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- South Carolina is considering a novel plan to use casino gambling revenues to fund environmental conservation.
- The proposal, linked to a highway casino project, aims to direct a significant portion of gambling tax income towards protecting state forests and farmland, blending economic development with ecological preservation.
State Rep. Bruce Bannister, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, is championing a gambling bill amendment that would allocate 35% of casino tax revenues to the South Carolina Conservation Bank. This agency is responsible for safeguarding land across South Carolina.
The legislation ties directly to a proposed casino along Interstate 95, backed by Santee Development Corp. The development could generate around $100 million annually in tax revenue for the state, plus additional funds for local counties.
If realized, roughly $35 million from this revenue would bolster the Conservation Bankโs efforts to protect natural habitats and farmland from development pressures.
South Carolina has not legalized online casinos nor sports betting.
Funds could fuel infrastructure improvements
This plan signals a unique approach to gambling revenue, linking it to environmental benefits.
Bettors can expect that a share of the taxes from casino activity will help preserve green spaces in South Carolina, potentially improving community support for gambling ventures. Operators could benefit from a socially responsible image and stronger regional support as part of an integrated economic and ecological strategy.
The influx of funds to local counties and the Conservation Bank could also drive infrastructure improvements and sustainable growth, which may indirectly enhance the gambling market environment.
Based on reporting by Sammy Fretwell for CDC Gaming.
