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County Opposes Casino Boats

GEORGETOWN, South Carolina -- A judge is deciding whether Georgetown County can refuse to let casino boats dock in its ports.

And the ruling could affect more than just gamblers. If a judge rules against the county, it could hurt South Carolina's nearly three-decade long support of home rule, or allowing counties to pass local laws when the state doesn't act.

Palmetto Princess LLC is suing Georgetown County, which banned casino boats from docking or picking up passengers in February 2002.

The two sides have 30 days to submit written arguments. There is no timetable for when a judge might rule.

Other coastal counties are watching the case carefully. Charleston County passed a similar ban in 1998, and Horry County officials worry a ruling against Georgetown County might doom Horry County's recently approved moratorium on new boats.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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