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South Carolina Casino Boat Debate Enters Next Phase

SOUTH CAROLINA – As reported by the Myrtle Beach Sun News: "The debate over casino boats appears ready to enter a new phase in Georgetown and Horry counties after the state approved local regulation of the gambling operations.

"For Georgetown County, the new state law could affect its court battle to keep the vessels from setting up shop, and Horry County officials said local regulatory power could help pry new boarding fees from its casino boat operators.

"Gambling is a controversial issue for many S.C. residents. In Georgetown, a local church and other residents protested to keep the boats out. In Horry County, the gambling boats have operated for years with little protest and the county benefits by collecting taxes.

"Both counties are still reviewing the law, officials said.

"…The General Assembly has been reluctant to ban casino boats outright - the law passed last week transfers power to ban the casino boats from the state to local governments, such as counties, and requires that bans allow boats to remain for five years to allow employees to find new jobs.

"…Meanwhile, a county ordinance passed in January bars the boats from docking within 1,000 feet of churches, schools and day-care centers. Operating hours are limited, and the vessels cannot create excessive noise after 10 p.m.

"Horry County had been watching the debate unfold to determine how it might regulate its gambling operations. It is the only county in the state with active casino boats and now has a moratorium on new gambling vessels.

"But raising tax revenue might be a more pressing issue in Horry County than regulating gambling boats…"

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