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State of Play
- In a recent crackdown, law enforcement has charged an Anderson resident with managing an illegal gambling house right in his backyard.
- This incident highlights the ongoing regulatory challenges in South Carolina’s gambling landscape, prompting a closer examination of enforcement efforts. As well as legalization efforts for online gambling in the state.
Authorities with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Agency announced that Eric Peoples, 55, has been charged with operating an illegal gaming house.
A search of Peoples’ property on Sept. 24 uncovered 10 Pot-O-Gold illegal gambling machines. During an interview on Oct. 13, Peoples admitted to owning the property and acknowledged that he had been running the gambling house for the past year and a half.
He now faces charges related to both operating a gambling house and managing gambling devices.
Most gambling is strictly prohibited in SC
This case serves as a significant reminder of the legal risks associated with underground gambling operations in the US. South Carolina restricts almost all forms of gambling.
It’s one of just a few states with no retail casinos. Real-money online casinos are also illegal, as is sports betting, both retail and online. There is also no indication that it will change anytime either. Despite the fact that neighboring North Carolina has legal online sports betting.
The outcome of this case could signal an even more aggressive stance from state authorities toward illegal gambling operations. On the other hand, it could provide pro-gambling lawmakers with fuel to propose legislation to legalize casino gambling or sports betting.
Don’t hold your breath for that to happen, however. There is no evidence to suggest the South Carolina state legislature or the governor will legalize any form of online gambling in the foreseeable future. Though a move to do so would, obviously, curb people from running illegal gambling machines in their backyard.
Based on reporting by Anisa Snipes for WHNS FOX Carolina.
