finally Embrace Casino Gambling?

Posted on: April 6, 2026, 09:32h. 

Last updated on: April 6, 2026, 09:32h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • South Carolina will elect its next governor in November 2026
  • Gaming proponents hope the next governor is more willing to embrace casinos
  • Gov. Henry McMaster is a staunch opponent of gambling

South Carolina is one of only a handful of remaining states that do not have commercial or tribal casinos, sports betting, iGaming, or even parimutuel wagering. Many are hoping the next governor is willing to change that.

South Carolina casino gambling Nancy Mace
US Rep. Nancy Mace leaves the United States Capitol on Feb. 29, 2024. Mace is considered a frontrunner to become the next governor of South Carolina. She hasn’t made a public position on whether she should sign a bill to authorize casinos or sports betting in the Palmetto State. (Image: Shutterstock)

US Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette are considered the frontrunners at this juncture, though US Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and SC Attorney General Alan Wilson are polling strong, too.

Last week, three of those 2026 gubernatorial candidates debated at the sold-out Newberry Opera House, where the topic of gambling was discussed. None of the candidates said they would definitely veto a gambling bill.

While Mace sidestepped a clear answer on efforts to authorize commercial casinos, Normal and Wilson made it clear that they oppose slot machines and table games. Norman said he would not take campaign donations from interests linked to gambling.

Evette did not participate in the debate.

South Carolina Casinos

In recent years, there have been efforts in Columbia to allow casinos in rural parts of the state, with legislation targeting exits off Interstate 95. Sports betting bills have also been discussed to no avail.

The gaming measures have been a waste of time, opponents say, as Gov. Henry McMaster (R) has repeatedly pledged to veto any gambling bill that reaches his desk.

“I’ve always opposed gambling. I think the majority of the people in the state do not want casino gambling, and I don’t either,” McMaster said previously.

While Norman won’t take campaign money from special interests tied to casinos or sports betting, religious and faith political action committees carry much clout in Columbia. And they use their deep pockets to sway legislators from gaming measures.

Christians will not stand for policies that exploit communities and weaken families. When people of faith unite to stand for their communities and speak truth with conviction, faith wins,” the nonprofit Faith Wins website declares.

Faith Wins Founder and CEO Chad Connelly says he’s “activating and mobilizing” pastors and faith leaders across the country to oppose gambling. Faith Wins’ “Pastor Day” in January was attended by more than 175 pastors from 11 denominations.

2026 Gubernatorial Odds

The Republican Party has implied odds of 95% of maintaining the governor’s office in the deeply red state of South Carolina. The GOP gubernatorial primary is June 9.

On prediction market Kalshi, Evette is currently the trading favorite, with her shares priced at 26 cents. Wilson is next at a quarter, and Mace is at 21 cents. Winning shares are redeemed at $1.

South Carolina hasn’t had a Democratic governor since Jim Hodges, who served one term from 1999 to 2003.