South Carolina Gubernatorial Race Divided Over Casino Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) –   Candidates for South Carolina governor hold divergent views on gambling. During a recent Republican debate, two contenders unequivocally opposed casinos, while two others indicated openness to restricted expansion or a public referendum.

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Key Points

• During a recent debate, Ralph Norman and Alan Wilson both linked casinos to increased crime and societal detriment.
• Josh Kimbrell expressed potential support for restricted physical gaming establishments in economically disadvantaged regions, but opposed online expansion.
• Nancy Mace asserted that gambling is already present in the market and suggested that voters should have the ultimate decision.

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Nancy Mace articulated the most expansive stance among the candidates. She contended that gambling is already a reality through prediction markets and maintained that the electorate should potentially have the ultimate decision. “It exists already,” she stated. “I would wish to examine any proposed laws and regulations. I would seek the Legislature’s perspective. We operate as a republic, and they represent their constituents. I would be amenable to conducting a referendum – to ascertain the desires of South Carolina’s populace?

“Should it be a closely divided matter, what would the majority of citizens… prefer, whether concerning online or physical establishments, and these are the available choices rather than a single individual dictating. I would want everyone to contribute their opinion because it remains a contentious subject in certain communities where it would be entirely unwelcome.”

Josh Kimbrell similarly allowed for some flexibility, but exclusively for land-based gambling within specific state regions. He opposed broader online expansion, instead advocating for restricted development in economically challenged counties. “I do not believe South Carolina ought to become Atlantic City, and I have not, in fact, supported expanding online gambling access for everyone,” he remarked. “However, one must also recognize that there will be finite prospects in particular economically struggling regions that could gain from a resort akin to what Bristol, VA, possesses.”

This statement referenced the bipartisan I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aimed to establish a state gaming commission and permit casino licenses in certain less affluent counties. Though introduced by lawmakers in January, the bill now appears unlikely to advance this session.

Ralph Norman adopted an opposing viewpoint, characterizing casino gambling as an immediate danger. He further implied that funds from the gaming industry might be reaching his electoral opponents. “I will resist casinos, and it is imperative to discover which candidates on this platform are accepting contributions from the gambling sector,” he declared. “I will refrain from doing so. It is a moral failing; when casino gambling seeks to establish itself here… it leads to child trafficking, sex trafficking, and various forms of exploitation. I will stand against it and actively combat it.”

Alan Wilson supported a comparable position, but based his argument on information he reportedly gathered from law enforcement and religious organizations throughout the state. “Regarding physical casinos, I have traversed this state,” he stated. “I have engaged in extensive discussions with law enforcement officials, and I have conversed extensively with the faith community. They harbor serious apprehensions about physical casinos being introduced here because we have observed in other states that such establishments attract criminal elements.”

“I believe it would be harmful to our state collectively to permit physical casinos here.”

Pamela Evette is likewise seeking the Republican nomination, despite her absence from the debate. Opinion polls indicate a tight contest, with some surveys placing Evette marginally in the lead, while others show Mace either ahead or tied with Norman among the frontrunners.

South Carolina Democrats also feature three contenders in their primary election. Nevertheless, that aspect of the race has garnered less attention following several decades without a Democratic governor. Primary elections for both political parties are scheduled for June 9.